Working dogs
Protected: Results of the Strathmore Working Gun Dog Club 2 day Open
Protected: Open Spaniel Trial – Strathmore Working Gun Dog Club
Protected: Novice Spaniel Results for Strathmore Working Gun Dog Club
FCI “Without doubt most exciting and fastest agility championships ever.”
By Mark Laker
‘Running at the FCI Agility World Championships was without doubt the most exciting agility I’ve ever experienced’. The reaction from one of Team GB’s handlers following this year’s competition in Sweden.
Dave Munning’s and his Border Collie Fame came away with a Bronze medal in the individual class for large dogs, a fantastic result for Dave. After three years on the team, he achieved the result he’d been working so hard for.
Team GB had a successful championships
This years team included many young dogs with handlers new to this level of competition. One of the team members fed back that ‘nothing can fully-prepare you for the emotions, pressure and excitement you experience when you’re stood on that start-line. There really is no other international agility competition like it’.
This year’s preparations included more focus on the team culture and building strong bonds that are essential for carrying the team on when the pressure to perform is turned up. Thanks to our sponsors, we were able to provide more team activities in our build-up this year; I’ve no doubt that this was a major contributing factor to the team winning medals at all three major international championships.
Another comment I heard from team members was ‘this is a different sport to the one we play at home. The speed, the accuracy, the technical elements are extraordinary’. We’re going to have to re-think our game’.
It’s true, I have never witnessed agility dogs competing at those speeds before neither have I seen the pace and fitness levels needed by the handlers.
It was without doubt most exciting and fastest agility championships ever.
———————-
Mark
International Agility Team Manager
Galaxy, Leo, Tigre & Thor sweep up praise across Belgium & Poland
Emma Gates
We had an amazing 2 days showing at the end of June, day one in Belgium and day 2 in Poland, with Galaxy finishing her Belgian championship and gaining title number 16, and getting another point towards her Polish championship.
Galaxy is now known as RBISS/RBIS INT CH, LUX CH, BEL CH, NL CH, GER CH, DCNH CH, JCH BEL ICEWOLF STRIKE A POSE DE LUNARTICO SHCM, ESG16, BWLUX16, ESG17, CSG17, TAN,WPD.
Our Leo (SNOWALLEN THOR DE LUNARTICO SHCM, ASG17, TAN, WPD) also did really well with a 2nd place on day one, and winning the CAC and reserve best male in Poland, and also adding another point towards his polish championship.
Our new team member CWNHAPUS TIGERS EYE FOR SHAALI – Tigre the Siberian husky, owned by Samantha Toomer Shaali Kennels, had a fantastic time with us and received the top grading on both days, and best male puppy in Poland. We have a few more shows before Christmas, and lots of plans already in place for 2019.
We also had a lovely update from the Norwegian Forest Cat Club today on Thor, confirming him as number one male kitten and overall top kitten for 2017, and 3rd top male neuter for 2017 after only 5 shows as an adult. I am so proud of him. he is enjoying a break at the moment, and is currently busy chasing creepy crawlies lol.
South Downs Show 2018
By Terena Plowright
What a joy to run an event where the staff, traders, and the exhibitors & acts were so well organised and so experienced. The event flowed like a dream and everyone was exceptional. I had people from all ages and backgrounds approach me during the show
(and write to me after the event), saying how much they enjoyed it and how amazing everyone was. You are all incredible! Traders feedback was also really encouraging with good sales across the showground, and the food traders seemed to have steady queues but the public did not have too long to wait – perfect.
Numbers attending approx 7,000 (last year 6,500) – again a steady increase. We had over 123 organisations and businesses on site – most from the very local area.
“Thank you Terena it was fabulous – I felt so welcome. I could have known all of you for years.”
“This was a really nice show and l would like to attend next year”
“We really did enjoy the Show and being part of it.”
“Looking forward to next year’s Show”
“Congratulations to Terena and all those involved in the organisation of the Show. What a fantastic Event it was. A big thank you to all those who took part in the main ring and those on the outside. Your presence and contribution made for a wonderful Show and a great atmosphere. Hampshire Horsewatch looks forward to next year’s Show.”
“First Day was very enjoyable. Good crowds attended. Lots to see and do.
“Well done all of you I really don’t think you can improve the show it was perfectly run and had such a good atmosphere.”
“Thanks so much. It is US who need to thank YOU. We all know how much effort goes into organising such an event. As a ‘first timer’, what really struck me was the community spirit and friendliness of the show. I knew it would be like that from the dealings I had with you over the ‘phone. I thoroughly enjoyed the show”
“The visitors I spoke to were lovely and I am sure you have worked hard to target such an audience. So again, well done.”
“Thanks to you and all your staff for another impeccably organised show. There was always at least one of your team visible at all times wherever I was on the showground – not easy to achieve on such a big site. Everything which could be controlled was controlled – only the weather was disappointing. It was especially good to see the ‘early-warning’ signs on the A3 which made hitting the rather sharp turn off at the right speed so much easier.”
“I would like to say how much we enjoyed the show and the opportunity we had to be a part of this show”
“Congratulations to you and your team for hosting a brilliant event!”
“We had a fab day also for the trust, so please do get in Touch for next year!”
“Thank you for the opportunity to trade at this years show. Such a nice setting, my family and I will never tire of taking in the views from the top of the hill. Lots of activities this year for the kids to see and do which was nice although they were hoping to see the reptiles that were there last year. Again food and drink was reasonably priced which for me is a biggie. We trade at festivals throughout the year and food/drink prices have become a major issue with visitors (£2.50 for a can of coke). Toilets were kept clean, staff were very welcoming and friendly.”
Once again, thank you for letting me attend your wonderful event!
Read the full report here:
