We were privileged to hold this year's Novice Working Test on the Ozleworth Estate by kind permission of the landowner Mr A Stone, and with the help of Mr A Hall the gamekeeper. The ground, although challenging, provided a brilliant opportunity to set a variety of interesting tests.
We were very grateful to Claire Raymond and Mary Jarrod for kindly agreeing to judge, and also to Skinners for their continued sponsorship.
The weather was varied, including sun, cloud and a lengthy downpour in the afternoon. Fortunately, it cleared up in time for tea and cakes and the awards later in the afternoon.
The initial two tests were performed on an undulating bank accessed up the lane on ground to the right hand side of the test ground. The two tests comprised of each judge running a two dog walk up, both running parallel, with Claire and Mary scoring each competitor whilst under them. Dogs were sent alternately by each judge for a marked retrieve to the top or bottom of the slope, to the front of the line. The handlers then swapped sides to run under the second judge. This test proved challenging for the competitors because of the nature of the terrain.
The third test was judged by Mary; it was a double seen retrieve in long grass with various bunkers, with the handlers choosing which retrieve they wished to pick first.
Test four which was judged by Claire, was a long marked retrieve from the top of a bank offset from a track through an archway in the hedge into the next field; the grass was long and there were various distractions.
After a short break for lunch, everyone moved to the area of the estate to the left hand side of the car park and meeting area.
Mary was in charge of test five which was a hunting exercise picking blind retrieves in two specific areas of the field. These were outlined in detail by the judge, with two dummies randomly placed in each area. Competitors were expected to pick one retrieve from each area in their own time.
The other exercise in the afternoon was judged by Claire. Handlers faced a marked and a blind retrieve which made the most of the varied landscape. The marked retrieve was thrown out onto a track running up a narrow field with woodland on either side. The competitors were then expected to turn the dog away and send for a blind retrieve on a ninety degree angle down a steep bank with a winding track at a specified area.
Having finished the tests by around 4pm, everyone returned to base where we all tucked into tea, scones and cakes kindly provided, as well as the superb spread at lunchtime, by Jill Justice.
With all tests completed, a run off was required to decide first place. This consisted of a long marked retrieve on a fresh piece of ground. The first run off failed to show up a clear winner. The two dogs competing for the coveted trophy, then ran again and a clear winner was apparent.
The tests were organised by Frank Wright and Aileen Jones, who very much appreciated the input and expertise of Iris Wright. We very much appreciated the efforts of the dummy throwers, stewards, helpers, and caterer, and the provision of a toilet by a member of the committee.
Closing comments were then made, and gifts presented to the judges as a token of our appreciation for their time and patience. The presentations were made by Iris, as the landowner and keeper had prior engagements and were unable to attend.
The prize winners were then announced in reverse order. Gifts were delivered to the landowner and the keeper on behalf of the club to express our sincere thanks for a wonderful day at a fabulous venue.
Awards
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mrs D Polley |
Lab B |
Howgillhay Fennel of Gillhays |
| 2nd |
Mr R Stacey |
Lab D |
Somerset Barney |
| 3rd |
Mrs J Miller |
Lab B |
Millerise Jemima |
| 4th |
Miss M Cox |
Lab D |
Manormynd Vision of Wickmoor |
