Friday 24 February 2017

YORKSHIRE RETRIEVER FIELD TRIAL SOCIETY - NOVICE TRIAL, HAREWOOD ESTATE

The Yorkshire Retriever Field Trial Society held it's final trial of the season, a 16 Dog AV Retriever Novice Stake,  at the beautiful Harewood Estate by Kind Permission of the Earl of Harewood / Land Agent Christopher Usher and Head Keeper, Tim Rothwell. 

The Judges were Mr Barry Cooper (A), Mr Wayne Mitchell (A), Mr Gary McCarthy (NP) and Mr Mike Nelson (NP).  The Chief Steward was Mr David Barrett and Steward of the Beat Mr Tim Rothwell. 

The day would be predominantly driven with a small element of walked-up through the woodland areas. 

After formal introductions, apologies and amendments, the  competitors, judges, gallery et al,  boarded the "beaters bus" and were driven through the  grounds to the first drive.

All Aboard ..

The Skylark !!!

The dogs and handlers were lined out in a light woodland area with ducks being driven of a nearby pond.  The ducks provided some difficult shooting but a steady start was made. 

Lining out for the First Drive







A short walk across the Parkland and a line was placed directly in front of Harewood House and another to the side of a the small plantation. A nice drive saw plenty of birds flushed and shot with one particularly runner nicely picked amongst lots of action.

With all the birds picked from the park, we headed back down to the woods for a spot of walked-up. 







Some nice shooting by the guns saw the dogs quickly into action.  One bird was shot and fell out of the wood and into the lake. 

Emerging from the woods to the waters edge we saw some of the dogs refusing to enter the water or entering but exiting straight away. 

Eventually said bird was picked and the field cut by 5 !!!!

We continued to work our way through the wood in a walked up fashion and birds were falling left and right of the line. 



 



A nice retrieve from the wood over a the fence and out into the open paddock by Eden Parish's dog really upped the tempo.








 




Lisa Coates' young dog Rolex completed a a nice clean retrieve and we were down to the final three.








 
Dogs and Handlers were lined out for a mini drive with only enough birds being shot to complete the trial.

First to be sent, Thomas Bushby's  "Buddy".  Nice "out and in" retrieve. 

Both Eden and Lisa sadly failed with their retrieves which left the last, Woodcock, for Thomas and Buddy. 

Straight down the track heading for the open gate, but before the gate, a left along the fence line.  With some very nice handling the woodcock was in the bag and the trial was over. 

I'm sure both Eden and Lisa felt deflated to have got so far and to have come away empty handed.  Lisa especially in only her second novice trial, but both should take so many positives from the day.  A very well turned out pair of dogs, who did exactly what was asked of them.  Sometimes on the day, it is just a half a step too far, but it gives us direction for our training over the summer and the taste to be back next season to finish what has been started.   I will watch with interest to see how both dogs progress. 

Thomas was a worthy winner.  Buddy is a dog that I have seen run a few times over the last 18 months and it was the right time for the pair to advance to Open.  

I wish them much success as they push forward


          
WINNER :- THOMAS BUSHBY & SAXAPHONE PINE OF SHADOWBRAE




























 
GUNS CHOICE - DAVE TULIP & WESTMACOTT GUNNER 


Sadly for us this was the last trial to be run at the beautiful Harewood Estate.  It has afforded many field trial societies and training clubs am amazing area to train and compete in over the years and will be much missed. 

Many thanks to the Tim Rothwell, the gamekeeper, and his team.

Another set of thanks must go to all those that help out during the course of the season.  Whether it be stewarding, carrying game, the field trial secretaries, the handlers and the dog, an army of people required to ensure each and every field trial is a success. 

Enjoy your spring and summer training and I look forward to seeing you in the Autumn as the trialling season begins.    

 
TO SEE THE FULL GALLERY FROM THE TRIAL PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE


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