Twenty two members came to Twigmoor Woods on a cold, but dry winter’s morning. Our thanks to Mr Nelthorpe for allowing us to use the wooded area and heathland and to our trainers Will Hales and Mike Birchall (open), Julie Campbell (novice 2), Vicki Strawson (novice 1) and Sue Lowe (puppy).
After the morning training and picnic lunch, there were the informal tests, judged by Mike, Sue, Julie and Will:
Test 1 was a marked retrieve in the wood followed by one in the same place. The distance was increased for each more experienced class.
Test 2 Puppies and novice 1 had a one dog walk up with the judge. A mark was thrown in front, the dogs were turned and a blind behind was picked first. The distances were shorter for the puppies. For novice 2 and open dogs, it was a longer two dog walk up, with a mark thrown. The first dog picked a blind behind and the 2nd dog retrieved the memory mark. This was repeated in reverse. Again, the distance varied for the class.
Test 3 was a dummy thrown to the right for puppies. After this had been picked another dummy was thrown to the left for the dog to retrieve. Novice 1 test was a double mark with the last one down picked first. The distances were greater for Novice 2 and Open and the first dummy down was retrieved first.
Test 4 was a picking up exercise. Three dummies were put out and the dogs had to pick 2. Puppies and Novice 1 dummies were a short distance in front and, for Novice 2 and Open, the dummies were at a different angle and a much greater distance.
Results:
Open
1st Penny Marriner with Skye
2nd Margaret Pearce with Ebor
3rd Alison Cook with Kia
Novice 2
1st Barry Wilkinson with Bailey
2nd Penny Marriner with Guiness
3rd Robert Robinson with Jack
Novice 1
1st David Middleton with Elsa
2nd Martin Abbott with Moss
3rd Nessa Thompson with Chilli
Puppy
1st Tom Birchall with Bute
2nd Caroline Pont with Chippy
3rd Martin Davis with Molly