Riley & Kip

Riley’s three-year-old black and tan kelpie, Kip, is a courageous and hardworking dog who’s become essential to his life on the road, taking on contracting work across Australia. A natural heading dog, Kip’s intelligence, independence and stamina make her the go-to partner on jobs ranging from hobby farms to vast 25,000-acre stations. She regularly covers 80–90 kilometres a day with minimal direction – often finishing tasks before Riley asks.

Kip’s calm focus and quiet determination sets her apart. Whether herding cattle through a tight gate or pushing sheep across wide-open country, she handles every task with a cool head and steady feet. With a mix of formal training and real-world experience, Kip has proven herself in sale yards, penning, and large-scale mustering. Her success as a breeding dog – with pups working across Australia – has only strengthened Riley’s confidence. Encouraged by 2024 Cobber Challenge winner Tom Perkins, Riley is entering Kip to show what she’s truly capable of.