|
Another successful Junior Handling Training Day with Helena Hutchings and Marina Scott was held on August 1 2009 at New Haw Community Centre, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey. 19 junior handlers, aged between 6 and 15, and handling their own breed, were put through their paces by Marina and Helena, culminating with a competition at the end of the day. In the morning, the handlers were split into two groups in terms of experience and were tested on pattern work. An hour’s lunch break allowed the youngsters and their dogs to rest and get a bite to eat. However, there was no rest for the wicked as the handlers were asked to hand in their completed multiple choice junior handling quiz.
In the afternoon, the handlers swapped groups and focussed on ‘show stance’, while a small group of the older handlers were taken to a room where they enjoyed a judging workshop with Jenny Hutchings.
Then, a competition was held where our judge, Rosanna Lee, was asked to judge two junior handling classes in the normal manner.
The results were as follows:
12 years and under (12 entries),
1st Charlotte Dalgarno, 12,
2nd Lucy Hankey, 12,
3rd Amy Woodcock, 12,
4th Laura Grant, 12,
VHC Bobbi Shepherd, 8.
13 years and over (7 entries),
1st Victoria Clarke, 13,
2nd Charlotte Page, 15,
3rd Rebecca Clarke, 14,
4th Chloe Jefferies, 14,
VHC Terri Tousent, 15.
The two class winners then competed further for Best Overall Handler and this was awarded to Charlotte handling a PBGV.
Helena and I then gave out special prizes to those handlers who particularly deserved a mention. ‘Handler who tried the hardest’ award was given to 13 year old Charlotte Gates who was determined to improve with a very headstrong golden retriever. The ‘best listener’ award was given to 11 year old Thomas Marrable, who used three different border collies during the day to try out different styles and the ‘most improved’ award went to 12 year old Sarah Clews with her cocker spaniel. The winner of the quiz was awarded to Lucy Hankey, aged 12, who was the only handler to have scored 43 points out of 43 – well done!
The day ended with each handler receiving certificates of their attendance, quiz answer sheets and hand-outs. The next training day is due to be held on Aug 30 2009 in Hertfordshire. Places are unfortunately fully booked.
|
