Mugi
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Inholmes Open FTYesterday I was assistant steward at the Open Trial.....no Brittanys running.
I know they don't frequent this forum but at the outset I would like to thank again Fiona Wensley (judge) for her encouragement, and two competitors in particular (Sharon Pinkerton and Rory Major) for spending a lot of time when they were with me waiting their turns discussing the runs and handling of the dogs. I learned absolutely heaps just down to their willingness to share info.
Anyway, back to the trial  .
Weather really couldn't have been more unkind as wind was changing direction all the time (and I say wind very loosely as there was very little much of the time). The temperatures only hit a reasonable level for a short period of time (just enough to make some of the plough slick  ) and scenting was challenging for the dogs.
There was only one dog taken forward to water, which thankfully was completed despite the temperatures and we had one award at the end of the day.
2nd place was awarded to Swifthouse Crumble GSP handled by C. Simons
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doganjo
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Were no Brittanys running because none were entered or just not lucky in the draw? Sorry the weather was so bad.
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Mugi
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None entered Annie.
Basically there is a priority on the draw for Open Stakes so to be pretty much assured of a run a Brit would have to have one a 1st in Novice or a 1st or 2nd in All-Aged or a 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Open. Obviously that limits at the moment the number eligible.
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doganjo
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We have to run an Open don't we? So we need some Brits to win into that level - yes?
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Mugi
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We do - but with more people with Brittanys giving it a go hopefully we will get there.
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guy
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Running Open trials is an accolade that has to be earned. Bravo the BCGB for being able to do just that. OK it a 'cost' to the club' and there are only two dogs able to run Open at the moment - Amber who doesn't need to as she is an FT CH and here littermate; but if we are ever going to escape the stereotype for the breed we are going to have to keep going. As the old chinese proverb says - if you throw mud at a wall some sticks.
It may be a couple of years before we have many other Britts at that level - but i think what is more important is the number who are now out there having a go at Novice - I can think of at least five handlers /7 dogs. All who have got bitten by the 'bug' and also all who are passionate about the 'dual' abilities of this breed.
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Victoria
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ALL POWER TO YOU ALL...as you say, Guy, the starting point is Novice so that is where we all start...it is exciting to see at any trial, a Breton waiting for its run...in my limited experience, your first run is the hard one, once you've got that done, no matter how you go, you just want to do more!!! That first run will teach you more than anyone or any reference ever will...no matter how many training days you attend!!! And, after all, it is a novice class, so if the retrieve is not the best, well, that's o.k; if your dog fluffs up at the first trap (like my dear boy,  ), hey, that too is ok...my dream over here is to see all top five placings held by Breton (especially at the nationals!!!!)...now that would be fantastic!!!! It was a Breton that won the P & S last year...now we just have to build on that...a challenge we relish, be we novice or experienced!!!
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guy
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Another thought - the work in Novice, AA and Open are basically the same; it is the standard expected from dog and handler that changes.
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Mugi
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| guy wrote: | | Another thought - the work in Novice, AA and Open are basically the same; it is the standard expected from dog and handler that changes. |
That surprised me a little as some of the better dog work I saw at a lower level of trial. I know some of that was down to conditions but it does bring home that you train for a high level of performance and luck is a large factor in how you will get on as long as you have got that groundwork in.
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guy
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You are always training an 'Open' dog
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Victoria
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| Mugi wrote: | | guy wrote: | | Another thought - the work in Novice, AA and Open are basically the same; it is the standard expected from dog and handler that changes. |
That surprised me a little as some of the better dog work I saw at a lower level of trial. I know some of that was down to conditions but it does bring home that you train for a high level of performance and luck is a large factor in how you will get on as long as you have got that groundwork in. |
As a steward, I would agree with you Sue; it can all be down to the wind, somedays...I have seen dual champs bomb out!!!!!
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guy
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Did the indifferent 'open' dog work get placed?
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Patricia
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It also may be that if you speak to to the judge on the day, he/she may have a different opinion/ idea of the dog's performance than that of the handler? gallery?
It may pay to ask( after the trial as it is bad manners to argue with the judges) what went wrong ?
One thing I feel. The dog must be obedient to the handler at whatever level. And to cover different situations..like maybe having to retrieve something like a woodcock, snipe or other? making sure any aspect is covered. Yes, it is hard ...but the company is good and all that fresh air
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