Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:53 pm Post subject: BCGB novice FT
Just back from the BCGB Novice FT. Probably had the best run we have ever had. The trial was held at Hamptworth - last visited on October 1st for a training day; not quite so many birds but still in the dozens at a time. Topaz ran very well and sat to flush and shot rather well. I even caught him doing it of his own volition. My reading of his movements was much better than last year as well. We had several points and two shot birds of our run, but to give you an idea of the density of game two sometimes three birds were shot at one flush.
The first retrieve was marked and he did a nice job of getting to it and bringing it back to hand with a sit present, all very controlled. Picked up the dog and returned to the top of the field where we ran on, a point and a good flush but none shot followed by another point and a bird down (but not off the point). This bird had folded and landed in a patch of green thistle like weed; he just did not find it despite being sent to the fall downwind. We were allowed three attempts before being called up. The next dog similarly failed to find the bird; however when the judges walked in they did - exactly where they said it had fallen - so both dogs were out. A shame as we had a very stylish run and those who know about these things said we would have been high up the awards with such.
Extremely testing conditions for all the dogs with so many birds - we worked the same field four times, the same beat twice and they were still rising.
So despite nothing to take home I was extremely pleased with our effort.
i will dig out my running order and post the four awards (sorry it is raining heavily now and i am warm ans cosy) _________________ Guy; Ellie Topaz Catja. http://www.epagneulbreton.org.uk
I was assistant steward for my first FT and I definitely recommend the experience for newbies to the sport. Chase isn't ready yet but I want to learn so this is ideal, I get to be in the thick of things and watch, listen and learn.
The standard of dogs and handlers was great in very difficult (sheer numbers of birds especially) conditions and the awards were definitely earned. It was a real shame that Guy and Topaz didn't get that final bird as they had worked soooo well - we were willing the judge to find an empty patch of thistle.
When everyone had left I got little one out and did some control work in the presence of such a lot of scent - the most he has ever been exposed to. I didn't risk letting him off hunting but even when on his short slip lead he scented and went on point for a lovely cock bird. I was tempted to let him loose but the number of flighty birds were uppermost in my mind and I didn't want to risk him chasing.
Next week I am stewarding again and will remember to put my long line in the car just in case I can steal a few moments training. At the moment we are working on control hence wanting a line, I don't like it but with a dog like Chase it is an extra insurance . _________________ Sue, Brice, Chase and Piper
never forgetting Mugi and Freddy - happy hunting boys!
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