LOW 550 Scotland is a Jumping Cup competition for handlers wishing to compete in a prestigious qualifier at the same height as the Lower Height Option at KC Agility tests. This Special sponsored event is open to all dogs in the Large height category (i.e. measuring over 430mm at the withers) and with hurdles set at 550mm. The organisers are the same people who are doing the 4th Height Jumping Cup and the LOW 550, with the addition of a Scot to help out locally. All are 4th Height Supporters.

 2019

LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup Final 2019 Results

Congratulations to the winners and runners up of each part, who received a pipe tunnel courtesy of Wes Lo and a space on a training day run by Train in the Ring respectively. The weather gods chose to be against us at the very end but everyone pulled together to make it a great final, judged by the talented Angelo Doc Docherty.

CG1-4

1. Janet Young with Fitznister Alba Naecairn - 33.797 (C)

2.  James Robertson with Millie Knows No Bounds - 44.042 (C)

3. Lynn Winton with Tapaidh Eidin Cailim - 41.820 (5)

4. Jo Fowler with Guanyersel Safia for True Dancer - 46.948 (5)

5. Jim Darcy with Emmanygan Black Poplar - 47.638 (5)

6. Abigail Coutts with Caadsk Dunnie Wassal - 73.874 (10)

CG5-7

1. Jo Fowler with True Soul of Sunlight - 31.289 (C)

2. Karen Penman with Ticky Two - 34.129 (C)

3. Maureen Millar with Play It Again Sammy - 36.155 (C)

4. Nicole Hulme with Kilnhurst Cruze -  36.757 (C)

5. Maureen Millar with Mammabees Ghillie AW/G - 49.980 (C)

6. Lesley Crowe with MorgansR Sweet n Sassy - 38.720 (5)

This has been the very last LOW 550 Scotland competition, with 2020 seeing the introduction of the new Intermediate category with a 500mm jump height.  Thank you to all our judges, host shows and competitors over the past three years and to Mary McKie and Edita Uherkovichova for looking after things locally. You have all made the event worthwhile and we hope you've enjoyed taking part.

Extra special thanks are due of course to The SMART Veterinary Clinic for their unfailing support, and all the other sponsors without whom this event could not have taken place.

That's a wrap folks!

Doc Docherty will be judging the LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup Final in 2019.

Here’s what he has to say about his appointment:-

'I would like to say that I am extremely proud to be asked to judge the LOW 550 Scotland Final.

I’ve been judging for nine years now and fulfilled over 300 appointments for Kennel Club licensed shows. as well as countless other shows.  As well as my passion for judging, I also love to travel and have judged at shows in Ireland, Jersey, the Isle of Mann and Anglesey, plus many Scottish shows and shows throughout England.  I’m really looking forward to judging this final and wish everyone the best of luck!'

If you want to run Doc’s final course with the chance to win great trophies, a 3m pipe tunnel or a free space on training workshop, be sure to put these dates in your 2019 diary.

LOW 550 Scotland is a jumping cup competition for handlers wishing to compete in a prestigious qualifier at the same height as the Lower Height Option at KC Agility tests (550mm).  This sponsored event is open to all dogs in the Large height category (ie measuring over 430mm at the withers).  There will be six qualifying heats held around the country, for CG1-4 and CG5-7. The top two dogs from each part will qualify for similarly split finals taking place at Wes Lo K9 Open Agility Show on 10 August 2019, at Vogrie Country Park EH23 4NU.

•  LOW 550 Scotland is open to all grades of Large dog (ie measuring over 430mm at the withers).

• LOW 550 Scotland for the 2019 final will consist of 6 qualifying heats held at agility shows around the country. Each heat will be have two parts for Combined Grades 1-4 and Combined Grades 5-7.  The host show can choose whether to run both parts together or separately as a Special class/es, or as the LHO part of Standard Progression classes. 

• Where the heat is a Special class the tyre shall not be included, and if the long jump is included it should be set at the KC minimum length for Large dogs.  Where the heat is run as part of a Standard Progression class, normal Kennel Club regulations will apply.

• Competitors entering the competition are deemed to have agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of the host club.

• Competitors may enter more than one dog in a heat and qualify more than one dog for the Final.  Qualifiers may enter further heats for competition, providing they are eligible.  Competitors who gain a place in a heat with a previously qualified dog should inform the Show Secretary on the day of the show and it will be awarded to the next placed dog.  In the event of a dog being unable to attend the final, reserves may be invited. 

•  Trophy for 1st place in each part.

• Rosettes to 1st – 4th place in each part.

• Finals.  The top 2 dogs and handlers from each part of the 6 heats will be invited to compete at the finals at Wes Lo K9 show on 10 August 2019.  All dogs will run over the same course, with separate results for each part. Trophies for 1st and 2nd place in the finals and souvenir rosettes for all finalists, awarded by SMART Veterinary Clinic. The overall winners in each part will win a 3m pipe tunnel, awarded by Wes Lo K9 and the runners up will receive a space on a guest trainer day at a workshop run by Train in the Ring.

The LOW 550 Scotland organising committee reserve the right to revise these rules at any time

 2018

Final 2018 Report by Judge Sara Hawkswell

What a privilege it was to be asked to judge this final.  I was delighted when Chris Garrett and her team instigated the LOW 550 events and it has been great to have a competition within Scotland. I know that competitors have welcomed this and enjoyed taking part in all the heats.

Our venue was the fabulous Rozelle Country Park in heart of Ayr.  The Final was held in the early evening after Prestwick’s Open Agility Show.  The weather was glorious, with full sun even at 6.30 pm, and a good crowd gathered to support the competitors.

The course
Although the competition was in two parts, both the CG1-4 and CG5-7 dogs were to run the same course.  In designing my course, I had to consider what would be challenging for the higher grades but still be achievable in the lower grades. I made sure that, where there were handling choices, most options were achievable but there was clearly a faster path, often needing a more experienced dog and handler to get the faster route.  As it was a final, I also wanted it to be enjoyable to watch.  I lost a couple of dogs at Number 6, taking the jump from the front rather than round the back but other mistakes were scattered across the course.  I was impressed with the handling at the 'wrong' end of the tunnel at 14, although it was also where time was gained or lost.

The Final
First to go were the CG1-4 dogs.  We had a good mix in terms of breeds, rescue dogs and older dogs.

All the handlers tackled the course well and I was impressed with how many of the lower grade handlers managed to get clear rounds. This was a tricky course for them, with quite a bit of handling needed.  Special mention goes to Ollie - handled by Abigail Coutts - who took everything in his stride and resolutely worked steadily through the course, clearly having a ball.  The 'smiliest handler' award has to go to Jacquie Riddell, running Ralph the Working Beardie who was eliminated early on when Ralph didn’t know what 'round' meant and took Number 6 in the wrong direction.

Last to run was Karen Purves.  Karen, a relatively new handler, had a beautiful run with her dog Amber, handling all the turns well and with a lovely weave but they just weren’t fast enough to catch the leader. Our winner was Sheila Stewart with Poppy (My Poppet Rocket), who had a text book run. Every turn was neat and no time was lost anywhere.  She finished almost 5 seconds ahead of 2nd place.

Moving on to the CG5-7 dogs and Malcolm McCallie (running Mac) has to get a mention for some fancy footwork between 11, 12 and 13. I don’t know if it was planned but it certainly resulted in some tight turns, sadly not quite fast enough to get into the ribbons.  Then one of our young competitors, Robyn Douglas, handling Cara the Labrador, had an unfortunate elimination but showed what they were capable of with a stunning sprint down the finishing straight. The dog that I thought was going to win was Jess, handled by Jamie McCullough.  Jess was fast, very fast.  Her line was also perfect but she just clipped Number 16, taking the pole down.

In the end, there was very little between our 1st and 2nd placed dogs. Lesley MacEwan and Devon were runners up, coming in just over a second behind our winners, Kim Davie with Moss (Mossco Dynamo). Devon took a wide turn between jumps 16 and 17, losing a little time and Moss had a faster weave.

Congratulations to all the finalists. It was a great competition with some wonderful partnerships – some at the start of their careers and some coming towards the end.  Those who were in the ribbons had superb runs and I hope that the winners are able to travel to England to represent Scotland in the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup Final and have a wonderful time!

Results Combined Grades 1-4

1. Sheila Stewart with My Poppet Rocket - 48.495 (C)
2. Karen Purves with Amber Bamber - 52.011 (C)
3. Abigail Coutts with Just Ollie - 53.700 (C)
4. Christine Hague with Kalle Finnish with Pride - 55.315 (.315)
5. Jennifer Nicholson with Burnawn Boy AW/B - 50.336 (5f)
6. Caroline Callander with Oro Del Rio - 64.607 (19.607)

• Christina Brough with Dalond Love of My Life (E)

• Graeme Brown with Bordadale Eternal Flame (E)

• Jacquie Riddell with Ralph-Shuh-Macker (E)

• Tony Gallacher with Call Yerself a Bankie (E)

Results Combined Grades 5-7

1. Kim Davie with Mossco Dynamo - 42.601 (C)
2. Lesley MacEwan with Holmelyne Aukley Devon AW/G - 43.976 (C)
3. Malcolm McCallie with Astra Mac AW/G - 46.320 (C)
4. Esther Lunardi with Red Aroona - 49.860 (C)
5. Jaime McCullough with Greenhill Jessica - 38.770 (5f)
6. Victoria Atkinson with Bella’s Diamond Jessie - 47.642 (5f)

• Angela Cairns with Jazz it Up Dunedin (E)

• Robyn Douglas with Mordor Zoomie Diva (E)

Images courtesy of Yellow Dog Photography

LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup Finalists 2018

Good luck to everyone competing in the LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup Final 2018, at Prestwick Show on Saturday!

Chris Garrett Ralphs said, 'We can't wait to see who comes out on top over what will no doubt be a suitably exciting test set by Judge Sara Hawkswell. Remember, the winners of each part will also go forward to represent Scotland in the Final of the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup in September.'

Combined Grades 1-4

• Sheila Stewart with My Poppet Rocket - Gleniffer

• Jennifer Nicholson with Burnawn Boy AW/B - Gleniffer

• Abigail Coutts with Just Ollie - Train in the Ring

• Christina Brough with Dalond Love of My Life - Train in the Ring

• Karen Purves with Amber Bamber - Woodside

• Caroline Callander with Oro Del Rio - Woodside

• Graeme Brown with Bordadale Eternal Flame - SKC

• Christine Hague with Kalle Finnish with Pride - SKC

Combined Grades 5–7

• Esther Lunardi with Red Aroona - Gleniffer

• Billy Young with Littlehorn Renault - Gleniffer

• Angela Cairns with Jazz it Up Dunedin - Train in the Ring

• Kim Davie with Mossco Dynamo - Train in the Ring

• Malcolm McCallie with Astra Mac AW/G - Woodside

• Jaime McCullough with Greenhill Jessica - Woodside

• Robyn Douglas with Mordor Zoomie Diva - SKC

 * Plus 2 qualifiers for each part from the 'last chance' heat at Prestwick!

With grateful thanks to our sponsors SMART Clinic, Train in the Ring and Mary McKie

LOW 550 Scotland Continues into 2018

Following the huge success of the inaugural LOW 550 Scotland competition, which culminated in a top quality Final in June 2017, we are delighted to announce that our generous Sponsors have enabled the LOW 550 team to offer this exciting series once again.

LOW 550 Scotland is a Jumping cup competition for handlers wishing to compete in a prestigious qualifier at the same height as the Lower Height Option at KC Agility tests (550mm).  Open to all dogs in the Large height category (i.e. measuring over 430mm at the withers), there will be five qualifying heats held around the country, split into two parts for CG 1-4 and CG 5-7. The host show has the choice of whether to run both parts together or separately, and can also choose whether to run the qualifier as a Special class or as the LHO part of a Standard Progression class/es. The top two dogs from each part will qualify for a similarly split Final, taking place at Prestwick Premier Agility Show in June 2018.

The overall winners of each part in the Final will also qualify to represent Scotland at the Final of the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup at Prestbury Park Premier Agility Show in September 2018 in Gloucestershire.

Qualifying Heats

• Gleniffer - 2nd - 3rd September 2017

• Train in the Ring - 23rd - 24th September 2017

• Woodside - 5th - 6th May 2018

• Scottish Kennel Club - 19th - 20th May 2018

• Prestwick - 9th June 2018

The LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup 2018 Final - and last chance heat -  will take place at the Prestwick Premier Agility Show on Saturday, 9th June, judged by Sara Hawkeswell.

About our judge in her own words
I’ve taken on most roles involved in running agility shows.  Starting off by helping on rings, I progressed to scribing and scoring. In 2010, I took my first judging appointment at Clyde Valley show – partly a success and partly a disaster. I misjudged my course time for G6-7 Large Agility and only one - the winning G7 dog - made it within the time. Today, I still feel guilty about the winner of G6 whose win didn’t count towards progression because of my mistake. Measuring wheels and experience have solved that problem for me!

Currently I take on several judging appointments each year, though often I do Championship scoring and occasionally scribe. I love the challenge and privilege of judging. It gives me great pleasure designing a course and watching dogs and handlers tackle it - and I get the best position to watch all day. It’s hard work getting through around 400 dogs in a day and I find I am physically and mentally exhausted but always glad that I did it.

I have been involved in organising agility shows for the last six years, initially with Woodside Dog Agility Club and now for the Scottish Kennel Club. I am the Scottish Kennel Club’s Agility Co-ordinator which means, among things, I organise and am show manager for our Championship and Premier shows each year. 

I am also the Scottish Representative on the Kennel Club Agility Liaison Council. Not sure I knew what I was getting into when I took this on but I have tried to throw myself head first into it.  I’ve learnt a lot and hopefully contributed to progressing agility.  I enjoy consultation meetings with competitors throughout Scotland. Meetings are always interesting.

I currently attempt to compete with my Pyrenean Sheepdog, Abi. She has great potential but struggles to put up with my body failing to keep up with my brain.  My two older dogs are now retired from agility, Fiz (10 year old Pyrenean Sheepdog) and Zip (13 year old Working Sheepdog).  I’m definitely due a puppy (or two) - and have my eye on another Pyrenean Sheepdog and perhaps a lovely big collie boy.

Outside of agility I have been studying dog behaviour. I am an accredited member of the APDT, have a keen interest in canine nutrition and have also recently started a dog training business, not just agility.  I have a small holding and keep sheep and chickens and am gradually starting to train them as well!

I’m looking forward to judging the LOW 550 Scotland final this year.  It’s a privilege to be invited to judge a competition where competitors have fought to get into a final. I will be setting a challenging course to test the dog and handler partnerships and shall enjoy seeing many dogs jumping over a height that they are far more suited to. Good luck to all the Finalists.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/low550scotland

Email:  fourth_height@yahoo.co.uk

About Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors: SMART Veterinary Clinic, Train in The Ring and Mary McKie

• SMART Clinic
  The first SMART Clinic was set up in Swansea in 2004 by Lowri Davies, who is currently President of the British Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Society, and a second clinic was established in Cardiff in 2008.  With their special interest in agility dogs and promoting agility as a sport, SMART Clinic are delighted to be able to support the LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup to help make it accessible to more dogs.  See more about the SMART Clinic on their website: http://smartvetwales.co.uk/
   

• Train in the Ring
  Train in the Ring believe in flexibility in jump height to suit every individual dogs needs. That's why at Train in the Ring independent shows we have always had 5 jump heights and you the owner can choose which height is best for your dog at that time! We delighted to carry on as sponsors of the LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup and honoured to once again hold a qualifier at our Kennel Club show in September!  See more on the Train in the Ring website: http://www.traininthering.co.uk/
   

• Mary McKie
  I chose to support LOW 550 Scotland as I have for a very long time been a supporter of a 4th height for smaller Large dogs.  To me, it is logical that the gap between Large and Medium should be filled with a height for all those dogs, and I firmly believe that jumping lower is better for our dogs' long term health.  Sadly my old smaller Large boy has missed out on this qualifier - as well as LHO - but hopefully the lower height we are now able to choose will benefit my Sprollie (now seven) for many years to come. Having a dedicated qualifier for this height I believe gives it more kudos.  I think it is wonderful that Scotland has its very own qualifier, so I have been only too happy to carry on as a sponsor of this event.

LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup Final 2017
Report by Judge Fiona Turnbull

I recently had the honour of judging the LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup Final at Tweedbank Show at Springwood Park, Kelso on Saturday, 24th June. 

Given the class had two parts - one for CG 1-4 and the other CG 5-7 - I tried to plan my course to suit all Grades. There were two areas of the course where the handler had to decide which route they would take, a slightly longer line or a shorter line but closer to other obstacles.

There were many tremendous attempts from all the handlers and dogs, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching every combination and how they chose to run it. The crowd also seemed to enjoy it even though it was freezing cold and very windy!

In the G1-4 part, a lovely fast flowing round from Kelly Milne with Teddy The One and Only, was enough to secure them as the winner. The G5-7 dogs generally had faster times but not as many went clear. The times in the top places were very close. Sarah Graham was the eventual winner of this section with a super fast tight clear from her fantastic Reiver's Jumping Geordie.

Having this option to jumping lower allows many dogs to compete at a height they are comfortable with - it was a pleasure to watch so many happy combinations.

Results

CG1-4

1. Kelly Milne with Teddy the One and Only - 35.131 secs

2. Debbie Prince with Highfield Princess - 35.961 secs

CG 5-7

1. Sarah Graham with Reivers Jumping Geordie - 28.717 secs

2. Verity Bowell with Finntastic Kite Flyer - 28.813 secs

Thank you to our fabulous sponsors SMART Veterinary Clinic, Tracey Kirkpatrick & Co Accounts, Train in the Ring, Fiona Turnbull and Mary McKie, without their generosity this competition could not have taken place.

LOW 550 Scotland continues into 2018 – see the Facebook page or website for details – entries are being taken soon!

LOW 550 Scotland gets Underway at Gleniffer

The first qualifying heat took place at Gleniffer DTC on Saturday, 4^th September, over a fabulous, flowing course designed by Judge Aileen Darling. Here is her report.

I judged the LOW 550 Scotland qualifier at Gleniffer Show on Sunday, 4^th September. Grades 1-7 were all competing over the same course, although results were split into two parts for G1-4 and G5-7, so I designed a flowing course with choices available for handling the turns. The course distance was 145 metres and course time 45 seconds.

Highfield Princess and the LOW 550 Scotland Jumping Cup at Gleniffer
by Debbie Prince

The table shows Poppy’s speed over courses this season. Only clear runs where I have managed to note the course length are included.

About the Low 550 Competition

LOW 550 Scotland is a Jumping cup competition for handlers wishing to compete in a prestigious qualifier at the same height as the Lower Height Option at KC Agility tests.  This Special sponsored event is open to all dogs in the Large height category (ie measuring over 430mm at the withers) and hurdles are set at 550mm. 

Five qualifying heats will be held around the country, each one split into two parts for Combined Grades 1-4 and Combined Grades 5-7.  All dogs will run over the same course and shows have the option of running the parts together or separately.  The top two dogs and handlers from each part will qualify for a similarly split Final taking place at Tweedbank DTC Open Agility Show on 24th - 25th June 2017 at Springwood Park, Kelso, Scottish Borders TD5 8LS. 

Chris Garrett Ralphs explained the back story. 'We had one heat of the LOW 550 to allocate to Scotland.  We were completely oversubscribed with applications and thought we would try to organise a qualifier just for Scotland - hence the five heats and the Final (with the overall winners representing Scotland in the main LOW 550 Final in 2017.  Extra funding for LOW 550 Scotland came from within the enthusiastic Scottish agility community.

Entries are high for the first heat, so there is much to look forward to, and Scotland have always been very supportive of a jump height at 550mm.'

Heats

• Glennifer - 3rd - 4th September 2016

• Train in the Ring - 24th - 25th September 2016

• Woodside - 30th April 2017

• SKC - 21st May 2017

• Tweedbank - 24th -25th June 2017 (last chance heat

• Final)

The overall winners of each part in the Final will also qualify to represent Scotland at the Final of the LOW 550 National Jumping Cup at Prestbury Park Championship and Premier Agility Show in September 2017, at Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire. 

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