News and results...
 The
Animal Health Company Classic, started in 2014, might get you or your dog wet! The Animal
Health Company Classic will welcome all sizes of Agility dogs in a Steeplechase-style course that features the Westcotts Water Jump!
The Final
Judge Rosie Pearson's Report
The Animal Health
Company Classic is a unique event to dog agility in that all three KC heights of
dog compete together against each other so to have the privilege of judging the
2015 final was indeed an honour.
Warm up
In the morning, the Finalists had an opportunity to get a feel for the ground
that been set aside as the Main Arena within the Robin Hood Game & Country
Fair. Under somewhat grey and murky skies, the warm up jumping competition was
well received by the albeit limited number of members of the public who had made
their way through the various attractions to the far end of the Newark
showground on what for them was probably early on a Sunday morning.
Running in the size
order - Large, Medium, then small dogs - there were some nice clear rounds
, a few faults due to refusals or dropped poles, as well as some unlucky
eliminations. Nevertheless, there were enough qualifying scores for the 10
places that were on offer with Louise Ashman clearly delighted to take first
place with her rescue collie Zaks a Million of Valgray.
The Final
Making sure all was in place for the morning warm up had been relatively
straightforward as it had been possible to set up the course the night before
because the jumping class was the first event of the day in the Main Ring. The
Final in the afternoon was a different proposition as the Main Ring programme
had a time slot of just one hour during which the course needed to be built,
walked, run and dismantled afterwards. This presented it's own unique
challenges for all involved, and it is a testament to Graham and Luke Taylor and
their team that this was achieved without severely overheating the stress levels
of a rather apprehensive judge or the nervous competitors.
My aim with the Final
course was to create something which I could have used as a judge in a
qualifying heat, or indeed would have been happy to run with either my new to
competition Grade 3 dog or my more experienced Grade 6 one. I was keen for
handlers simply to be able to run with their dogs but also to give just enough
of a need for them to work as a team, with the dog listening to commands when
necessary, rather than merely taking whatever obstacle was in front.
This time dogs ran in
the order Small, Medium, Large because it is easier to keeping adding water to
the next size water jump tray than to be tipping it out!
Perhaps it was nerves,
or dogs simply pressing ahead regardless of what their handler wanted, but the
end result was pairings either achieved a final placing or they were
eliminated. Standing in the middle as a judge, you can immediately see what
goes wrong on each run and the eliminations occurred for one of three reasons:
-
When running across
from fences 5 to 7, handlers naturally held out their left arm as the dog
was clearing fence 6 in order to indicate that they wanted the dog to push
out towards 7. If the handler was running a slight curved line towards the
right with their left arm pushing forwards the dog went for fence 7 but, if
the running line was straighter and their arm was held out to the side away
from their body, the dog took this an indication to make a sharp left turn
into the wrong end of the tunnel.
-
It was unfortunately
a similar occurrence when running from fence 8 towards tunnel 9. For
handlers giving a command of through or tunnel, coupled with a left arm out
gesture the dogs opted for the pipe tunnel at 14 instead of the collapsible
one at 9. Handlers giving the same command but running a line more towards
fence 10 rather than the tunnel entrance, and reinforcing this line with a
forwards turn of the left shoulder, then the dogs took the correct course.
These are the small
nuances of body language when running at speed with our dogs that make it
such a fine line between a clear round and an elimination. It is probably no
consolation to the competitors on the day but it did lead to numerous sighs
and groans from the watching spectators who were eagerly willing the dogs
on. As well as from the judge I might add!
-
The third cause of
elimination was the one we all see week in week out at each and every
agility show. The dog gets 5F due to a refusal, the handler knows the chance
of a clear has gone and drops their concentration and drive so the dog then
simply back jumps the obstacle it has just run past. I can’t begin to count
the number of times I’ve done this myself when running with my dogs.
Ironically if handlers’ focus had been maintained after a refusal then 5F
would have secured them a place rosette.
In the end, four
handlers achieved a place on the winners’ rostrum. Many congratulations go to
Phil Barber, who having qualified for the final with his wife’s medium size dog
Dreamarkis Fly Me to The Moon finished more than a second ahead of the rest.
A
total of 50 dogs and handlers from across 10 qualifying heats had earned the
right to compete and those who did attend and support this final were well
looked after by the sponsors and their organising team. Where else can you
arrive at a dog show to be greeted with coffee & croissants, be provided with
hot drinks before the final, and be treated to tea & cakes during the prize
giving afterwards? There were finalist rosettes and sponsors goody bags for
everyone regardless of how well things had gone during their actual runs. Add to
this the trophies, sacks of dog food, and prize money for the top places and I
am in no doubt that the Animal Health Company should be commended for the level
of support they provide for this competition.
Thank you to all the
competitors for the way they attacked the courses and for still managing a smile
even when things went wrong. I am especially grateful for the support and
hospitality provided by Graham & Luke and their team, as well as the Animal
Health Company personnel for making it such an enjoyable day.
Heat 10
Paws
In The Park
All good things have to
come to an end and The Animal Health Company Classic completed the 10th and
final qualifier in 2015 by a visit to one of the south’s bigger dog events –
Paws In The Park on Kent’s showground.
A truly breathtaking
range of dog sports and canine activities in lovely sunny weather with lots of
visitors both two legged and four provided a great backdrop to our final 2015
search for the last 5 qualifiers of the competition.
Well travelled judge
Michelle Guerin officiated and as ever the ladies excelled again today if the
line up is representative. Robert however is very well placed as he has
managed to get to 2 dogs to this year’s final.
Invitations to the
Animal Health Company Classic Final under the watchful eye of Championship
Agility Judge Rosie Pearson at the Robin Hood Game and Country Show on Sunday
18th October 2015 have already been sent and we hope all can join us.
Heat 10 - Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Karen Richardson
with Borderpaws Secret Tipple - 24.864 secs (C)
-
Tanya King with
Lunarlites Just Like That - 25.614 secs (C)
-
Robert Putnam with
and Driving Miss Daisy - 27.153 secs (C)
-
Emma Knowles with
Lowenlands Star - 28.109 secs (C)
-
Iain Macdonald with
and Rice Pudding - 28.155 secs (C)
May we take the
opportunity to thank all the clubs and hardworking secretaries who have hosted a
qualifier and all those who have taken part. Good luck to all our finalists and
if you have not been successful this year maybe next will be your year in The
Animal Health Company Classic.
Good luck to one and
all.
Heat 9
The Welsh Kennel Club
By heck Jo Gleed is on
form this year! Everywhere I go, time after time, I seem to hear her name
amongst the prize winners. Surely she is going to need a new trophy cabinet
soon.
Today was no exception
with Jo and Looky Looky hanging onto the lead after some stiff competition from
other championship handlers. Judge Nikki Martin did not allow them to hang about
and not for the first time this year, less than a second separated the five
winning places in Heat 9 of The Animal Health Company Classic at Builth Wells
where The Welsh Kennel Club held its Championship Agility, Breed and Obedience
Show.
And it is true that the
sun does shine in Wales – sometimes, as the photo shows!
Heat 9 -
Animal Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Jo Gleed with Looky
Looky Ready or Not - 19.748 secs (C)
-
Kevin Lampitt with
Beyond Infinity - 19.766 secs (C)
-
Rhianedd Thomas with
Belting Bessie - 19.992 secs (C)
-
Karen Laker with
Devongen Dante - 20.023 secs (C)
-
Heulwen Williams
with Fy Nhywysoges Cwmtwrch - 20.444 secs (C)
Paws In The Park hosts
our final heat of the 2015 competition and invitations to the Animal Health
Company Classic Final under the watchful eye of Championship Agility Judge Rosie
Pearson at the Robin Hood Game and Country Show on Sunday, 18th
October 2015 will be sent out in early autumn.
Good luck to one and all.
Heat 8
Pembrokeshire By The Pond
It was great that we had
a Pembrokeshire winner for the first of Animal Health’s two visits to the
principality with Adele Newman winning at her local show!
Judge Lee Amos used all
the space in the Feature Ring at Pembrokeshire County Show and an attentive
crowd, bathed in brilliant sunshine saw more than 100 partnerships try to secure
a qualifying place.
Heat 8 - Animal Health
Company Classic Qualifiers -
-
Adele Newman with
Devongem Dark Desire - 22.830 secs (C)
-
Barbara Banks
with
Laetare Pikes Frolic - 23.368 secs (C)
-
Cassie Bond with He
Who Stares Wins - 23.570 secs (C)
-
Sally Grove
with Devongem Freestyler - 23.715 secs (C)
-
Robert Putnam with
Train Spotyn - 23.907 secs (C)
Heat 9 of The Animal Health Company Classic is joining the largest gathering of
dogs in Wales at The Welsh Kennel Club’s Championship Agility, Breed and
Obedience Show at Builth Wells later in August and with just 1 remaining heat of
the 2015 competition it’s time you booked your place at the final.
Invitations to the
Animal Health Company Classic Final under the watchful eye of Championship
Agility Judge Rosie Pearson at the Robin Hood Game and Country Show on Sunday,
18th October 2015 will be sent out in early autumn.
Good luck to one and all.
Heat 7
Colchester DTC
It seems they do things
differently in Essex and a ‘snappy’ dresser was in charge of heat 7 of The
Animal Health Company Classic . I don’t think there are any KC Agility rules to
prevent a crocodil,e lying submerged in the Westcotts Water Jump, or indeed a
judge officiating in the ring in a crocodile onesie!
Just five dogs qualify
at each heat so with over 230 entrants it was a tall order for Judge Steve
Treamer (aka Croc) Steve Treamer. He had a really good day, having set, adjudged
by many, a lovely course with no dogs suffering any undue 'snapping.'
Heat 7 - Animal Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Mel Doyle with
Devongem Dare to Stopper - 24.106 secs (C)
-
Matthew Button with
Dizzy Tizzy Taz - 25.152 secss (C)
-
John Foord with
Detania Rules The Waves Again - 25.203 secs s (C)
-
Janet Smith with
Makeitso Midnight Echo - 25.688 secss (C)
-
Sandra Cherry with
Allsorts of Saffires - C 25.978 secss (C)
Heat
8 of The Animal Health Company Classic is crossing the country to Pembrokeshire
By The Pond with just 2 remaining heats of the 2015 competition. Have you booked
your place at the final yet?
Invitations to the
Animal Health Company Classic Final under the watchful eye of Championship
Agility Judge Rosie Pearson at the Robin Hood Game & Country Show on Sunday, 18th
October 2015 will be sent out in early autumn. Good luck to one
and all.
Heat 6
Just Dogs Live
Nearly 200 partnerships
at Just Dogs Live again endorsed this competition’s popularity across all sizes
of dogs. Judge Craig Stevens laid a flowing Steeplechase course, starting with a
spread and leaving the Westcotts Water Jump as the last challenge on the course.
As ever, size was
everything and, once again, one of the smaller dogs on the circuit beat all
comers, much to the delight of the handler.
The weather on Animal
Health day was very warm, although I don’t think our winner Trouble & Squeak was
allowed to get wet today. Collies, however, have no such inhibitions and just
trust a red and white to get soaked.
Invitations to the
Animal Health Company Classic Final, under the watchful eye of Championship
Agility Judge Rosie Pearson, at the Robin Hood Game & Country Show on Sunday,
18th October 2015 will be sent out in early autumn.
Heat 6
- Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Ray Amps with
Trouble and Squeak - 20.742 secs (C)
-
Emily Cowdroy with
Bryalys Mischievous Magic - 20.863 secs (C)
-
Liz Brown with
Tragility Will Do It - 21.131 secs (C)
-
Sue Ellis with
Dreamwork Curious George - 21.296 secs (C)
-
Louise Ashman with
Zaks A Million of Valgrays - 21.447 secs (C)
Heat 7 of The Animal
Health Company Classic is on home territory for Animal Health at Colchester DTC
with just three remaining heats across the country. Good luck to one and all.
Heat 5
Dog Vegas at Thetford
Boy, was it
hot at Dog Vegas in Thetford... and a red and white won! The water in the
Westcott's water jump evaporated during the competition and I am amazed not more
dogs stopped for a drink on the way round.
With 10
days of agility, the Animal Health Company Steeplechase course was a welcome
finale to a glorious week and great to see so many fit and healthy dogs able to
cope with the sweltering conditions.
Tony
Butcher officiated in the Norfolk sunshine and sent five more partnerships to
the Autumn final. We are seeing a growing trend that the ladies feature far more
than the gentlemen in the top 5 at each heat. Is it numbers or ability?
Heat 5 - Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Mandy Cowdrey with Bulls Quizardry
- 20.420 secs (C)
-
Gill
Thomas with Gendpaws Sully Destiny - 20.695 secs (C)
-
Janice
Harris with Tottlefields Totally Rocks - 20.823 secs (C)
-
Claire
Alderson with Belumira Bella Fiamma - 21.395 secs (C)
-
Jennie Hastie with Ruby Poppet
- 21.490 secs (C)
Invitations to the Animal
Health Company Classic Final under the watchful eye of Championship Agility
Judge Rosie Pearson at the Robin Hood Game and Country Show on Sunday 18th
October 2015 will be sent out in early autumn. Good luck
to one and all.Heat 6 of The Animal
Health Company Classic is on the way to Just Dogs Live on Peterborough’s East of
England Showground with just four remaining heats across the country.
Pictured right
is Judge Carolyn Snowden and Jennie Westcott from The Animal Health Company
with our 2015 Dogs Unleashed qualifiers.
Heat 4
Dogs
Unleashed
The Bakewell
Showground in the heart of the Peak District provided a great backdrop for Dogs
Unleashed 2015 and our 4th heat of the competition for some of Agility’s speed
merchants.
Whilst the
day dawned with a downpour or two, by the time Agility got underway the weather
was fine and it just got better and better, bringing in the crowds to watch and
participate in everything canine connected from Agility to Zorbing.
The larger
show continues to grow with all things canine and will soon reach capacity on
this town site.
Heat
4 - Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Phil
Barber with Dreamarkis Fly Me to The Moon - 24.32secs (C)
-
Mandi
Marks with Scrumpi On Ice - 24.72 secs (C)
-
Miranda
Bladen with Canen Luna - 25.55 secs (C)
-
Julie
Dunlop with Hillside Jemz Topaz - 25.86 secs(C)
-
Ann
Hinz with Twix Classical Mix - 27.77 secs (C)
Invitations
to our 50 finalists of The Animal Health Company Classic Final under the
watchful eye of Championship Agility Judge Rosie Pearson at the Robin Hood Game
and Country Show on Sunday, 18th October 2015 will be sent our in the early
autumn
Heat 5 of
The Animal Health Company Classic is on the way to Dog Vegas in Thetford Forest
with five more heats across the country for the 2015 competition. Good luck to
one and all.
Heat 3
North Derbyshire Championship Agility Show
If you’ve never been to
Osmaston, which hosts North Derbyshire’s Championship Agility Show, it could
almost be a village in Midsomer Murders - complete with duck pond, pub within
walking distance of the cricket pitch, wooden cricket pavilion - all on a
country estate. It’s a tranquil site amongst the rhododendrons.
That atmosphere - or
maybe married life - really suited Jo Gleed as she had a storming weekend,
wining a handful of classes including Animal Health Company Classic under judge
Jacqui Wood.
Our five qualifiers
today are some well-known Agility faces who are planning a great day out at the
Robin Hood Game and Country Show on Sunday 18th October 2015 where, under the
watchful eye of Championship Agility Judge Rosie Pearson the Animal Health
Company Classic Final will be held. Even better all the dogs stayed put for the
photo call and whilst the collies shone through today, all managed to avoid
getting wet in the Westcotts Water Jump.
Heat 3 - Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Jo Gleed with Looky
Looky Ready or Not
-
Ruth Parker with
Rosmasrinus Easter Picnic
-
Steven Swankie with
Crash And Burn Fern
-
Lisa Adamson with
Redanmuir Shock Tactics at Borderstorm
-
Kevin Bowers with
Lord Toby Wan Kanobi
Heat 4 of The Animal
Health Company Classic joins Dogs Unleashed at the end of June on Bakewell Show
ground with 6 remaining heats across the country. Good luck to one and all.
Joining our judge Eileen Wischnia to present the awards
is Jennie Westcott UK Sales Manager for The Animal Health Company.
Heat 2
Hatton Agility Festival
Unique to The Animal
Health Company Classic competition, once again the Westcotts Water Jump created
a splash or two at the Hatton Agility Festival with more than 200 partnerships
seeking one of the five qualifying places in the Animal Health Co Classic Final
at the Robin Hood Game & Country Show on Sunday, 18 October. It should be a
great day out, under the watchful eye of Championship Agility Judge Rosie
Pearson.
On form Bryndle Bewrry
was just pipped at the post by experienced partnership of Alison and Chilli
Peppa.
Heat 2 - Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Alison Williamson
with Chilli Peppa at Willowyarde -27.102 secs (C)
-
Kate Stokes with
Bryndle Bewrry - 27.980 secs (C)
-
Becky Doughty with Switchin Sides - 28.075 secs (C)
-
Sarah Roots with
Stowledge Angelica - 28.302 secs (C)
-
Alison Naylor with
Wynwich Wot The Heck - 28.674 secs (C)
Heat 3 of The Animal
Health Company Classic moves up country to North Derbyshire Championship Agility
Show with 7 remaining heats across the country. Good luck to one and all.
Heat 1
Lincoln Agility Enthusiast
Show
The ladies definitely
found favour with Garry Smith’s course for the first heat of the 2015 Animal
Health Company Classic at Lincoln Agility Enthusiast Show. The 1st heat
winner was a Medium sized dog, Tottlefield Totally Rocks, superbly handled by
Janice Harris.
Heat 1 - Animal
Health Company Classic Qualifiers
-
Janice Harris with
Tottlefield Totally Rocks - 18.522 secs (C)
-
Jackie Kenny with
Morgans Son Of A Ledgend - 19.593 secs (C)
-
Amelia Tayt with
Jazzytrail Cascades Leo - 19.624 secs (C)
-
Jessica Cuthbertson
with Jess Skye Blue Shining - 20.001 secs (C)
-
Jane Woolrich with
Saarjjte Snapdragon - 20.358 secs (C)
Unique to The Animal
Health Company Classic competition is the Westcotts Water Jump, which again
created a splash or two amongst the 200 odd partnerships.
All 50 finalists will be
invited to a great day out at the Robin Hood Game and Country Show on Sunday
18th October 2015 where under the watchful eye of Championship Agility Judge
Rosie Pearson the Animal Health Company Classic Final will be held.
Heat 2 of The Animal
Health Company Classic moves to Hatton Agility Festival with eight remaining
heats across the country. The AHC Classis open to all dogs G3-6.
2015 AHC Season Launched
The Animal Health
Company is delighted to announce that it will be continuing its Agility competition in 2015.
The Animal Health Company Classic will welcome all sizes of Agility dogs in a steeplechase
style course that features the Westcotts Water Jump!
Animal Health
Company’s Sales Manager Jennie Westcott said 'We are delighted to continue sponsorship of
this Agility competition with new heat hosts in 2015 and I look forward to meeting everyone
at our first heat at The Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts Show in April. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard working
secretaries of the host venues for their support and wishes everyone taking
part good luck in qualifying for The Animal Health Company Classic Final
2015. We look forward to meeting you at an Agility show near you.'
With
qualifiers across the country The Animal Health Company Classic Final will be held at the
Newark Robin Hood Game and Country Show on the 18th October in the main arena. Some
23,000 people attend the show and it will be a great venue to showcase agility talent.
The Animal Health
Company Classic 2015 Qualifiers are to be held at: -
-
Lincoln Agility Enthusiasts Show
Lincoln Showground, Lincolnshire - 17-19 April 2015
-
Hatton Agility Festival
Hatton Country World, Warwickshire - 9-10 May 2015
-
North Derbyshire Championship Agility Show
Osmaston Derbyshire - 6-7 June 2015
-
Dogs Unleashed
Bakewell Derbyshire - 27-28 June 2015
-
Dog Vegas
Thetford Norfolk - 3-5 July 2015
-
Just Dogs Live
Peterborough Cambridgeshire - 10-12 July 2015
-
Colchester Agility Show
Colchester Essex - 18-19 July 2015
-
Pembrokeshire By The Pond
Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire - 18-20 August 2015
-
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Agility Show
Builth Wells Powys - 22–23 August 2015
-
Paws In The Park
Kent Showground Detling Kent - 19-20 September 2015
-
Final
Newark Robin Hood Game & Country Show
Newark Nottinghamshire - Sunday 18 October 2015
The Animal Health
Company offers a range of products that will be ideal for the Agility dog including their new
food, Westcotts. Unique to the market it contains HypercCoat Prime our popular supplement.
Westcotts is formulated with high levels of chicken and rice, is hypoallergenic, pro biotic and
has no added flavourings or preservatives produced from quality ingredients helping dogs with a
sensitive palate.
The Animal Health
Company website
http://www.animal-health.co.uk has all the details.
The Animal Health
Company wishes everyone a successful 2015 and looks forward to meeting you at an Agility show
near you.
Animal Health Company Classic
2
Medley Grove Leamington Spa CV31 2GA 01926 315335 /07831 548911 email
rover.pro@outlook.com
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