Judith Evans 1st and Ian Ford 3rd place. A recent working test at Holway in Dorset provided an opportunity to try out a variety of ground and push handlers and dogs abilities to the limit. The United Retriever Club Hants & South West held its Open (AV) Test at Holway by kind permission of Robert Atkinson. The judges were Gwen Knox, Steve & Paula Cullis and the Sponsors were Skinners.
The stage was set for an interesting day as the assortment of ground provided an excellent challenge for the dogs and handlers. 30 dogs entered and six tests had been set in different parts of the farm to give a variety of terrain and cover.
The six tests comprised a mark picked after a blind; a water retrieve which was a blind on an island with an angled swing to it with a mark thrown in; a double mark in cover; a distraction thrown into the lake and a blind to the left; the final test was a long blind up a slope through lots of bunkered ground and a walk-up to a direct mark.
Judge Steve Cullis who has worked with gundogs for over 25 years enjoyed the day. “All the tests were well organised and sleek and have given the dogs and handlers a challenge today.” The tests were designed by David England and Robert Atkinson.
The stage was set for an interesting day as the assortment of ground provided an excellent challenge for the dogs and handlers. 30 dogs entered and six tests had been set in different parts of the farm to give a variety of terrain and cover.
The six tests comprised a mark picked after a blind; a water retrieve which was a blind on an island with an angled swing to it with a mark thrown in; a double mark in cover; a distraction thrown into the lake and a blind to the left; the final test was a long blind up a slope through lots of bunkered ground and a walk-up to a direct mark.
Judge Steve Cullis who has worked with gundogs for over 25 years enjoyed the day. “All the tests were well organised and sleek and have given the dogs and handlers a challenge today.” The tests were designed by David England and Robert Atkinson.
Jackie Davis, Karen Handley, James Walsh, Nikki Urquhart and Karen Lester Steward Karen Handley enjoyed helping out, “I’ve learnt a lot today as I’ve never seen an open test before. It’s interesting to see how handlers send their dogs differently.”
Competitor Jackie Davis pointed out that the location was perfect test ground and some parts she had not encountered in training. “The challenge for us today was the mixed cover with the long grass, rushes and bunkered ground.”
Competitor Jackie Davis pointed out that the location was perfect test ground and some parts she had not encountered in training. “The challenge for us today was the mixed cover with the long grass, rushes and bunkered ground.”
James Walsh with Leadburn Vanessa who was awarded a COM. Handler James Walsh was delighted with his COM award. “When you have a young dog with this sort of ground and they just go where you’ve pointed and keep going until you tell them to hunt is a big challenge. I’m really chuffed as my dog did ok and she did what I asked her to do. All the elements of how I have trained her came together today.”
The way all competitors enjoyed talking about their experience it’s no wonder their aim of working towards a successful test season means so much. The day brought together an exceptionally talented collection of dogs and handlers who clearly all enjoyed the excitement of the URC Open Test day.
The wet conditions failed to dampen spirits as Competitor Ian Ford gave us the last laugh of the day....
The way all competitors enjoyed talking about their experience it’s no wonder their aim of working towards a successful test season means so much. The day brought together an exceptionally talented collection of dogs and handlers who clearly all enjoyed the excitement of the URC Open Test day.
The wet conditions failed to dampen spirits as Competitor Ian Ford gave us the last laugh of the day....
1st - Judith Evans with G Ret D, Tallygold Mulberry
3rd - Ian Ford with Lab B, Tayfordwoods Twist of Lemon
CoM - Julie Kelvie with Lab D, Willowyck Tank from Streamcombe 2nd - Keith Broomfield with Lab D, FTCH Lamlodge Matador
CoM - James Walsh with Lab B, Leadburn Vanessa.
Many thanks to Sarah Clayton for taking the pics!
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