Herding Of The Future Scholarship
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
The Winning Applicant recieves:
The successful applicant will then have the opportunity to prepare for an overseas experience combining ranch work, individual training, education, observation and exposure to the American stock dog industry before travelling to the United States in June 2027.
The trip will include significant time at Mill Iron S Ranch, one-on-one training with Joni Tietjen in Wyoming, attendance at the Mountain State finals in Afton, Wyoming, and opportunities to learn from experienced people within the American ranching and working-dog industries.
The scholarship recipient will then bring those experiences and lessons back to Australia.
About Herding the Future
This scholarship is built on mentorship, sending one standout young handler to the US in 2027 to train alongside top industry leaders.
The National Stock Dog Association is proud to offer the Herding of the Future Scholarship, an exciting opportunity designed to help develop the next generation of Australian working-dog handlers, trainers and leaders.
The scholarship will provide a young Australian stock dog enthusiast with the opportunity to travel from Australia to the USA in June 2027, gaining firsthand experience in ranch work, one-on-one training, stock handling, trials and the practical use of working dogs in the American ranching industry.
The scholarship is about much more than travelling overseas. It is about mentorship, leadership, education, encouragement and building a stronger future for working dogs and the rural industries that depend on them.
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The successful applicant will be announced at the Ray White Dog Sale, where the wider working-dog community will also have an opportunity to support the scholarship.
he National Stock Dog Association is proud to offer the Herding of the Future Scholarship, an exciting opportunity designed to help develop the next generation of Australian working-dog handlers, trainers and leaders.
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Learning from the American ranching industry
During the USA visit, the scholarship recipient will spend significant time at Mill Iron S Ranch, where they will gain an insight into the day-to-day use of working dogs in a working ranch environment.
The ranch component will provide an opportunity to see firsthand how well-trained stock dogs are used as an essential part of modern livestock handling.
Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, the scholarship is intended to provide practical learning and exposure to different methods of stock handling, dog training and ranch work.
The recipient will also undertake one-on-one training with Joni Tietjen in Wyoming, working directly with Joni and her dogs on their ranch.
This individual mentoring will be one of the key elements of the scholarship.
Having the opportunity to work closely with an experienced trainer will allow the scholarship recipient to ask questions, learn different approaches and gain knowledge that can ultimately be brought home and shared with others in Australia.
A special working-dog whistle, handmade and donated by Philip Kiesner, will be put up for auction at the Ray White Dog Sale, with funds raised going towards supporting the Herding of the Future Scholarship.
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The generosity of people such as Philip Kiesner highlights the community spirit behind the scholarship and the importance of investing in the next generation of working-dog handlers.
Learning Through Trials
The USA experience will also include the opportunity to attend and learn from experienced handlers and dogs at the Mountain State finals (MSSA) in Afton, Wyoming.
The scholarship recipient will not be competing at the trial. Instead, they will be there to watch, observe and learn.
Being able to see experienced handlers working dogs and livestock in a competitive environment will provide valuable insight into different training methods, handling techniques and the relationship between handler, dog and stock.
It will be another important part of the educational experience, giving the scholarship recipient the opportunity to observe, ask questions and learn from people with years of practical experience.
The focus throughout the USA trip is learning, observing and building knowledge, rather than competition.
There may also be an opportunity to spend a day at Yellowstone National Park, providing a chance to take a short break from the busy ranch and training schedule and experience another part of Wyoming and the surrounding region.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is aimed at someone who has a genuine desire to learn, develop their skills and contribute to the future of the working-dog industry.
Male or Female
Are 21 years of age or older on 1 May 2027
Are no older than 31 years of age on 1 May 2027
Have a genuine passion for working dogs, stock handling and the stock dog industry
Are prepared to represent the National Stock Dog Association and Australia in the USA
Does this sound like you? Please fill out the application below
Applications Open
1 October 2026
Get in Touch
Gavin Carr President of National Stockdog Association (NSDA)