Kelso 2011 Working Cart Report
Judge - Lee Palmer
Firstly can I thank the Chairman & Committee for inviting me to judge at Kelso 2011, this is the second time I have judged this event and is without a doubt my favourite venue.
I would also like to thank my wife Julie for stewarding for me and generally running around looking after me and the dogs and all those that helped put up and take down the carting course, your efforts are much appreciated.
To say the conditions were moist this year would be an understatement, it didn’t stop raining all day except for one brief period when one of our senior carters had his turn on the course; we all know he’s good but does he really have friends in higher places?
Despite the rain there was still a steady stream of participants all willing to give the carting course their best, some even surprised themselves. Doing much better than they could have hoped for, a few decided not to take part and I can understand your reasons. But remember you own BERNESE and they don’t care if they get wet, your skin is waterproof and your carts won’t come to any harm if they get wet. Enough said I think.
The major sticking point for most dogs was believe it or not basic obedience, moving while at the halt and not wanting to sit, stand or go down on command, but we do own BERNESE so what do we expect!!.
Another point I would like to bring up is that there is no time limit on the course, some of you sprinted round so fast I had trouble keeping up, I’ve only got short legs you know!
The one thing that has stuck in my mind is the way everyone enjoyed working their dogs, at times the conditions were hard , but there were no complaints. Just wet happy faces, the carting groups motto ‘A WORKING BERNESE IS A HAPPY BERNESE’ is certainly true.
Thanks once again for everyone’s support
Here are the places for KELSO 2011
BEGINNERS
1st Keith Brown & Hetty 126 PASS
2nd Lena Chandler & Maja 122 PASS
3rd Andrew Murphy & Benson 119 PASS
4th Jenny Cowley & Benson 116 FAIL
INTERMEDIATE
1st Julie Wright & Hudson 172 PASS
2nd Debbie Morgan & Clemmie 170 PASS
3rd Glen White & Gina 167 PASS
4th Glen White & Lincon 165 PASS
5th John Flippance & Molly 163 PASS
ADVANCED
1st Bruce Hollingsworth & Asti 248 PASS
2nd Diane Crawshaw & Bryn 237 PASS
3rd Tom Murray & Haggis 235 PASS (E O C)
4th Wendy Murray & Flora 235 PASS
5th Tom Murray & Duggie 234 PASS
The best working dog as judged by me went to Keith Brown with Hetty, these two just seemed to have fun all the time they were on the course a real pleasure to judge.