Summer is almost here! WGAA’s retrieving trial on Sunday 31st
of October was … warm. Byron Kendall, our Advanced judge on the day, gave some
sage advice in his opening remarks when he said to bring dogs to the starting
pegs wet and to keep an eye out for snakes and grass seeds. Both Byron and Intermediate
judge, Bill Allen, toiled manfully all day under difficult conditions,
conditions that made thing very difficult for dogs and handlers. A good sized
brown snake necessitated changing the first run in the advanced stake, while logs
and low water levels combined with thick vegetation made things interesting for
dogs in both stakes.
At the end of an intense day both judges made reference to
the difficult conditions and the handling errors that confounded dogs and
handlers alike. Trials are always tricky affairs, and runs that appear to be
simple can suddenly throw up problems resulting in frustration for handlers and
confusion for dogs. This was certainly the case in the Advanced stake and Byron
was unable to award any placings, However, in the Intermediate stake Bill
filled the podium with Sam Hayes’ lab, Samirya Field Scout (Scout) in first
place, Angie Bloomer’s GSP Kobidan Justice Endures (Ishtar) as runner-up and
Shane Emond’s lab Samirya Slim Jim (Slim) in third place.
Many thanks go to the committee who laboured away on the
Saturday, Sunday, and in the weeks preceding the trial to make the event
happen. To our judges Byron and Bill, who, as always, blended diplomacy, knowledge
and application to the task, to the property owner and to everyone else who
pitched in on the day to ensure a successful and memorable event.
Intermediate judge Bill Allen & Andrew & Bass
Phillip & Bella
David & Miss Hurley
Marley
How's that!
Andrew & Archie line up for Advanced Judge Byron Kendall
Intermediate winner Sam Heyes & Scout
It's here somewhere.
Angie & Ishtar at the start line.
A tough swim back.
A big thank you for Byron Kendall
