2017 WORKING TEST RESULTS
For more images of the events Click Here to be taken to our Picture Gallery
Interclub 5 way Match for AV Open Retrievers, Reiver Sporting Game, Northumberland - 8th July 2017
By kind permission of Mr J. Morrison-Bell and Gamekeeper Mr John Hedley-Robson.
Judges: Mr Steven McDermott, Mr Thomas Bushby, Mr Paddy Merrall, Mr Brian McDonnell and Mrs Karen Parkinson
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support.
By kind permission of Mr J. Morrison-Bell and Gamekeeper Mr John Hedley-Robson.
Judges: Mr Steven McDermott, Mr Thomas Bushby, Mr Paddy Merrall, Mr Brian McDonnell and Mrs Karen Parkinson
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support.
The final working test of the 2017 season hosted by Northumberland and Durham, took place amidst the stunning Northumberland countryside at Reiver Sporting Game. An immense area of which we used only a small part.
The judges were chosen by each of the teams taking part and all were invited to the ground before the event to set the tests on areas which had not been previously used for training; as many people on the teams had been on the ground in the past. Judges were taken for a light breakfast at the local pub/restaurant before starting and enjoyed a good lunch there whilst competitors had a welcome lunch break.
The five teams taking part had a warm but tiring walk around the course; but luckily two water tests had been included (morning and afternoon) to ensure the dogs were given opportunity to cool off.
The atmosphere was enthusiastic and good natured with many laughs along the way. Our dummy thrower volunteers were epic. Most left with a suntan - whether they wanted one or not! Our thanks were expressed to the throwers, Jeff Smart, Alex Burke, Steve Charker, Brian Davison and Mark Palmer (plus a young lady from URC) and all were given a well earned bottle of wine and much applause from the competitors.
The judges were thanked for giving up their time to visit prior to the event and also on the day for setting some challenging tests but all achievable to the open standard of dogs competing. The judges had brought their dogs with them the day before to run through the tests they had set, which were adjusted if needed to ensure everyone had opportunity to achieve.
The Top Scoring Dog and Handler went to Lee Hartis with a great performance from Troddenmills Beck and Call of Leacaz. (Team: Northumberland and Durham LRC)
The teams were as follows:-
1st Place - Northumberland and Durham L.R.C: Total 604 points
David Tulip with Westmacott Gunner
Shamanthi Shankar with Baronsbridge Trojan Exult
Grant Dawson with Copperbirch Farrier
Lee Hartis with Troddenmills Beck and Call of Leacaz
2nd Place - Burns and Becks Gundog Club: Total 569 points
Julia Johnston with Westmacott Lamp Sonius
Polly Dunckley with Castlemans Oasis Of Smithsteads
Roz McIlroy with Autumnwillow Scout
Kirsty Howson with Lunefirefly Shiraz
3rd Place - United Retriever Club (Northern): Total 557 points
Michael Nelson with Fenhart Onyx
Mike Kay with Eiderbay forth
Amy Collier with Brocklebank Vital
Gary Lakey with Kenquince Launching Osprey.
4th Place - Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A: Total 541 points
Ian Palmer with Marhystin King
Helen Paterson with Tayfordwoods Dujardin
Serena Richardson with Waskerley Tom
Brian Dodsworth with Hazeloaks Wigeon
5th Place - Golden Retriever Club Of Northumbria: Total 445 points
Gordon Hay with Soinneanta Gorse Of Holywear
Glyn Coupar with Glenmorangie Gold
John Pallister with Wolstongold Geordie Boy
Liz Roberts with Millgreen Capercaillie
After the event competitors and helpers were invited to the Garden Restaurant for light snacks which were welcomed and gave people a chance to enjoy a sociable evening before setting off home.
Thank you to everyone attending and for all who have supported our events this year; it has been a very busy year which has seen increased entries at every test. Planning begins for 2018 events now!
The judges were chosen by each of the teams taking part and all were invited to the ground before the event to set the tests on areas which had not been previously used for training; as many people on the teams had been on the ground in the past. Judges were taken for a light breakfast at the local pub/restaurant before starting and enjoyed a good lunch there whilst competitors had a welcome lunch break.
The five teams taking part had a warm but tiring walk around the course; but luckily two water tests had been included (morning and afternoon) to ensure the dogs were given opportunity to cool off.
The atmosphere was enthusiastic and good natured with many laughs along the way. Our dummy thrower volunteers were epic. Most left with a suntan - whether they wanted one or not! Our thanks were expressed to the throwers, Jeff Smart, Alex Burke, Steve Charker, Brian Davison and Mark Palmer (plus a young lady from URC) and all were given a well earned bottle of wine and much applause from the competitors.
The judges were thanked for giving up their time to visit prior to the event and also on the day for setting some challenging tests but all achievable to the open standard of dogs competing. The judges had brought their dogs with them the day before to run through the tests they had set, which were adjusted if needed to ensure everyone had opportunity to achieve.
The Top Scoring Dog and Handler went to Lee Hartis with a great performance from Troddenmills Beck and Call of Leacaz. (Team: Northumberland and Durham LRC)
The teams were as follows:-
1st Place - Northumberland and Durham L.R.C: Total 604 points
David Tulip with Westmacott Gunner
Shamanthi Shankar with Baronsbridge Trojan Exult
Grant Dawson with Copperbirch Farrier
Lee Hartis with Troddenmills Beck and Call of Leacaz
2nd Place - Burns and Becks Gundog Club: Total 569 points
Julia Johnston with Westmacott Lamp Sonius
Polly Dunckley with Castlemans Oasis Of Smithsteads
Roz McIlroy with Autumnwillow Scout
Kirsty Howson with Lunefirefly Shiraz
3rd Place - United Retriever Club (Northern): Total 557 points
Michael Nelson with Fenhart Onyx
Mike Kay with Eiderbay forth
Amy Collier with Brocklebank Vital
Gary Lakey with Kenquince Launching Osprey.
4th Place - Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A: Total 541 points
Ian Palmer with Marhystin King
Helen Paterson with Tayfordwoods Dujardin
Serena Richardson with Waskerley Tom
Brian Dodsworth with Hazeloaks Wigeon
5th Place - Golden Retriever Club Of Northumbria: Total 445 points
Gordon Hay with Soinneanta Gorse Of Holywear
Glyn Coupar with Glenmorangie Gold
John Pallister with Wolstongold Geordie Boy
Liz Roberts with Millgreen Capercaillie
After the event competitors and helpers were invited to the Garden Restaurant for light snacks which were welcomed and gave people a chance to enjoy a sociable evening before setting off home.
Thank you to everyone attending and for all who have supported our events this year; it has been a very busy year which has seen increased entries at every test. Planning begins for 2018 events now!
Open Working Test, Eggleston Fell, County Durham, 2nd July 2017
By kind permission of Mr M. Stone and Mr R. Beadle, Gamekeeper.
Judges: Miss Philippa Williams, Mr Steven McDermott and Mr Kevin Butler
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support.
By kind permission of Mr M. Stone and Mr R. Beadle, Gamekeeper.
Judges: Miss Philippa Williams, Mr Steven McDermott and Mr Kevin Butler
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support.
Our final working test of the scheduled season was held at the excellent ground of Eggleston Fell. We had a good field of open entries and our judges set technical challenging tests which comprised of nine retrieves for each dog during the day. The ground was plentiful in game which added a further distraction for dogs but in the end the first four places were only separated by one point. We had a run off for first and second places and another for third and fourth. It was a close call - but the judges made their decision after discussion and the awards were presented.
The weather was chilly but bright and thankfully a brisk breeze (which was very cold on top of the fell!) but it kept away the midges. It was an exceptionally friendly atmosphere between all competitors and as always we sincerely thank those people who volunteered to come and throw dummies for the event as without them the days simply couldn't go ahead.
These people were not running their dogs but came along purely to help out - which is extremely admirable and something that seems rather lacking in recent years.
We truly appreciate the efforts of these people and at Eggleston we presented a bottle of wine with our thanks to, Julie Smart, Mark Palmer, Zoe Woolcock and Lynn Kirk for giving up their time so others could enjoy their sport.
It is a sad fact that if people are not prepared to get stuck in and help out, we could see these events cease or decrease substantially. Our committee members do what they can but we need assistance from all members - and considering this year we have had record breaking entries again, (having around 350 entries during our 5 events in 2017), it is difficult to believe we struggle to get more people to help out.
Sincere thanks were given to our judges who provided some good tests and were presented with a token of our thanks. Naturally the events couldn't go ahead without our generous landowners and their staff who we also ensure get a small gift and a thank you letter.
Eggleston Open Results:
After a run off for 1st and 2nd place:-
1st Miss Julia Johnston with Westmacott Lamp Sonius
2nd Mr Grant Dawson with Copperbirch Farrier
After a further run off:-
3rd Mr Brian Dodsworth with Hazeloaks Wigeon
4th Mrs Kirsty Howson with Lunefirefly Shiraz
The J. Upton Smith Memorial Trophy was presented to our winner as was the Gundog Gear £25 voucher for highest scoring dog. All award winners received a Skinner's Voucher.
We are very appreciative of our sponsors Skinner's and Gundog Gear who have been consistently supportive of our events.
We hope you have enjoyed the events provided and thank you for your support in this respect. Our final event to host will be the annual Inter Club competition which takes place between four local clubs and occasionally an invited club which this year is URC Northern. Details of the day will be uploaded to the website after the event on the 8th July. Enjoy the trialling and shooting season!
The weather was chilly but bright and thankfully a brisk breeze (which was very cold on top of the fell!) but it kept away the midges. It was an exceptionally friendly atmosphere between all competitors and as always we sincerely thank those people who volunteered to come and throw dummies for the event as without them the days simply couldn't go ahead.
These people were not running their dogs but came along purely to help out - which is extremely admirable and something that seems rather lacking in recent years.
We truly appreciate the efforts of these people and at Eggleston we presented a bottle of wine with our thanks to, Julie Smart, Mark Palmer, Zoe Woolcock and Lynn Kirk for giving up their time so others could enjoy their sport.
It is a sad fact that if people are not prepared to get stuck in and help out, we could see these events cease or decrease substantially. Our committee members do what they can but we need assistance from all members - and considering this year we have had record breaking entries again, (having around 350 entries during our 5 events in 2017), it is difficult to believe we struggle to get more people to help out.
Sincere thanks were given to our judges who provided some good tests and were presented with a token of our thanks. Naturally the events couldn't go ahead without our generous landowners and their staff who we also ensure get a small gift and a thank you letter.
Eggleston Open Results:
After a run off for 1st and 2nd place:-
1st Miss Julia Johnston with Westmacott Lamp Sonius
2nd Mr Grant Dawson with Copperbirch Farrier
After a further run off:-
3rd Mr Brian Dodsworth with Hazeloaks Wigeon
4th Mrs Kirsty Howson with Lunefirefly Shiraz
The J. Upton Smith Memorial Trophy was presented to our winner as was the Gundog Gear £25 voucher for highest scoring dog. All award winners received a Skinner's Voucher.
We are very appreciative of our sponsors Skinner's and Gundog Gear who have been consistently supportive of our events.
We hope you have enjoyed the events provided and thank you for your support in this respect. Our final event to host will be the annual Inter Club competition which takes place between four local clubs and occasionally an invited club which this year is URC Northern. Details of the day will be uploaded to the website after the event on the 8th July. Enjoy the trialling and shooting season!
Puppy, Novice, Junior Handler and Open Working Tests, Streatlam Park, 11th June 2017
By kind permission of Captain N.C. Pease
Judges: Mr J. Lees, Mr M. Nelson, Mr B. Dodsworth and Miss J. Johnston
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support.
By kind permission of Captain N.C. Pease
Judges: Mr J. Lees, Mr M. Nelson, Mr B. Dodsworth and Miss J. Johnston
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support.
Our Puppy, Junior Handler, Novice, and Open working tests, were at Streatlam Park with the kind permission of Captain N.C. Pease who as usual, came to visit us and chat with competitors, as well as offer us the ground for 2018 for which we are very grateful. Captain Pease was very appreciative of his gift and thank you letter.
Thank you to our judges Mr John Lees, Mr Mike Nelson, Mr Brian Dodsworth and Miss Julia Johnston for making great use of this ground and for providing a very good understanding of the requirements for the relevant categories. It was appreciated by everyone.
With a record entry of 109 entries (some were absent), the day ran very well and finished at a better time than expected. The day was very busy but enjoyable and there was a great atmosphere as usual at this very popular ground.
PUPPY:
1st Applebriar Duke – Roz McIlroy
2nd Cansbury Leo – Ken Alder
3rd Crimson Lunas Eclipse – Megan Borthwick
NOVICE:
1st Arcklebear’s Crested Ten – Clare Baker
2nd Westerkames Trojan Prince – Jeff Smart
3rd Stauntonvale Barbrook – Gordon White
OPEN:
1st Copperbirch Farrier – Grant Dawson
2nd (after run off) – Altries Maple Of Jinkster – Kim Jinks
3rd (after run off) – Westerkames Trojan Prince – Jeff Smart
COM Baronsbridge Trojan Exult – Shamanthi Shankar
Our Junior Handler award was presented to Miss Laura Nelson with Turpingreen Curry, who did extremely well today with her young dog.
Massive thanks to our dummy throwers who ensured the day went ahead smoothly and to the
N & D working committee (and family members) for their help during the day.
We were very thankful to receive an additional raffle item from Gordon White, who donated a day on rabbits for one gun and one handler which was won by Grant Dawson. Well worth the £5 per ticket!
Our grateful thanks to our kind sponsors Skinner’s Pet Foods who provided winner vouchers and to Gundog Gear who provided our highest scoring dog with a £25 voucher. This was won by Roz McIlroy with Applebriar Duke with the perfect score of 80/80.
Thank you to all competitors for supporting the Club’s events.
Thank you to our judges Mr John Lees, Mr Mike Nelson, Mr Brian Dodsworth and Miss Julia Johnston for making great use of this ground and for providing a very good understanding of the requirements for the relevant categories. It was appreciated by everyone.
With a record entry of 109 entries (some were absent), the day ran very well and finished at a better time than expected. The day was very busy but enjoyable and there was a great atmosphere as usual at this very popular ground.
PUPPY:
1st Applebriar Duke – Roz McIlroy
2nd Cansbury Leo – Ken Alder
3rd Crimson Lunas Eclipse – Megan Borthwick
NOVICE:
1st Arcklebear’s Crested Ten – Clare Baker
2nd Westerkames Trojan Prince – Jeff Smart
3rd Stauntonvale Barbrook – Gordon White
OPEN:
1st Copperbirch Farrier – Grant Dawson
2nd (after run off) – Altries Maple Of Jinkster – Kim Jinks
3rd (after run off) – Westerkames Trojan Prince – Jeff Smart
COM Baronsbridge Trojan Exult – Shamanthi Shankar
Our Junior Handler award was presented to Miss Laura Nelson with Turpingreen Curry, who did extremely well today with her young dog.
Massive thanks to our dummy throwers who ensured the day went ahead smoothly and to the
N & D working committee (and family members) for their help during the day.
We were very thankful to receive an additional raffle item from Gordon White, who donated a day on rabbits for one gun and one handler which was won by Grant Dawson. Well worth the £5 per ticket!
Our grateful thanks to our kind sponsors Skinner’s Pet Foods who provided winner vouchers and to Gundog Gear who provided our highest scoring dog with a £25 voucher. This was won by Roz McIlroy with Applebriar Duke with the perfect score of 80/80.
Thank you to all competitors for supporting the Club’s events.
Puppy, Novice and Open Working Tests, Slaley, Nr Hexham, 29th May 2017
By kind permission of Mr J. Welch and Slaley Shooting Syndicate
Judges: Mrs J.H. Dunckley, Mr Paul Owens, Mr Gordon White and Mr Paddy Merrall
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support
By kind permission of Mr J. Welch and Slaley Shooting Syndicate
Judges: Mrs J.H. Dunckley, Mr Paul Owens, Mr Gordon White and Mr Paddy Merrall
Sincere thanks to our sponsors Skinner's Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continued support
A record breaking entry of 106 dogs indicated we were to have a longer day than expected but after careful early preparation, this was kept to a minimum even though unforeseen delays still kept us from finishing the day at an earlier time. Our new ground at Slaley was superb; and the judges set challenging tests for the three categories which provided us with worthy winners.
The attendance of our Open Winner - FTCH Lowforge Aragon Of Leacaz was particularly well received. Bob now aged 10, was brought to the test by owner Lee Hartis for a 'run out' and comprehensively demonstrated that he still 'had it' completing the tests with relative ease. He was a very popular winner.
The weather luckily was not as hot as it had been earlier in the week but it was still a very comfortable temperature and as always the atmosphere from our competitors made the day an enjoyable one. There were many new people attending the test, as we have seen all through the season so far, which we hope indicates we are providing people with good grounds, fair judging and friendliness.
Our dummy throwers were thanked for their fabulous contribution today with a pair of cinema tickets each which we hope you enjoy with our compliments (courtesy of Empire Cinema's). Our appreciation also to the committee members who provided essential back up to the day as well as selling raffle tickets. Thanks also to our judges who have given up their time to provide people with the opportunity to enjoy our sport.
Puppy:-
1st Roz McIlroy with Applebriar Duke who was presented with the Bockmount Trophy and will receive the Gundog Gear voucher for £25 for being top scoring dog.
2nd Darren Johnston with Masyaf Mina Salam
3rd Elaine O’Brien with Wylanbriar Wake Me Up
Novice:-
1st Bill Lambell with Boss Of Hugo who was presented with the Macamber Cup
2nd Jeff Smart with Westerkames Trojan Prince
3rd Nick West with Smithsteads Layla
Open:-
1st Lee Hartis with FTCH Lowforge Aragon Of Leacaz and was presented with the Martel Shield
2nd John Lees with Delfleet Yaffle
3rd Helen Paterson with Tayfordwoods Dujardin
The attendance of our Open Winner - FTCH Lowforge Aragon Of Leacaz was particularly well received. Bob now aged 10, was brought to the test by owner Lee Hartis for a 'run out' and comprehensively demonstrated that he still 'had it' completing the tests with relative ease. He was a very popular winner.
The weather luckily was not as hot as it had been earlier in the week but it was still a very comfortable temperature and as always the atmosphere from our competitors made the day an enjoyable one. There were many new people attending the test, as we have seen all through the season so far, which we hope indicates we are providing people with good grounds, fair judging and friendliness.
Our dummy throwers were thanked for their fabulous contribution today with a pair of cinema tickets each which we hope you enjoy with our compliments (courtesy of Empire Cinema's). Our appreciation also to the committee members who provided essential back up to the day as well as selling raffle tickets. Thanks also to our judges who have given up their time to provide people with the opportunity to enjoy our sport.
Puppy:-
1st Roz McIlroy with Applebriar Duke who was presented with the Bockmount Trophy and will receive the Gundog Gear voucher for £25 for being top scoring dog.
2nd Darren Johnston with Masyaf Mina Salam
3rd Elaine O’Brien with Wylanbriar Wake Me Up
Novice:-
1st Bill Lambell with Boss Of Hugo who was presented with the Macamber Cup
2nd Jeff Smart with Westerkames Trojan Prince
3rd Nick West with Smithsteads Layla
Open:-
1st Lee Hartis with FTCH Lowforge Aragon Of Leacaz and was presented with the Martel Shield
2nd John Lees with Delfleet Yaffle
3rd Helen Paterson with Tayfordwoods Dujardin
Photographs courtesy of Steve Charker
Puppy, Novice and Open Working tests, Wemmergill Estate, 16th April 2017
By kind permission of Mr Cannon and Wemmergill Estates.
Judges: Mrs Laura Hill, Mrs Joanne Wilson, Miss Shamanthi Shankar and Mr Derek Hill
Thanks to our Sponsors Skinners Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continuing sponsorship.
Our working tests went into full swing at Wemmergill. With such wonderfully varied grounds available, the judges set challenging tests at this superb location. We had a very good turnout as usual with around 65 runners entered. The weather was cold and damp but did not detract from the excellent atmosphere.
Being Easter, in Northern style, we also held an Egg Jarping Competition at lunchtime which was great fun and we ended up with two finalists Brian Davison and Nicola Pipe. Nicola won the fun competition and everyone who was unlucky at least got a nice hard boiled free range egg to eat!
Sincere appreciation is given to our dummy throwers without who, we could not run our events. All received a small gift from the Club. It was a busy day and the worthy award winners were as follows:-
Puppy:
1st Place: Sandra Ellis with Rhypyker Thistle (Lab D)
2nd Place: M. Raine with Clay Boggs Pippa
Novice:
1st Place: Brian Dodsworth with Hazeloaks Teal
2nd Place: Bill Lambell with Boss Of Hugo
After a run off:
3rd Place: Fiona Gray with Druimmuir Discovery Of Barnfee
COM: Nicola Pipe with Threevalleys Regal Encore
Open:
1st Place: Geordie Atkinson with Cuckavalda Gatkinson Of Dunehead
2nd Place: Julia Johnston with Westmacott Lamp Sonius
3rd Place: David Tulip with Westmacott Gunner
COM: Lee Hartis with Troddenmills Beck and Call Of Leacaz
(All above were presented with certificates; and where appropriate rosettes and Skinners Vouchers. A £25 Gundog Gear voucher went (after a tiebreaker!) to our highest scoring dog of the day - Hazeloaks Teal and Brian Dodsworth
Thank you to everyone taking part!
By kind permission of Mr Cannon and Wemmergill Estates.
Judges: Mrs Laura Hill, Mrs Joanne Wilson, Miss Shamanthi Shankar and Mr Derek Hill
Thanks to our Sponsors Skinners Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continuing sponsorship.
Our working tests went into full swing at Wemmergill. With such wonderfully varied grounds available, the judges set challenging tests at this superb location. We had a very good turnout as usual with around 65 runners entered. The weather was cold and damp but did not detract from the excellent atmosphere.
Being Easter, in Northern style, we also held an Egg Jarping Competition at lunchtime which was great fun and we ended up with two finalists Brian Davison and Nicola Pipe. Nicola won the fun competition and everyone who was unlucky at least got a nice hard boiled free range egg to eat!
Sincere appreciation is given to our dummy throwers without who, we could not run our events. All received a small gift from the Club. It was a busy day and the worthy award winners were as follows:-
Puppy:
1st Place: Sandra Ellis with Rhypyker Thistle (Lab D)
2nd Place: M. Raine with Clay Boggs Pippa
Novice:
1st Place: Brian Dodsworth with Hazeloaks Teal
2nd Place: Bill Lambell with Boss Of Hugo
After a run off:
3rd Place: Fiona Gray with Druimmuir Discovery Of Barnfee
COM: Nicola Pipe with Threevalleys Regal Encore
Open:
1st Place: Geordie Atkinson with Cuckavalda Gatkinson Of Dunehead
2nd Place: Julia Johnston with Westmacott Lamp Sonius
3rd Place: David Tulip with Westmacott Gunner
COM: Lee Hartis with Troddenmills Beck and Call Of Leacaz
(All above were presented with certificates; and where appropriate rosettes and Skinners Vouchers. A £25 Gundog Gear voucher went (after a tiebreaker!) to our highest scoring dog of the day - Hazeloaks Teal and Brian Dodsworth
Thank you to everyone taking part!
Novice Dog Novice Handler Training Event and Mock Novice Test, Lead Hill House, 9th April 2017
By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Cowan.
Judges: Mrs Joanne Wilson, Mr Steven McDermott and Mrs Lynda Heron
Thanks to our Sponsors Skinners Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continuing sponsorship.
We opened our 2017 test season with a Novice Dog/Novice Handler Training morning and afternoon test. This was held at the beautiful home of Mr and Mrs Cowan in Stocksfield who as always, made us so very welcome. They are such lovely hosts who enjoy coming round to meet people and watch the dogs work and allow us to use the grounds of their beautiful home to enjoy our sport. The weather was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for a better start.
We provided every competitor with a handout as well as their running card which summarised requirements of a normal test day, from food to etiquette and eliminating faults (as per Kennel Club regulations and guidelines). **Click here for a copy**
With over 30 dogs in attendance, some great advice was given by our judges/trainers who we thank very much for giving up their spare time to help put on the event which was a very long day. We also thank our committee members in attendance for coming along to help the day run smoothly.
Sincere appreciation is given to our invaluable dummy throwers without who, we could not run our events.
The atmosphere was informal and whilst nerve wracking for some taking part in their first working event, the guidance and support given was geared to help everyone and show areas to improve. We had a morning of three tests with exercises normally experienced in a basic novice test. The dogs were given ample opportunity to succeed and we hope, helped prepare people for the afternoon session.
We broke for lunch which gave people the chance to re-fuel for the afternoon 'mock novice test' to be run on the lines of a normal novice test – including eliminating faults. The four tests whilst still informal, showed everyone some of the do’s and don’ts of normal working events and whilst frustrating in some cases – gave everyone a glimpse of how they need to execute a test exercise, whilst realising not every judge shares the same opinion on dog work.
It was a long day due to the encouragement provided all along, but when the scores were recorded we had some worthy winners as follows:
1st Place: Ken Alder with Delgarno Black Carts (Lab D)
2nd Place: Marny Lonsdale with Tricymoedd Blaris (Lab D)
3rd Place: Marny Lonsdale with Cor Na Mang Blackthorn (Lab D)
COM: Fiona Maclean with Afinmore Aziva (Lab B)
(All above were presented with certificates; and where appropriate rosettes and Skinners Vouchers. A £25 Gundog Gear voucher went to our highest scoring dog of the day - Delgarno Black Carts)
From feedback already received, we feel the day was very successful and we trust has helped spur on desire to improve and compete and we hope to see a few of our attendees taking part in future puppy, novice and open working tests. Good luck to you all!
By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Cowan.
Judges: Mrs Joanne Wilson, Mr Steven McDermott and Mrs Lynda Heron
Thanks to our Sponsors Skinners Pet Foods and GunDog Gear for their continuing sponsorship.
We opened our 2017 test season with a Novice Dog/Novice Handler Training morning and afternoon test. This was held at the beautiful home of Mr and Mrs Cowan in Stocksfield who as always, made us so very welcome. They are such lovely hosts who enjoy coming round to meet people and watch the dogs work and allow us to use the grounds of their beautiful home to enjoy our sport. The weather was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for a better start.
We provided every competitor with a handout as well as their running card which summarised requirements of a normal test day, from food to etiquette and eliminating faults (as per Kennel Club regulations and guidelines). **Click here for a copy**
With over 30 dogs in attendance, some great advice was given by our judges/trainers who we thank very much for giving up their spare time to help put on the event which was a very long day. We also thank our committee members in attendance for coming along to help the day run smoothly.
Sincere appreciation is given to our invaluable dummy throwers without who, we could not run our events.
The atmosphere was informal and whilst nerve wracking for some taking part in their first working event, the guidance and support given was geared to help everyone and show areas to improve. We had a morning of three tests with exercises normally experienced in a basic novice test. The dogs were given ample opportunity to succeed and we hope, helped prepare people for the afternoon session.
We broke for lunch which gave people the chance to re-fuel for the afternoon 'mock novice test' to be run on the lines of a normal novice test – including eliminating faults. The four tests whilst still informal, showed everyone some of the do’s and don’ts of normal working events and whilst frustrating in some cases – gave everyone a glimpse of how they need to execute a test exercise, whilst realising not every judge shares the same opinion on dog work.
It was a long day due to the encouragement provided all along, but when the scores were recorded we had some worthy winners as follows:
1st Place: Ken Alder with Delgarno Black Carts (Lab D)
2nd Place: Marny Lonsdale with Tricymoedd Blaris (Lab D)
3rd Place: Marny Lonsdale with Cor Na Mang Blackthorn (Lab D)
COM: Fiona Maclean with Afinmore Aziva (Lab B)
(All above were presented with certificates; and where appropriate rosettes and Skinners Vouchers. A £25 Gundog Gear voucher went to our highest scoring dog of the day - Delgarno Black Carts)
From feedback already received, we feel the day was very successful and we trust has helped spur on desire to improve and compete and we hope to see a few of our attendees taking part in future puppy, novice and open working tests. Good luck to you all!