Charity Working Gundog Tests
Spring 2017 Results

This year's tests were a great success, raising £1200 for our 'Wild Spaces Fund" and an attendance record with over 110 dogs being entered. It was good to see so many KWCA members attending, either to compete or just watch the dogs work.

The Weather was very windy and overcast, good conditions for working gundogs, making it easier to scent out dummies.

The new Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR) test proved a success with many different breeds entering, we had German Shorthaired Pointers, Vizslas, Wirerhaired Vizsla, English Pointer, Spinone, Large Munsterlanders and a Laggotto.

The Spaniel test proved very popular again. Eric judged forty spaniels and he reported that the standard was very good and that dogs had improved since last year's test.

Graham's Retriever test proved very challenging for the dogs, especially at the “Open Dog” level, the unseen retrieve was set at 240 yards. It was enjoyable to see the experienced retrievers working at these distances.

The three favourite shooting tests, Pheasant Pickup, Duck Decoy and Duck Splash for some competitors proved very challenging. The judges and helpers worked hard to make their tests enjoyable and all were especially helpful to the ‘Special Beginners’ giving lots of encouragement to the new handlers entering into the gundog world. They all gave sound advice to help make their competitors' dogs achieve.

The next Tests will be held in August 2017 and will include our annual KWCA Trophies.
For those entering, expect some very different tests at the next event.

A special thank you to all the Judges and Helpers who made the event such a 'good day out'.

Gary Vallins

WINNERS Spaniel Test Special Beginners: Charlie Parkhurst with Cocker Spaniel Jasper. Puppy: Jason Setterfield with Cocker Spaniel Purdy. Novice Dog: Garry Cutress with English Springer Spaniel Maddie. Open: Michelle Dunbar with Cocker Spaniel Pip. Retriever Test Special Beginners: Stuart Henderson with Lab Bella. Puppy: Tony Baker with Lab George. Novice Dog: Scott Lee with Lab KY. Open: Jason Young with Lab Drummer HPR Test Special Beginners: : Andrew Macpherson with Lagotto Romagnolo Gringo. Novice Dog : Anna Hampton with Vizsla Alfie. Pheasant Pickup: Special Beginners : Stuart Henderson with Lab Bella. Puppy : Jason Young with Lab Tilly. Novice Dog : Scott Lee with Lab KY. Open : Jason Young with Lab Blue. Duck Splash: Special Beginners: Charlie with Cocker Spaniel Jasper. Puppy: Jason Young with Lab Tilly. Novice Dog: Garry Cutress with English Springer Spaniel Maddie. Open: Michelle Dunbar with Cocker Spaniel Pip. Duck Decoy: Special Beginners: Sarah Bottfield with Cocker Herbie. Puppy: Jason Young with Lab Tilly. Novice Dog: Stuart Henderson with Lab Red. Open: Jason Young with Lab Blue.