Remember November : Winter Series Show

The first show in November marks the start of Winter and it was a tad chillier than anticipated! We had a busy show and due to someone not being able to count (Lydia) we ended up with more entries than planned so opened up a third ring for Steeplechase.

There was cheer and laughter in the air (very loud laughter from Avril) and a number of instructor misfortunes contributed to the enjoyment. Sue never made it to the show due to her house mate leaving for Birmingham with her car keys! Then I covered myself in hot chocolate while doing the drinks run and had to lose my jumper (brr). Lastly Katie's Springer, Milo, jumped up at her and ripped a big hole in her jeans and she had to wrap a jacket around herself apron-style to hide it!

There were plenty of mishaps in the ring too! Rob and Buddy (famous from previous posts) had a cracking run until Buddy somehow mistook a jump and got stuck with his front legs on one side and back legs behind, with the pole under his armpits! He eventually managed to scramble over and didn't even knock the pole down. Lou's dog Twiggy somehow got in between the timer and the jump wing (no one quite knows how) and then her other dog Poppy had a wild run; firstly self-releasing off the seesaw and then running off the dog walk and over the finish jump, leaving Lou stood at the second to last jump waving goodbye!

However it wasn't all bad. Intermediate was definitely the busiest class this time and it's pleasing to see that a lot of dogs have moved up the grades during summer. The show still had its beginner appeal and Deb had her first run in a new place with her youngster Beanie and they did really well. Bex and Gemma got placed in every run. Katie and "baby" Milo got a 2nd on his 2nd Birthday! Sue, Avril, Lou and Sheli all got placemets with their dogs and Adele and Oliver beat Lou to 1st place for once!

We had some great judges putting together lovely courses and we all really enjoyed running Emma's Steeplechase. Rachel ran Emma's dog Tess, but half way around she realised her mum was in the ring and had to run over to say hello! Poor Steve our website designer then got bullied into scribing for Judge Emma, who happens to be his daughter.

Away from the agility everyone couldn't help but notice the new added muscle to the show in the form of a tall welshman! It was a great help having two guys at the show and Nick (Mr. New Guy) and Ash are always a welcome sight when it comes to packing away time. Even if Ash was wearing a very bright, pink hat. It clashed a bit with his ginger hair!

It was a late finish but the spirits and atmosphere were high as usual (although I think it's safe to say we all collapsed once we finally got home at 8pm)! December will be back to the plan of 2 rings and away before 6pm!

Winter Series Agility Shows

In August 2012 Dig It decided to take over Tailwagger’s Winter Series Shows. Held in an indoor riding centre, the winter series is a set of 6 unaffiliated shows which run once a month from November to March. The shows are limited to 850 runs and aim solely to provide a relaxed, friendly experience for new dogs and handlers as well as for experienced handlers wanting to maintain their dogs fitness and show training over the quieter winter months.

Who Should Enter?

The shows are specifically designed for new handlers and new dogs who want to get that first show experience as well as those experienced handlers and dogs who want to smooth out the kinks and knots. Our shows encourage training in the ring, with silent toys allowed to be held when running for competition and NFC runs available. These shows are a great time to reinforce your contacts, try new handling skills and crack that start line wait. Have you ever thought “I wish I could try that again?” Well you can! You get 2 runs for Agility and Jumping and the option to run your 2^nd go NFC if the first was for competition. Grade 3 dogs can be entered in Beginner or Intermediate allowing inexperienced Grade 3 dogs the chance to train the basics in a show. Rings are fully fenced with clear entrances and exits and as much queuing space as possible. 
Courses for higher levels present challenges and valuable training opportunities to proof those difficult sections, weave entries and contacts. 

Show Day

Not far from the M6 and there is ample parking. Outside there is a spacious equine exercise area that doesn't get muddy and a burger van for those rumbling tummies. Inside you will find a variety of trade stalls selling cakes, clothes,dog toys & treats. Local charities Greyhound Gap and Rode Heath Scout Group make a regular appearance with a tombola and second hand book stall. There are frequent announcements and the ring managers are clearly found in their high-vis jackets. Ring plans are kept simple and a friendly face is never too far away to help.

 WhyNot?!

Small unaffiliated shows are vitally important to get you and your dog comfortable in the show environment. Limited numbers keep it from being too crowded and the courses are smooth, simple but challenging to match your level.2 runs for Jumping and Agility and training allowed in the ring, plus a brilliant burger van! Why pass at an opportunity to train in the ring?! Once you try one show you’ll be ready to come back for the rest of the series.