Working events results 2014

The HWVA held a HPR Field Trial ( Novice Stakes ) on 22nd November by kind permission of the Warren Lane Shoot, Sawley, Notts. On arrival there were dark clouds on the horizon but some how they went around us during the morning meaning that most of the day was perfect. The Keeper of the shoot, Mr Jason Allaway was very enthusiastic and obviously understands how HPRs work and what they need for a successful FT. The Judges for the day were Mr Fred Alcock ( A ) and Mr Paul Dark ( non panel ).

It seemed that the birds knew what was coming their way and made themselves scarce for the first few dogs running which was frustrating for their handlers. The first HPR came with Michael Caine’s Moricroft My Choice who was running at number 7. The next few dogs saw more birds than they would have really wanted but were very steady when a number of birds flushed from the cover crop. More birds were shot but unfortunately this meant a few dogs were knocked out for various reasons.

The early dogs came forward for their second runs but  two of those still had blank runs and so were put forward for a later third run if there was time. After being in quite heavy game cover and long grass it was lovely to see some of the dogs really hunt on open stubble fields. As the sun started to go down another dog had a successful retrieve after having a good point on a previous run, that dog being Sharon Pinkerton’s GWP Ch Bareve Bonzabaai. The Judges decided that there was enough time and enough land left for dogs who had previously had blank runs to have a third run and amazingly again none of them found any game except a very brave hare.

Only Sharon Pinkerton’s dog was taken to the water where he carried out a lovely retrieve to hand on a hen bird.

The Judges awarded Sharon with a CoM, her second with that dog. The Guns, without whose generous support the FT couldn’t take place said that they did want to make a Guns Award. This they gave to a handler and dog who were taking part in their first ever FT, Simon Simms-Gould with his HWV Gunnerwood Moo’s Snoop, obviously a team with great potential for future trials.

It was a lovely day for  many reasons. The Shoot representatives had been so welcoming, the Chief Steward for the day Mr Phil Robinson had obviously put in a lot of hard work prior to the day. The Guns, Messers Andy Foster, Paul MacDonald, Lee Loveridge and Tom West were experienced at shooting over HPRs which is so important, the Judges who although had a number of difficult decisions to make during the day appeared to give advice and be approachable when it was required.

Finally it is always good to get together with like minded people who enjoy watching good dog work and chatting about what these fabulous breeds are bred to do.

If you feel that you could help committee members at future working events which may be taking place near where you live please contact the Field Trial Secretary, Hazel Drew.

Sharon Newman

On 16 August the HWVA held its first HPR FT Novice Stake on grouse  by kind permission of the owner of Conniston and Grassington Moors.  With  tremendous help and support from Keeper Mr Harvey Wiggins and his team it ensured that everyone had a fabulous day. The dogs were running under Mr Godfrey Card (A) and Mr Lee Loveridge (B) and of course the trial couldn’t take place without the valuable support of the guns, Mr Geoff Saint, Mr Ray Davies and Mr Robert Houghton.

The card consisted of 12 dogs 4 of which were HWVs. One dog was handled by someone who had flown in specially from Germany and a second dog and handler came in from Hungary. It soon became apparent that the very strong winds were affecting the birds making it quite difficult for novice dogs. The Keeper,Harvey Wiggins was able to pass on a little of his great knowledge and understanding of the habits of the birds to ensure that the Trial covered areas where the dogs should have found birds in the difficult conditions.

The first birds shot were on Hazel Drew’s run with Firefrost Enchantress where a very classy piece of hunting, pointing and retrieving was witnessed putting her safely through to the second runs. Michael Caine and Moricroft My Choice, were the next to get a good hunt, point and retrieve on the same bird. Zoldmali Zala handled by Zsofia Miczek hunted a large area but unable to find a bird however the Judges were impressed enough to put her through to the second runs. Two birds were then shot and Z. Zala was sent for the retrieves meaning that all she really needed was a good steady point on the second run. Great to see three HWVs going through. Unfortunately on the second run Hazel and Michael’s bitches found birds they didn’t want to and Zsofia, even after a 20-minute hunt couldn’t find one! So no final placings but the Guns Award was given to Hazel following her first run. A great day and a fantastic opportunity for novice dogs to be able to compete on the fabulous grouse moors.