Novice Working Test held at Ozleworth, Tetbury, Glos on 11th June 2023.
Our Hosts: Mr Andrew Stone and his gamekeeper Andy Hall
Our Judges: Mrs Kate Green; Miss Clare Gould; Mr Robert Fisher and Mr Mark Schiller
Test 1: Was a double retrieve judged by Kate Green – the first retrieve being a marked retrieve saluted by shot thrown to the left and landing in front of the competitors, as a distraction. The second, a blind, more to the right, down an incline and just in front a ditch which the dogs were asked to pick first.
Test 2: Was a two dog walk up judged by Robert Fisher – the first retrieve was a mark thrown in front of the righthand dog, the dogs then turned to mark a dummy thrown behind the line, saluted by shot. The line then about turned and the righthand dog picked the first dummy thrown. Everyone turned again and the mark behind was picked by the dog on the left. The dogs then swopped positions and the exercise was repeated.
Test 3: Was a single retrieve saluted by shot judged by Clare Gould – a blind retrieve up undulating hillside with plenty of bunkers to a dummy in long grass in front of a sapling.
Test 4: Was a single retrieve judged by Mark Schiller – a long mark alongside a fence line with the dummy landing in cover.
Awards:
1st Sintonsand Slingsby of Qualisby LR dog handler/owner Izzy Riley
2nd Breckmarsh Emeric LR dog handler/owner Cherry Smith
3rd Greyhill Velvet at Bucksbrow handler/owner Elizabeth Davis
4th Chinnordale Comet GR dog handler/owner Bryan Davies
COM Thalia Aphrodite of Redvalci LR bitch handler/owner James McKenzie
COM Idawood Twig LR dog handler/owner Nicholas Howse
Well done to everyone in the awards on a hot, humid day with poor scenting conditions.
Once again thank you to Skinner's for your fantastic sponsorship. Many thanks to the judges, the army of excellent helpers Pete, Tom, Paul, David, Sarah, Alison, Meach, Bill, Nick, Hilary, Michelle, Carl and Cristine. Aileen for catering and members of BC&C committee for giving up your time to help - it is not possible without you!