Held at Blenheim Palace, by kind permission of the Duke of Malborough, this year’s Kennel Club Any Variety (excluding cocker) Spaniel Championship, was a tremendous test of dog work and a display of some very fine shooting.
Handled calmly, clearly and efficiently by Scott Dixon, FTch Mountvue Heidi took home the top prize for her owner Ian Openshaw. Heidi showed masses of natural game-finding ability and on all of her retrieves demonstrated how well she could mark game.
No matter what task was thrown at her, the three-year-old English springer made it look easy. “Heidi was a field trial champion at 18 months old and we always felt it was her destiny to win this championship,” said Ian. “She’s able to face any type of cover and in brambles she’s the best hunting dog I have ever owned.”
Challenges
Though at times hard going, the ground was perfect for spaniels, offering a huge variety of challenges and ample game. Sixty-six dogs had qualified for this prestigious event, sponsored again by Skinner’s Field & Trial dog food. When it came to the three-day competition, two dogs were withdrawn, leaving 64 to be assessed by the four experienced and knowledgeable judges.
Martin Ford, who also judged at this year’s Cocker Spaniel Championship (Shooting Times, 22 January), boasts a wealth of experience. He was elected for the A-panel in 2002 and has now judged all over the UK. Peter Avery is not only an A-panel judge for spaniels but also a B-panel judge for retrievers. He is committed to ensuring that spaniel trialling remains as close to a normal day’s rough shooting as possible.
This story is from the February 05, 2020 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 05, 2020 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
United we stand
Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
They're not always as easy as they seem
While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make
A step too far?
Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work
Two bucks before breakfast
A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside
