OVER the past six years he's gathered a team of 10 to help him work the long, hard days on the land.
The dogs, which range from 14 years to six months, are treated strictly, but rewarded dearly for their relentless effort and performance.
Mr Riddell and his wife Prue operate Beckworth Court, a 6000-acre sheep, cattle and pony riding stud property near Clunes that can only be described as a paradise for dogs.
It features a luxurious 17-kennel establishment known affectionately as Hillview Estate, where the Riddells' workers can retreat after the daily rigours of the farm. The left-over "units" are utilised by dogs worked by the Riddells' eight staff.
Mr Riddell, who migrated from New Zealand in 2001, says good treatment of his dogs is vital.
"These boys and girls are the best workers I've got," he says, looking over as all 10 are crammed into the back of his ute.
Click to view a photo gallery of the dogs of Hillview Estate
"They don't answer back, they don't need to be paid and at the end of the day — as long as you give them a nice good feed and a clean house — they're happy."
Hillview Estate is not just about the accommodation. The food isn't bad either. Nightly four-course meals consist of kangaroo pellets, fresh rabbit, mutton and canned meat.
Pet Kizzy, who sleeps near the back door, is also well looked after. "They know exactly where they live. Once it's feed time, they come. They all line up at their own house," Mr Riddell says.
"If one of them goes to the wrong house, they will get growled at from one of the other dogs. They're in the wrong place.
"It's a village in itself for the dogs. They have got their own area.
"They have all got individual houses, and I like that because you get that contact with them in the morning and night. You have to physically let them go and then tie them up.
"At night time they are very, very happy to go to bed."
Aside from providing A-grade living conditions, Mr Riddell has a certain way with his dogs. He's often calm and calculated.
He tries hard to never raise his voice, opting for a whistle to command his workers out on the farm.
"I don't like using my voice because at the end of the day you get too tired. I don't like yelling at them," he says.
"Any person or farmer that yells at their dog is not a good dog person. You shouldn't have to yell at them.
"I use the whistle, which can make them go left, right and back. It's all done by the whistle. It's the only way. I could whistle these dogs to a kilometre down the road.
"They have all turned out to be alright. They all have their place: some are good at droving, some are good at mustering and some are good in the yards.
"You probably don't need 10, but I just love my dogs."
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