What a day! Team England had a fantastic day at The Home International HPR competition at The Game Fair 2022 and won for the 2nd consecutive year! Well done to team Captain Suzi and Maus who scored maximum score of 120 and won the Best Retrieving Dog and to Alan and Senza who scored 118/120 and took not only Gun’s Choice but also Top Hunting Dog!
“The kit was amazing – a lot of oohs and aahs when I handed them out. England Won again! Thanks again for the great kit.” Team Captain Suzi Burton.
By Nigel Probert, Kieron Coey and David Logan
When I was asked by the Kennel Club to Captain the UK gundog team for 2022, it felt an honour and a privilege to be asked. My first task was to select a team, so I asked the captains of England, Ireland and Scotland to pick me a dog from their selection process. This was done slightly different in Wales where I asked two independent panel judges to set a course and to judge the selection as I had to take part in running in the selection myself. Fortunately, I was the highest scoring on that day so I was picked to represent Wales.
The Team was picked as follows:
Nigel Probert – Wales
David Logan – Scotland
Kieron Coey – Ireland
Adam Snare – England
Day One of the competition consisted of a walk up with water retrieves included then followed on to a drive scenario picking 4 retrieves at 200 yards plus over a steep bank / valley. This was pushing the dogs due to the extreme temperatures that we had over the two days, but with careful management, wetting the dogs and staying in the shade between retrieves as much as possible, we could keep their performance up.
Anything could happen
End of day one we were in second position, a few points behind Netherlands but all to play for – anything could happen.
Day two consisted of five double retrieves in a variety of woodland and open grassland scenes – memories and blinds.
Our performance stayed consistent but we dribbled points here and there (which was similar to the other teams) but thankfully no zeros!! By the end, the consistent performance of all our dogs then pushed the UK gundog team into first position – it was tight with Ireland only 5 points behind but we did it!
I would like to thank CSJ for the dedicated help and sponsorship that they always provide for gun dog international events. Without sponsors such as CSJ we wouldn’t be able to take our dogs to these events so it is very much appreciated.
Final scores were :-
1st – Great Britain 1048 points
2nd – Ireland 1043 points
3rd – Italy 1027 points
4th – Netherlands 1006 points
Nigel Probert
Llangynidr gundogs
“I want to personally thank you for CSJs support over the last few days, I hope we did you proud. It is refreshing to see a company still prepared to support working dogs of all varieties in these difficult times. I struggled for at least 18 months before finding a food that agreed with Ralph (Int. Ftch Crosstone Trickster) trying everything from the cheapest to very expensive before discovering CSJ at the Moira gamefair and we have not looked back, feeding Fit n Fast! for the last 5 years.
Once again thank you very much.”
Kieron Coey
“Morning Ceri, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to CSJ, Phil and yourself for everything you have done over the weekend for the team. It is greatly appreciated! It was great to catch up on the Wednesday evening and Thursday. Will see you soon at Scone!”
David Logan
By Sharon Barkley
A fabulous day was had by all at The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club (WSSC) Spring Assessment Test for AV Spaniels held at Rickneys Training Ground in Hertfordshire on 17th April 2022.
28 dogs were entered: WSS, Clumbers. Lagotto Romagnolo and a Field in the 4 classes – Special Beginners, Puppy, Novice & Open and we were certainly blessed with the weather.
It was great to see some ‘old & bold’ again after Covid restricted events together with some ‘new’ people. The supportive atmosphere amongst everyone on the day was second to none so I hope that even those not in the places will have gained something to encourage them to continue.
Thanks must go to the judges – Julie & Paul Shawyer and Ann Moon together with volunteers to throw dummies and sell raffle tickets as events cannot run smoothly without help.
It was lovely to receive 2 visitors from America who have WSS at home and spotted on our FB page that the event was running so came to see us before flying back the next day.
Thank you CSJ, once again, for your kind & generous sponsorship.
We are looking to select a Team of Spaniels, Retrievers, and their handlers, capable of running at International Level.
If you have an interest in representing Wales at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall on the 30th and 31st July 2022, and/or Scone Palace, Perth on the 2nd July 2022, please note the following:
If you have a Spaniel or Retriever that meets the following criteria –
You and your dog has won a Novice Working Test, won or gained an award at an Open Working Tests, or gained an award or won a Field Trial.
If you want to enter your dog for Selection, please complete a Kennel Club approved entry form in full.
Please return your completed entry form, electronically or by post no later than 15th April 2022.
Contact Details – Alan Rees
e-mail : dsalanrees@gmail.com
Mobile : 07966 772402
Address : Delfryd, Palmer Terrace Road, Capel Seion, Drefach, Llanelli SA14 7BS
Contact Details – Aled Jones
e-mail: aledjones9@gmail.com
Mobile: 07815820532
Alan Rees (Team Captain)
By Joanne and Kim Barnes
The Ammerdown AV Test (in aid of Dorothy House Hospice) was once again held on the Ammerdown Estate on Sunday 20th March by kind permission of Sam Nickels, Scot Yorke and Dean Tayler of the Ammerdown and Owls Nest Shoot to whom we are most grateful. The Test has returned from a four year absence due to family circumstances and, of course, Covid.
The aim of the Ammerdown Test is to try and provide a low key, less pressured entry into the world of Gundog competitions for the first time competitor and a chance for the genuine novice to hone their skills. Although not a KC registered event, we follow KC guidelines as far as practical.
The low key and friendly atmosphere of the day is due entirely down to the judges. Each judge is a gundog trainer in their own right and renowned for their people skills, friendly manor and expertise in the field of gundog training. We are extremely grateful to the commitment that they all showed for the day.
Our thanks go to the jugdes:
Mr Neil Varney of Twistmount Gundogs
Mr Shane Leigh of Garrowwood Dog Training
Mrs Sandra Blake
We are also extremely grateful to CSJ who were once again very generous in their sponsorship of awards and would very much welcome their support in the future. We thank them.
The run up to the test was more stressful than normal with a large number entrants pulling out the day before the test with covid and personal/dog related injury which meant runners were well down on previous years. We decided to add a puppy test this year. Unfortunately the puppy judge contacted very early on Sunday morning unable to attend due to a family illness which added to the fun. We are extremely grateful to Sandra Blake who did a sterling job of not only running the puppy but managing to run the retrieve for the novice as well.
The day started out in glorious sunshine, lots of nervous chatter amongst the six or so first timers. Which soon disappeared with the calm influence of the judges and support of the more experienced competitor. After a short introduction by Neil Varney of what the judges would be looking for, the day started.
The novice test consisted of a hunt up in fairly open woodland intermixed with a few rushes. The standard of hunting was very high considering the inexperience of some of the handlers. A sit to shot followed by a seen retrieve which all the dogs performed well with the odd dog running in. The hunt up continued another shot fired and a short blind was left out. This proved slightly more challenging for some of the dogs with the more experienced dogs and handlers making up points. This completed the first run. A short break and light lunch gave the entrants the opportunity to consult the judges for advice and recommendations for the second run. The test concluded with a separate retrieve alongside a cover crop which again suits the more experienced dogs who marked well and the less experienced stopping short and entering crop too early and struggling to be pushed back.
The puppy test consisted of two short hunt ups in tufty grass and sparse cover crop and concluded with a much simplified version of the retrieve. With such a wide variation of ages ranging from 7months up to 17.5 months, Sandra did an amazing job of setting and marking the test.
We retreated back to the Jolliffe Arms in Kilmersdon for the prize giving. With the excited chatter and smiling faces it looked like a good day was had by all.
Results:
Novice
1st. ESP Dog Digby — Ruby Walter
2nd. ESP Bitch Countryways Krystal—Oliver Ellis
3rd. ESP Bitch Artos—Bethany Kington
4th. Not presented
COM. ESP Bitch Craiwarn Sarafina—Steve Viviash
COM. CS Dog Wea Wea— Karen Fleet
Puppy
1st. ESP Bitch Alispen DIamond Nalya— David Drew
2nd. CS Bitch Zywarix July Belle—Jess Ward
3rd. CS Dog Mooncourt Black Jack—Kim Barnes
4th. CS Dog Mooncourt Herbie—Tawana Butt
We would like to thank –
All the helpers on the day Emma Wollacott, Howard Feltham ,Stephanie Milne, Christine Wilkins, Justin and especially Emilia no 1 Dummy thrower, it’s always nice to see the younger generation involved with the dogs.
CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds
BASC
Mooncourt Gundogs
KRB Services
Lewis Thomas Hairdressing
Lindsey from Crafty Brown Bear Designs and Embroidery for the donation of two stunning hand made and embroidered blankets
Tracey Corbin for all your help and advice
Jolliffe Arms, Kilmersdon
And a special mention to little Albie who carried out the best retrieve it has been my privilege to witness. With the help of you all we managed to raise £380 for Dorothy House.
Many many thanks, Joanne and Kim
From: Duchy Working Gundog Club
First trial of the season at Upton Pyne and wow what a trial, plenty of game and the ground was perfect for spaniels, all thanks to Paul Bowyer the keeper for all his hard work getting it ready for our trials.
Thank you to the judges: Nick Davies and David Gregory
Thank you to our sponsors
Ceri Rundle of CSJ
Julia Birchall-Mann of BASC
Fullpip Gundogs training equipment Howard Rudkin
16 Dog Novice Cocker Stake
Upton Pyne, Exeter
Judges: Mr N Davies (A)
Mr D Gregory (NP)
1st. Cannonfield Kuro Kanata CSD
(Moelfamau Trigger x Poolgreen Bell)
Miss L Sorisi 🏆
2nd Eightwalks Bullfinch
Mr S Fisher
3rd Rolex Rebel
Mr N Quinn
4th Episcopi Zest
Mrs Anita Jones
Com
Wolferton Ashton- Mr J Robertson
Well done to the winner and all in the awards 👍
By Alan Rees
The Four Nations Challenge Gundog International
This year’s event saw the welcomed return of the Four Nations Challenge competition. Three Spaniels and three Retrievers made up the International teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales. From the outset the warm, dry, still weather conditions was going to cause scenting problems, despite the fact that the event was being held some three months later than usual, it still felt like it was being staged in mid July.
The Welsh running order of Aled Jones with Brynambor Blaze of Barcudwen , Rhys Carpenter with Lynchside Shikra and Nathan Quinn with Whitebeam Warbler made up the Spaniel team, Aled having to substitute Barcudwen Molly for his young dog. The Retriever team was Alan Rees with Fendawood Ecclestone at Delfryd, Andrew Fisher with Kaliture Rooster and Nigel Probert with F.T.Ch. Stauntonvale Buckwheat of Llangynidr.
This year’s event proved to be one of the closest fought international competitions at Scone Palace, Scotland and Ireland battling it out for the top two places respectively with England and Wales in a close battle for third and fourth. Three dogs returned a top score of 114, Drew Allen, Scottish Retriever and Spaniels, Ireland’s Raymond Wilson and Wales’ Rhys Carpenter .
The International competition turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag with Scotland registering a win after their fourth place at the Game Fair, England in third place after their previous win at the Game Fair and Wales and Ireland reversing their positions.
Despite the disappointing result at Scone Palace, the Team has shown its resilience, consistency and development, each team member personally supporting each other. This can only bode well for future competition.
It was fantastic to have Ceri and Phil, of CSJ K9, at the event with us supporting the Welsh team. A huge thank you to you both for your generosity and continued support.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a successful up and coming trialing season.
Diolch yn Fawr
Alan Rees
Wales Team Captain
By Alan Rees
It was great to be back at the Game Fair, after a two year break, due to the pandemic
It was excellent to meet up with friends, new and old, competing with their dogs; Some dogs, not having competed for two years.
The ground and tests were well thought out with some very technical elements, while conditions were at times challenging, with scenting and the cover proving to be trying at times. Compliments to the two Spaniel judges and two Retriever judges and also to Steve Smith and his team. This is indeed a difficult job.
Over Saturday and Sunday, in a very keenly contested International competition
Overall winners were England, closely followed by Ireland and Wales, and then Scotland. There was fantastic individual performances, for Wales, Spaniel handler Nathan Quinn returning an impressive winning score of 113 out of Maximum 120, being awarded top Spaniel at the event. Likewise a fantastic performance from Drew Allan, of Scotland returning a score of 117 out of a maximum of 120, winning the top Retriever and dog overall.
The spoils were shared evenly, with Wales winning the top Spaniel team at the event, Ireland winning the top Retriever team, and yet another highlight for Wales was Rhys Carpenter’s performance in the run off for top Spaniel team.
The handlers representing Wales were as follows:
Winning Spaniel team Aled Jones, David Pither, David Gregory, Rhys Carpenter, Nathan Quinn and reserve Julie Thatcher.
Welsh Retriever team, who came a creditable third were Andrew Fisher, Nigel Probert, Mike Jones, Alan Rees, Nigel Probert and reserves Jane Middle and Wendy Glue.
A big personal thank you to CSJ K9, Ceri, Phil and the whole team for your continued support and encouragement. You were sadly missed at the event this year and hope that we will be back together as a full team at Scone Palace in September. DIOLCH YN FAWR IAWN.
One special comment from the team – the coats are a big hit, everyone loves them!!
Breaking News
Before the start of the Game Fair I decided, with Aled, that the top three Spaniels and Retrievers would represent Wales at the Four Nations International Gundog Challenge at Scone Palace in September. The team named is as follows –
Spaniels – Rhys Carpenter, Aled Jones, Nathan Quinn ( reserve to be confirmed)
Retrievers – Alan Rees, Andrew Fisher, Nigel Probert ( reserve to be confirmed)
Alan Rees
Wales International Team Captain
Clwyd Retriever clubs Annual working tests held on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July 2021, both kindly sponsored by CSJ Canine Foods, Bodfari -www.csjk9.com or 01745 710470, who provided the winners with some wonderful goodies for their dogs.
We held our Puppy & Novice test on Saturday 17th and our Open test on Sunday 18th both held at Plas Isaf, Rhosant, Halkyn By invitation of Mrs Price & Mr Ian Jones, which we thank them for as it is wonderful ground and as always the land owners where very supportive and helpful providing water troughs around the ground to help keep the dogs cool.
Well done to all those who were in the awards and to all who competed in the tests and we hope that you all had enjoyable days out running your dogs, although the heat was a challenge over both days.
Judges
Our judges on Saturday were Alan Fryer (A), Victoria Waterfield, Gill Awty & John Benyon and on Sunday Andrew Latham (B), Victoria Waterfield, John Benyon & Kevin Jackson, Who we need to say a big thanks to as both days were extremely challenging in the heat and although we tried to provide shade for the waiting dogs and competitors the judges were out in the sun for most of the day.
Thank you
Big thank you to all the helpers and club committee members who all did an amazing job over both days whether they were throwing dummies, placing or stewarding they made the days run smoothly and for most they helped over the both days which is greatly appreciated as without them the tests just would not be able to run, I hope everyone who came to help enjoyed the days. I would like to say a special thanks to Chris Kettle who helped set up the tests with Glenys Caldwell and who organised all the helpers over the 2 days.
Raising money for Cancer Research UK
And as all the entry fees are being donated to Cancer research U.K, along with all collected in the donation bucket from the 2 days and on my just giving page in memory of Mary Roberts we have raised £1108.40 so far, the just giving page is open until the end of the month so I am hoping that this may increase and will keep you updated at the amount raised for such a worthy cause.
Puppy 6-12 MTHS
Puppy 12 -18 Months
Novice
And the winner of The Whitter Trophy for the highest score overall on the day, was Anthony Appleton with Abbeyfold Dandelion King of Applebriar scoring 75 out of 80.
Open
By Tarryn Henson
Tarryn kindly sent us these photos taken as a result of the show we sponsored.
The show season died with the Covid epidemic. Now with the pick up of shows after lockdown ends, our charity fun shows are due to start and CSJ have supported South Warwickshire Canine Club with some products as prizes.
These were won by our members who entered the show. Everyone had a great time and we raised money for Dementia Care. We have 4 shows booked, starting with the latest fun show on 11th July 2021.
The next shows will be held on 8th, 22nd August and 19th September 2021– our Novelty Champ Show. We try to give a goodie bag to our winners 1st to 6th. We’ve enjoyed having your products before.
Follow South Warwickshire Canine Club on Facebook: South Warwickshire Canine Club
CSJ blog 