Trial Managers Report

A trial with many first’s – My first time as TM, the first time the venue has been used for a SWUK Trial, a debut trial for many of the competitors and the first weekend after the May lifting of Covid19 restrictions.

For setting up the four areas I was very conscious that this was a first trial for many of the handlers and with trial novice dogs so I ensured webbed fencing around exterior and interior searches to eliminate as much temptation for distraction as possible. Nerves are always high for competitors and as TM I wanted to set them up for success and the rest was up to them. The weather was breezy but very kind to us considering the wet month we have had.
Wow! they certainly aced it, I think there has been some serious lockdown practice happening. The top three gaining full marks. Myfanwy with her very confident and speedy Labrador Honey took first place. Following closely behind, Caroline with her bubbly Springer Poppy took second place and with another full house. Joyce and Loki gained full marks but just got pipped on time, Loki is a big dog being a Malamute x, speed is not his game but being methodical, steadfast and precise was.

Jane and Skipper were on a reserve list from last November’s cancelled trial and jumped in last minute due to a cancellation and she took fourth place and gained the magical four points needed to gain her L1 Excellence Title – Way to go Jane and Skipper

The standard of all the dog’s was excellent with seven clear sweeps being awarded and 11 qualifiers, there were some low point deductions on the common early handling errors. Well done to all of them.

As Trial Manager I felt the event went very well especially considering it was run in two smaller groups and I received some lovely competitor feedback. There were no mishaps or problems that can occur out of anyone’s control so all ran smoothly and I put this down to the fantastic team at the event.

Thanks goes to Rachael Fox for her positive, honest and encouraging Judging style, to Ruby Kwok for her efficiency in scribing and to my assistant Gemma for the use of her vehicle and for showing everyone where they needed to be. I have to mention young four paws Esme, who was white dog for not four areas but eight areas and did a fantastic job.
Finally, thank you to all the competitors who joined the Zoom presentation in the evening and who made it such a happy day and let us hope all continues well for a full scale trial next time

Mandy Rigby