HWVA Working Test 2014

They say that the sun shines on the righteous well  at the HWVA Working Test it stayed away which made conditions perfect. Once again the Association were able to use the fabulous facilities at Margaret’s Lake Widmerpool by kind permission of Mr Keith Skattergood and Messrs CG and RG Brooks. There cannot be many clubs who are able to have access to such super land for hunting and the lakes makes the perfect setting for the water tests and for both the HWVA is very grateful. The Special Beginners class was very popular with 3 Spinoni’s and their handlers travelling from Newcastle and Middlesborough to take part, all of whom were in the final awards.

It was lovely to see so many puppies both entered under judge Tim Bennett and others taken along to socialise and enjoy the atmosphere. The Novice retrieves asked quite a question for some of the dogs but as Judges Geoff Saint and Stephen Robson pointed out at the end of the event, with practice all the dogs should achieve.

The Puppy and Novice water tests were judged by Gill Pillinger who commented that she was impressed with the work she witnessed

The Open Test, judged by Mark Firmin (A Panel) were given a blind retrieve across the lake, a distance of 70-metres. Nearly all the handlers approached, worried about the distance but obviously no one had told their dogs because they put on a great display.

With strong competition the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla’s won the team event.

There was obviously a great deal of competition between handlers but possibly more in the ‘dummy throwing’ competition being held throughout the day. It proved to be great fun and laughter could be heard from the site as the competition hotted up!

All in all it was a fantastic day seeing some great dog work and meeting up with friends and like minded and the thanks of the HWVA go out to all the judges, helpers and Mr Lee Loveridge who set the tests.

As the final things were packed away it rained – perfect timing.

Write up and photos courtesy of Sharon Newman