The Hogsthorpe Exemption Show

A Typical Ringfull of Dogs!

Rosettes from Hogsthorpe

I received an email on Friday about a small exemption/fun show locally on the coast, so decided to go along for an afternoon out.

I left late morning, having a nice ride through our pretty countryside to the usual beach. I found policemen on the road leading to the beach, and apparently there was an illegal rave happening there. We were still allowed onto the beach, but the tide was in so just had a quick walk along the small artificial beach that has been brought in as sea defenses. Barney wasn't inclined to go to the rave a little along the beach so we left to go the short distance to the small village where the show was being held.

Finding the venue quickly we parked in the field. It was being held at a riding school in a farm field, so was a fairly 'rural' setting, which Barney found interesting.

I had a chat with the lady organizer and booked in. Not too many people were there, but it looked a nice, friendly little show.

The show followed the exemption format with 4 pedigree classes first. A small agility ring had been set up, as a have a go.

I went in the first of our classes and got 1/3 place for best crossbreed, then surprise and delight we won the best rescue class. The judge did an excellent job of handing out the rosettes and good prizes, with everyone getting a fair share, and the better dogs, especially handled by young children getting the first places.

For the third time at a show I found myself sheltering from showers under an umbrella, however they soon passed. In a small interval between our classes I gave Barney a go at agility. All went well as I showed him what to do, putting him through the tunnel twice, however I took him off the lead to try to do a bit better. At the tunnel he got excited, jumping over it and flattening it. I don't think the old gentleman was too pleased, as he brusquely told me to put him on the lead, as he was straightening the tunnel out, leaning on his walking stick. Barney...WHY do you always have to show me up.....

So we have now got a first in every class we are eligible for. He also won a super prize, a new dog bed, but as he sleeps on mine or the chair or settee, I donated it to my friend who is getting a new Yorkshire Terrier next week, as hers passed away a few weeks ago.