Training Class Test at Manor Farm, Carburton 17th September 2017
The Training Class Test brought the season of training on dummies to a close, ready for dogs and handlers to move on to picking game in the shooting field. Mr Robert Bower again invited us to Manor Farm, Carburton, Notts where Cherry Wood had planned tests in farmland and woodland. The judges were Chris and Caroline Hewison, well known with working Flatcoats. This unclassified test is restricted to members attending training during the year and is divided into three classes. The day was cloudy with heavy showers in the afternoon. Four different breeds took part in a friendly atmosphere, with the tests designed to reflect the different stages of training for the three classes. In the morning Chris judged marked retrieves across a boggy hollow, whilst Caroline judged a double of a mark and a blind. After lunch Chris judged a picking-up exercise along a ride bordered by cover. Meanwhile Caroline judged a mark in a woodland glade. The top dogs in each section then concluded with an exercise or a short walk-up to test heeling.
The awards and prizes of Alpha dog food were presented by our host Robert Bower and the awards were as follows:
Results:-
PUPPY & BEGINNERS
1st. Sue Corden’s Lab b “Libby”
2nd. Elaine Whittaker’s Lab b “Mary”
3rd. Billie-Jo Wagstaff’s Lab b “Izzy”
NOVICE
1st. Philip Smithies’ Lab b “Lacy”
2nd. Nessa Thompson’s GR b “Chilli”
3rd. Paul Williams’ GR d “Macy”
4th. Nessa Thompson’s Lab d “Dylan”
OPEN
1st. Sue Corden’s Lab b “Evie”
2nd. Anne Crookes’ GR b “Skye”
3rd. Terry Dobson’s Lab d “Briga