Over the winter months Mary, my wife has been attending Dog Agility training classes with Lily our dog. Springfields Equestrian Centre at Hardslacks, up in the wilds of Hatton Moss was the venue. Denise of Vynor Dog Training is a wonderful teacher – encouraging her novice handlers and their dogs with her gentile, cando attitude.
And now we see it has all be worthwhile. On Saturday we attended a Fun Agility Competition at the Waulkmill Show Cenre just outside Ellon. Mary had no plans to compete but she was encouraged to have a go – and how well Lily and she did. They both loved it!
Lily did not manage to win her class but was awarded a Judge’s Special Rosette. How proud she looks!
Two other members of the class entered and distinguished themselves wonderfully well, taking home their rosettes.
Gillie is a young farm collie which Fiona brought back from Ireland. He just loves to jump and of course, to get a cuddle, proudly showing off his rosette.
Lexi the spaniel is the fastest thing on four legs. I wonder if she uses her ears for extra lift? I don’t know how Jacqui, her adoring owner manages to keep up with her. They had a clear round and won a first place rosette not to mention a seventh place in another class.
I went along to the competition with camera in hand. Not ideal photographic conditions, since the light was very poor as the rain poured down outside. Then the dogs (and their handlers) went so fast that some of the pictures are a bit fuzzy. Never the less I did manage to get some photographs of the dogs in action.
By the way, I see that the Springfields Equestrian Centre is up for sale. Anyone interested?