Summer Water Test Report

The Mid Sussex Working Spaniel Club held its annual Summer Water Test this weekend, with a strong turnout of 45 dogs taking part in what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging day.

We were delighted to welcome judges Fliss Winters and Vicky Payne, who set up a series of testing scenarios designed to assess the standard and ability of each dog across a range of water-based retrieves. Their thoughtful and demanding test setups ensured that handlers and dogs alike were given plenty to work with and learn from.

The Martin family kindly hosted us once again at their beautiful ground, where we have been fortunate to hold events for the past 15 years. Their continued support and hospitality are deeply appreciated by everyone in the Club.

After the testing concluded, competitors and spectators gathered to enjoy a well-earned BBQ, adding to the warm and friendly atmosphere that the event is known for. This was all be cooked by our head chef and committee member Mick Reader and his wonderful wife.

The weather posed its own challenges, with overcast skies in the morning making for cooler working conditions, before the sun broke through in the afternoon, bringing a change in light and temperature for the final rounds.

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors, Sporting Saint and Skinners Dog Food, for their ongoing support of the Club and our events. Special thanks to all committee, helpers and competitors.

Overall, it was a successful and well-supported day, celebrating the working spaniel and the camaraderie of the sporting dog community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year. To this wonderful event and our forthcoming autumn test in September.

Novice

1st – ESS – Nichholmes Maggie May handled by C Skelton.

2nd – X – Barefoot Ronja handled by A Rubikaite

3rd – CS – Curlianne Ragnar Lothbrok handled by K Relf also reviving best cocker

4th – ESS – Deaksbetty October Flash handled by C Skelton 

COM: Matthershill Griifin Beaubrok handled by P Brown, Spindle handled by P Dalby, Culianne Galaxy Buttons handled by J Curling

Open after a review

1st – CS – Bushyoak Blaze handled by M Leeves

2nd – ESS – Natcarw Barnes Wallis handled by R Cayford

3rd – CS – Tarncrag Smartie handled by H Lindsay.

Thank you to Jacqueline Rackman for all the lovely photographs. The following link is to her Facebook page where there are lots more!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CmfV7U8Ny/?mibextid=wwXIfr