'They live for it': working dogs battle for top spot at NSW sheep and cattle trials - photo essay

As trainers and their four-legged colleagues gather at the Working Dog Challenge in the state's central west to vie for thousands of dollars in prize money, Mike Bowers captures Australia's hardest-working animals in actionSign up for the Rural Network email newsletterJoin the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the communityThe barking of kelpies, collies and a single cattle dog cuts through the sounds of the sale yard as the working dogs slide through the mud amid cowpats and puddles.The Working Dog Challenge in central west New South Wales is in full swing, with about 275 dogs battling it out over five categories for one of the largest prize purses in the country, including $5,000 each for the winners in the open sheep and cattle events.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletterDale Thompson loads one of his dogs into his ute. His dog Clay won first place - and $5,000 - in the open sheep trial Continue reading...