Oxted and Edenbridge Southern Retriever Challenge - 28th August 2011
A Unique competition. each of the Southern Gundog clubs declared two Open dogs they thought would represent them well. Then a total of 15 dogs competed against each other throughout the day over 5 tests. This was within the Oxted and Edenbridge Country Show but the ground given to us to use was fantastic with water, many jumps, dense areas to hunt and quite a bit of open ground.
I have never done anything like this with a constant commentary over loud speakers and a pretty big crowd watching. it created some bunkers and new challenges, especially for young and first time dogs!
15 Open dogs were competing nominated by 8 Southern Gundog Clubs.
Organising Club: SEGS Great job! Judge: Diana Harrison A Panel.
1st: Ian Ford and Tayfordwoods Twist of Lemon – 20.08.07
Waterford Envoy of Heathergaye x Logansmore Samba
2nd: Shirley Carew and Cypher Black Mamba of Sullington – 24.02.07
Waterford Dunbar x Gospelash Lucy of Cypher
3rd: Julia Smith and Laborie Cirrus – 16.05.08
FT CH Hatchfield Feargal x Laborie Zulu
4th: Diana Stevens and Bedgebrook Never Say Never to Wylanbriar – 05.05.09
FT CH Bedgebrook Excalibur x Mansengreen Hobby of Bedgebrook
————————-
Tests 1, 2, 3 and 4 were taken in quick succession by each dog under the judge. Marks were displayed immediately to the crowd. A clever and interesting way to do this and Bondy did OK.
First walking up with the judge and a mark infront comes out, infront of a fence at about 80 yards but the thrower and gun was behind the fence which is always slightly disorientating to the dog. All dogs needed some handling be it this or the other side of the fence.
Then a blind over that fence and about 30 yards back in long grass.
Move on to again, in long grass to the right of the dog, again heeling with the judge, a Mark about 80 yards. Then a shot about 60 degrees behind. Blind on a hummock of grass over a fence wanted first, then the mark in the grass.
Remember these tests are with the same judge and in fairly quick succession so these areas are ALL memories to a thinking dog even when its NOT the area you want! 
A Shot is fired behind as you walk forward again. A dummy is on a stream to the left of the gun. Dog is sent…. bit of work to pick…. then as it jumps a fence on the way back a shot and a mark is thrown about 120 yards away against a hedge line at about 90 degrees. Some dogs paused on their return and marked this, some did not. Few went straight out and found or even made the area without handling even if they HAD
Then after all dogs in your group had completed a 5 dog walk up took place each with a mark infront towards the crowd over a fence with marks coming from different throws alternatively so no dog had exactly the same place to mark down or pick from.
Phew!!!
Shirley in second place had held the lead from running fifth, through till Ian came as the final dog at 15 and stole the spoils by one point! It was fantastic and exciting and both dogs were uttrely brilliant. Julia and I in 3rd and 4th were humble and thrilled we had followed those with the crowd that were behind us including many Open FT winners and a FT CH.
Big up the Meercat but what a superb day! I also did WAY too much shopping and am now very poor indeed so the ‘Country show with 200 stalls’ effect worked on me! How gulliable!
Pics hopefully to follow soon!
