Country Diary 2007

29th December, Saturday

2007-12-31T09:06:00.001Z

Bakers Farm Shoot
Still not feeling great so don't go again. Such a shame really, all the training I put into the dogs through out the rest of the year. But Risque needs a decent ride today, and I need to bring a haylage bale down into the yard as well as my normal chores.

Sorrel
Took her out into the field to do a few retrieves on her new dummy. I am letting her run in but she really is good, and always brings it back with a perfect present. I did manage to get her to stay in the sit while I threw the dummy behind me so that was good. I just need to get the balance right between training and fun. I certainly don't want her to get bored so I am hesitant about putting too much steadiness in at this age.
However, she still hasn't been on a lead and heelwork is non existent.

Out tonight for a drinks party.

28th December, Friday

2007-12-27T10:16:00.000Z

Shooting
Findon Valley
Have cancelled my day picking up here, which was a shame, as this is my last day I think, unless anyone can't do some of the days in January.

Hunting
Chloe
Off we go again. Because I have a cold, I will probably only do a short day. The meet isn't too far away, so I can stay as long as I like depending how I feel.
Chloe was much better behaved today, so I guess she is still tired after Boxing Day. After the meet we did some hunting round the farm, and had a few ditches to jump, which she did brilliantly. We carried on South and had a nice day with some tiger traps. Overall she went really well today, but I left soon after lunch.

8 for dinner tonight.

27th December, Thursday

2007-12-27T10:13:00.000Z

Shooting
Bakers Farm
Well, I haven't gone to the shoot again today. I have got a really bad cold, not surprising as nearly everyone I know has been ill over the past couple of weeks. I seem to have missed so many days here, it just has been one of those seasons I guess.

It is hard to get the yard done, and horses all exercised before 9am. The only way is for me to get up at about 6am, and just felt like an easier day today.

I still have all my tack to clean from yesterday which is absolutely plastered with mud, and Risque must go out today for roadwork as she can't go in the field because of her injured foot.

Boxing Day, Wednesday

2007-12-27T10:09:00.000Z

Hunting
Chloe
We met at the local pub, which was great as I could hack to the meet.
Chloe was a real pain at the meet and wouldn't stand still so I ended up stood at the back and just walking her round.
There were loads of people at the meet, the field opposite the pub was just brimming with people.

Off we went following a trial and Chloe was really strong for the first 10 minutes but then she settled down.

I have done nearly all the jumps over this ground, and know it really well because of the shoot, so I felt quite relaxed, enjoyed the day, and probably did about 20 fences or maybe more.

Came home about 2.30pm.

Christmas Day, Tuesday

2007-12-27T10:06:00.000Z

Today it is cold and raining. All the frost and really cold weather has gone now.

Have 10 for lunch.

Risque has to stay in because of her injured foot. Chloe can stay in and keep clean ready for tomorrow, Ellie and Panache went out, but just stood at the gate wanting to come back in again because it was raining, so got them in after a couple of hours.

The dogs were well behaved, as we also had a Tibetan terrier here for Christmas Day as well!

Christmas Eve

2007-12-27T08:49:00.002Z

Hunting
Risque
Took her to the meet up on the Downs, and she was so well behaved. She stood really well at the meet, and was a pleasure to take.
The temperature has definitely risen, but it was really cold on the tops where there was no shelter from the biting wind.

No jumping today, but Christmas Eve is generally a quieter day.

Unfortunately I came home a bit early as Risque has cut into her heel. It is like an 'over reach' but it looks quite deep so I suspect it was cut on a flint. She doesn't seem lame, but then with the adrenaline of the day she probably wouldn't be until the following day.

14 round for drinks tonight.

22nd December, Saturday

2007-12-27T08:45:00.000Z

Hunting
The meet that was canceled on Monday has been rescheduled for today, but the ground is still frozen, so it has been canceled again.

Shooting
I had said that I would pick up on the shoot today, but I still have so much to do for Christmas, that I think I will have to get on with my chores!!

Now that I have 2 horses to keep fit as well, it is really hard to fit everything in.

20th December, Thursday

2007-12-27T08:41:00.000Z

Jonny goes home today.

The ground is still frozen, and it is really cold.

The school is really hard, but fortunately the roads have been gritted so I'm able to get the horses out on roadwork.

19th December, Wednesday

2007-12-19T16:56:00.000Z

Rusty & Hazel
Angmering Park Estate

Heavy frost again last night, and the temperature is freezing. Add a cold northly wind up on the Downs and I was glad of the extra jumper!

The other 'pickers-up' have loads of dogs, and the shoot only has 2 spare vehicles so I am driving the landrover all to myself today. Fortunately, my off roading skills won't be required that much as the ground is frozen, so only ruts and slippery frost to negotiate.

Although the bag was over 200 there wasn't that much for me to do today, and the dogs worked well. We did 4 big drives, and although we stopped for pasties and sloe gin, we didn't have an official lunch and shot right through.

That means the guns were finished by 2.30pm and by the time we had swept through it wasn't long after 3pm before we were finished which is great as it means I can get back to do the horses before dark.

17th December, Monday

2007-12-18T17:41:00.000Z

Well, the last few days have been cold, with a really hard frost at night. Although the days have been clear bright skies, the temperature hasn't got above freezing, so hunting today was cancelled as the ground was too hard.
Today is a really renown meet, it is the one that's the week before Christmas, and is one of the fast and furious days so I'm sure it will be a disappointment to all not to be able to go out today.

I have done little training with Sorrel this week as she has been busy playing with Jonny so will make an effort after Christmas to do some more retrieving with her.

15th December, Sunday

2007-12-18T17:33:00.000Z

Rusty, Jasmine, Hazel, Sorrel and Jonny.

All the dogs come with me to the stables and hang around while I do my jobs. They are all playing really well together and I just love having them all around.

15th December, Saturday

2007-12-18T17:29:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunting
Met a midday, and as I waited at the meet there was a few bits of snow. It is cold but cloudy. There wasn't a big field but I guess that is because they were out yesterday, or will be out on Monday.
We only had a couple of fences to jump which were quite small, so nothing very challenging.
Anti's and police all out, and not many hunt stewards today, so it was really quite hard work.
They were only out for just under 3 hours so stayed till the end.

Dogs
All the dogs are getting on great and Jonny and Sorrel spend most of their time playing, so really cute to see them together.

From l - r
Hazel, Sorrel, Jasmine, Jonny practising their sit/stays!

14th December, Friday Rusty had a seizure.

2007-12-14T18:21:00.000Z

Risque
Today I took Risque hunting. This is first time she has been out since she has been pregnant and had the foal. I arrived at the meet quite early and was ready 'for anything'. I thought she would be so hyper as she hadn't been out for such a while.
Anyway she was brilliant. I just love riding this horse, and she stood beautifully at the meet for port and sausage rolls, didn't pull and was really well mannered.
We even had a set of rails to jump with stock wire in, that I made a complete mess of, but she scrambled over.
I didn't stay out long as she isn't that fit, and wanted to have a couple of hours out, and then get back to do the rest of the animals.

Chloe has a busy time coming up, so it did her good to have this day off, as she has lost so much weight, mainly through stress, as she gets so excited, she sweats off any weight she had.

Jonny came last night, and is staying for a week, so that should keep all the dogs happy, having a new playmate.

13th December, Thursday

2007-12-12T17:48:00.000Z

Sorrel

Well she is 15 weeks old now, nearly 4 months old. I can't believe she can start competing in the Gundog Working tests at 6 months old - we are no where near ready. That is the problem at this time of year, by the time I have done the horses it is dark so I have struggled to really focus on her training.

Saying all that she has picked up a lot from the other dogs and has fitted in well. She is at last getting the concept of house training, but I don't think we have had 1 day without a mistake! She will retrieve a tennis ball fine in the kitchen I just need to work on this outside.

Today she ran off, and I was really worried as I couldn't find her. I heard the bin men early this morning, so rushed up from the stables to give him his Christmas card/box and all the dogs followed me. The other dogs were all barking at the bin lorry, and Sorrel did bark but stayed well back by the trailer. After 'chatting', I looked round and couldn't find her anywhere. I knew she had been a bit scared of the bin lorry but I didn't expect her to be so badly spooked. After looking everywhere round the house, garden and fields, I eventually heard her bark, and she was on the next farm. I was really surprised that she had been that scared to run so far away, as she hasn't been anywhere without me or the other dogs with her.

I do need to do some traffic introduction, along with meeting some kids, as she hasn't really done any of that yet. However, it may have to wait till after the shooting season, and then I will have more time to focus on her.

Ellie
I have been doing some work on picking up her feet, and can just about pick all her feet up now without too fuss, as long as she is balanced, otherwise she tries to run round the stable on 3 legs which is rather difficult to hold onto the 4th leg!!
She has had a rug on the last few days, and she is getting used to this, as well as being brushed.
She has now had her feet washed and after trying to canter round me and kicking at the water the first few times she has really settled. The other day she stood tied up while I washed her feet, so that was such an improvement I was really please.

Panache
I can pick up her feet, although she still seems to get in a muddle with the farrier. Last time he did her feet, he was trimming the front one, and she managed to jump right over the top of him, knocking him flying, so still some work to do there!!
Leading is ok, washing her feet is a bit of a nightmare, but overall she is really sweet temperament. Just need to do some more work with her. I put her out in the top field the other day as there is more grass and the field is dryer. I was clipping Chloe and saw her in the small paddock and wondered how she got there. I went out to investigate, and she had broken through the slip rails, 2 of them broken in half. Why she went through the post and rail I'll never know. Thank god I don't have any wire; I'm sure we would have had a really serious injury if we had.

12th December, Wednesday

2007-12-12T17:38:00.000Z

Hazel & Rusty
Angmering Park

When I turned up it was lovely to see G there who I pick up with at Findon Valley. I didn't know she was coming, so we bagged the toyota and loaded all the dogs, she had 4 labs, and I had my 2.
It was a really sharp frost last night, but the sky is cloudless which is so nice to have a lovely day after so much rain. There is no wind, and actually although I don't think the temperature got much above freezing all day. We stopped at lunch for hot pasties, and it was quite warm sat on the pheasant feed bags in the sun.

Overall the dogs did ok. Hazel found a partridge after the guns had swept the area so that was nice. Nothing really exceptional, and not that much retrieving as some of the guns had dogs, but still a really enjoyable day, with stunning scenery.

12th December, Tuesday

2007-12-12T17:34:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunting
Today the meet was at the Secretary's house, and we had a peaceful day. The weather is bright with some sunshine, and I just had such a lovely day. Chloe got over the top at the beginning and just was too over enthusiastic at the fences and we had a couple of stops, just because she was rushing them and I was trying to steady her, so she almost just crashed into them. I am a bit disappointed about that as they weren't that big, but she jumped really well for the rest of the day.

Not that big a field, and only a few of us stayed out till the end. It is so nice to hack back to the meet with the hounds, and then have tea and cake. A really nice social day, with some good hound work.
These are the days I love.

10th December, Monday

2007-12-12T17:24:00.000Z

Bakers Farm Shoot
Rusty & Hazel

Today is the last 'Monday' for the family days on this shoot. Overall the dogs worked nicely, and Hazel sat at most of the drives off lead and didn't look like running in. Unfortunately, a bird was shot and landed directly in front of her, and she ran in!!! Back to the drawing board with her.
There was 6 of us picking up, and I really didn't have that much picking up to do.

Collected Sorrell after the mornings drive, and took her to the pub for lunch. She managed to poo in the car on the way there!!! and it's only a few minutes up the road. I had Hazel in the car which I thought would help.... obviously it didn't!! Anyway, loads of people made a fuss of her in the pub, so took her to the shoot for the last couple of drives. She sat in the car while I picked up with Hazel, but had a run round between the drives.

They hadn't that big a bag, so they decided to blank a huge area in for the last drive, and by the time it had finished it was nearly dark. I got really cold today, although it didn't actually rain. I just think I was stood still for such long periods.

Sorrel
Gundog Training 7 pm Indoor School
Took her tonight to the same class as last week. She managed to poo in the car on the way there!!!!! In the class she was ok, but surprise, surprise our heel work hasn't really improved. Considering she has only been on the lead twice she really hasn't got the concept but that's down to me to put some training in. I still feel it is beneficial for her to go for socialisation so the last one is next week so I might go if I'm not too tired.

8th December, Saturday

2007-12-08T17:31:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunting

The forecast is for rain, and rain it did. It only stopped for a short while in the late afternoon. The meet is just up the road from the house, so it will take about 10 minutes to hack there. Anyway I was soaked by the time we arrived.

They are shooting here today, and I must say I'm glad that I'm not picking up, it will be a long wet day.

After port and cake, they laid a trail, and hounds ran hard, so we had a fast canter to sort of warm up - if that was possible. We went round the woods, anti's and police were out. What the police were doing driving around in the police van in the woods, is just a damn cheek. I bet they didn't want to get out of the van and get wet!! They are not allowed on private land unless they think an offence has been committed.
It wasn't long before the huntsman had had enough, and we left the woods and hacked quite some way to have some free space.

However, the wind and rain continued, really heavy at times. Everyone was coated in a layer of mud, and I was soaked to the skin. After a few hours, they drew a covert near the house, so I took that opportunity to make for home. I think I got home about 2 pm and it was still pouring.

5th December, Wednesday

2007-12-06T17:23:00.001Z

They are hunting today, but I'm busy with work so will just have to give it a miss. As it is, it rained consistently all day. In fact the last week or so seems to have been constant rain. The ground has now gone to mud, and just the thought of all the tack and horse cleaning has left me taking the easy option of doing jobs at home.

It rained all Thursday (6th) as well!!!

3rd December, Monday

2007-12-03T18:02:00.000Z

Rusty and Hazel
Bakers Farm Shoot

After heavy drizzle ALL day yesterday and high winds this morning has dawned clear with a cloudless sky. Although it clouded over this afternoon, at least we stayed dry.

Both dogs were good. The both had some nice retrieves, with Rusty finding a bird that had been pricked that was miles away, it was only because I was chatting with Dick at the car and Rusty disappeared into the wood and came back with it that it was ever found.

There was only 4 of us picking up today and I was the only one with 2 dogs so there was plenty for everyone to do.

Really nice day out as always.

Sorrel
Training Class at Brinsbury - 7pm

I am tired, but Sorrel has had little socialisation, and decided to join this class tonight. I was not impressed as we were a bit late because just as I went to leave, I realised that she had just poohed in the house. Cleared that up, and took her in the car. When we got there I realised she had poohed in the car!! Cleared that up as well! Her house training is terrible. I admit that perhaps I haven't put as much time into it as the other dogs, but I have never had a puppy that has poohed in the car.

Anyway, we tried to do some heelwork, but as Sorrel has done virtually zero lead work she obviously wasn't that good. We did some whistle sits and that was OK. Overall, I was very pleased with her behaviour. She was quite bold and not at all intimidated by all the other dogs.

If I have the energy, I will try and go next week.

1st December, Saturday

2007-12-03T17:38:00.000Z

The Opening Meet
Chloe

Well, it was delayed by a month because of foot and mouth, and today we are at Knepp Castle as always for the Opening Meet.

I have decided after our fall last week not to go for some of the bigger hedges. I know today will be fast and furious galloping over a line of fences, so I just want to enjoy the day and have the horse come home uninjured.

I couldn't get over how flooded everywhere was. All the small streams had burst their banks and some of the water the horses had to cross was really deep. Some of the ponies were up to their tummies at one place. We had loads of water to wade through which was a bit daunting at times, especially later in the day when we had a bridge to cross and you could only just make out where it was as the stream was so full of water it was higher than the bridge and running over it.

Anyway, she jumped great, did all the timber fences no problem, and we still managed to jump a couple of the smaller hedges.

We went to the pub for second horses, and the field had really whittled down by now. Chloe had run really fast, and I lost count of how many fences we had jumped. It still seemed a bit early to go home, so did till 3pm although it was a bit slower in the afternoon.

At least the weather was dry, with some sunny spells, so overall a nice meet, and it was nice that so many people were at the meet as I had wondered how many would turn up with it being a month late.

30th November, Friday

2007-12-02T14:43:00.000Z

Findon Valley
Hazel

Today is damp with low cloud. The first drive is very cloudy and misty. That's the trouble on the Downs, stunning scenery in clear weather, but you are so high up the mist is really thick. All the drives were changed after the first one, as the big high drives are on top of the Downs and you could hardly see the birds. Hazel was a pleasure to take. She had some nice retrieves, and plenty of strong runners, probably a few too many but that's the way it goes.
After lunch the rain set in. One the first drive this afternoon I was stood in the bottom of the valley with the rain whipping through, and the rain horizontal into my face. It wasn't long before I was soaked and cold. We had to stand a long time, as it is a long drive, and at last the whistle went and we went and picked the birds. There was only 3 of us this afternoon, and there were some pricked birds that had gone back to the top of the valley so we ran the dogs through the cover at the top.

The last drive we picked a couple of partridges and then it was off home, to get the horses in and fed.

29th November, Thursday

2007-11-29T17:10:00.000Z

Sorrel

Went to trainthatdog.com for a class today. Jonny was also there so it was nice to see them.

We had to do quite a lot of sit in a wet field. In fact it poured with rain all night and morning and I have left all the horses in today as the field has just water laying on it at the moment.

Sorrel was not impressed with sitting in the field, but actually towards the end she did.

We had to do a 'sit stay' with all the puppies tied to the fence. We were only to return to them when they were in the sitting position. Sorrel was not looking at me at all, and then got tied up round the lead. I was tempted to return to her, but I was told to wait, and actually after a while she sat and looked at me which was fantastic. I did have to wait quite a bit, but then she was fine, and sat there looking at me, and I was able to walk away and return lengthening the period of 'stay'. It was a good exercise to watch and see how long it took the puppies to work out what to do. We also did some heel work, but I've a long way to go with that yet.

Unfortunately they haven't got a class now till next year, so I've booked into the January one.

28th November, Wednesday

2007-11-29T13:58:00.000Z

Milton came over for a visit today, and played with Sorrel. We took all the dogs out for a short walk but it started raining (again) and the puppies looked a bit wet and sorry for themselves so we came back. But the pups had a great time playing with each other in the kitchen.

26th November, Monday

2007-11-26T18:18:00.000Z

Rusty and Jaz
Bakers Farm Shoot

Took the Vizsla's as Hazel hurt her shoulder on Friday, and want her fully recovered for Friday this week.

As always, I love going to this shoot as I know the ground so well. Had some nice retrieves, but Jaz was a bit whiney. Came back at lunch time to let the puppy out, and just took Rusty for the afternoon.

25th November, Sunday

2007-11-26T18:17:00.001Z

Sorrel
GSP Training Laughton.

Went and took Sorrel for some socilaisation, and met Julie and Holly. Anyway, the 2 pups had a great time playing together and didn't really concentrate on the class at all, but it was a nice morning out, seeing old friends.

24th Novmeber, Saturday

2007-11-26T17:56:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunting around the shoot ground. Antis and police all out. They laid some trails. The first trial we went pretty quickly and the hounds ran the trail really well, although they did get quite strung out, so the huntsman ended up with the end hounds, whilst the lead hounds were miles in front.

We had a line of hedges to jump, and decided to try Chloe, and she sailed over them so was really pleased.

The next trail ran really well, and we did a load of tiger traps, and again she was jumping really well. It was quite a fast pace, and then when the hounds came to the end of the trail we all pulled up again to wait while the next trail was laid.

Off we go again, and a few more jumps, and then quite a big hedge. Set Chloe for it, but she didn't like the look of it at all, so gave her a whack, and kicked on a bit harder. Unfortunately as she had backed off the fence, we were now a long way off, and she just fell through the hedge, and tried to get to her feet the other side, but there was a big ditch which she fell in.

Fortunately I was thrown clear and off Chloe galloped. Luckily one of the hunt staff was on the quad and came and picked me up.

Well, I think apart from a few bruises we are ok.

Not sure if I'll be jumping too many big hedges for a while.

23rd November, Friday

2007-11-23T18:08:00.000Z

Hazel
Findon Valley Shoot

Just took Hazel today, as she is still only 2 and I wanted to concentrate on her, as I don't want her getting any bad habits from the Vizslas.

Cold day, with bitter wind up on the Downs, but clear, bright skies.

Hazel worked really hard and found a partridge after the other dogs had been through and failed so that was nice.
Had a few good retrieves and she never looked like running in which was great.

22nd November, Thursday

2007-11-23T18:06:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunting in the afternoon, but were only out for a couple of hours (if that) as there was only a 'small amount of country' to draw.
Still it really brightened up, and although wet cantering round the rhododendrons, it was a nice afternoon.
Chloe was quite hot though, but jumped everything no problems.

21st November, Wednesday

2007-11-21T17:48:00.000Z

Hazel and Rusty
Angmering Park Estate
Picking up today, and it looked pretty cloudy this morning and I thought it would rain, but actually it turned out quite a bright day and not too cold either.
I had a lovely day. Both dogs did OK. Hazel did well picking 4 really strong runners on 1 drive. and she had to retrieve them during the drive which always makes me nervous in case something goes wrong and I end up with the dog running around just swapping birds.
Anyway, all went well, and no disasters, apart from the fact that Rusty still whines a bit in the truck, but could be worse.

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Thought I would add this pic of the dogs sat outside my office. I think taken yesterday.

20th November, Tuesday

2007-11-21T17:45:00.000Z

Hunting was cancelled today, as AS wasn't well and there were no other Masters available to take the field.

Risque & Chloe
Ride 1 - lead 1. 1 hour of road work.

Rained again all day on and off all day. Chloe and Risque stayed in today, the field is just too wet.

Sorrel
Have been doing a bit of training just in the kitchen, and has learnt to chase and retrieve a tennis ball and sit and present, really pleased with this. It did take a few goes to get the present, but she has cottoned on now.
Took these pics, but hate her eyes because of the flash, but only have time to do some training with her in the evenings and it is dark now by 4.30pm.

19th November, Monday

2007-11-19T17:21:00.000Z

It rained most of yesterday, and was pretty grime. Winter is really here. I have decided that both Ellie and Panache will now come in at night so I have each in their own stable. The corner stable that they have been sharing is fine while the big double doors at the back at left open, and then if Ellie does have a go at Panache (which she does occassionally) at least Panache can get out the way. The wind has been howling through, so now Ellie is in her own stable, I am shutting the back doors on Panache's stable. Silly really, Panache is the smallest and has the biggest stable now.

Rode Risque and led Chloe (Ride 1 - lead 1) for an hour before going to the shoot. Got soaked... loads of rain..... and it continued on and off all day.

Rusty, Jasmine and Hazel
Bakers shoot

Dogs were fine. Some good, some bad. Overall Rusty was probably best, definitely found the most birds, and didn't do anything wrong. Jaz is too focused on runners and live birds and gets too hot, and even Hazel ran in when I was least expecting it.
Back to more training.....

Dogs are really tired and wet. It did seem a long day. Still raining while I type this. The field looks a mess already.

17th November, Saturday

2007-11-19T17:16:00.000Z

Hazel
Just took her for the first drive this morning at the local shoot. Just wanted to sit her up, and make sure she was steady. Actually there were only a couple of birds over us, and she didn't look like running in, so it was a good little training session.

Chloe
Hunting in the afternoon. Anti's and police were about, and ended up hacking miles away, so we could do some peaceful hunting.
Chloe jumped a few of the fixed cross country fences while we were at the meet, and jumped well. She much prefers to have her own way, and really take on the fences, so we only seem to have the stops when I am trying to steady her into the fence. Hopefully I will find a middle ground. Overall she went well today, and was pleased at the way she jumped.

16th November, Friday

2007-11-16T13:38:00.000Z

Woke up to a really hard frost -5 at least last night.
However, it is a clear sunny day although still cold. Hazel has now finished her season so all the dogs can go out together which does make things easier for me.

Sorrell is doing really well on her recall, and shows all the right signs for making a staunch pointer. Sit to the hand signal and whistle have been started, along with a whistle recall. We have started retrieving a tennis ball, but the minute I tried to get a sit, she spat out the tennis ball to get the treat. This is the trouble with teaching sit with a treat. I am now starting to try and teach the hold/give command, and I'm having some success with this although she is only 11 weeks old and has a short attention span. Overall though she is great, although a bit too noisy!!!!

Risque went out for her first hack today. She was really sharp, but actually never put a foot wrong.

15th November, Thursday

2007-11-15T13:44:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunting at dawn over thistle land. Really hard frost last night, it really was freezing this morning. However, dawn broke clear and sunny although it took most of the morning to warm up. Chloe was really good, no problems, jumped a couple of ditches and tiger traps. She is really easy.

14th November, Wednesday

2007-11-15T13:39:00.000Z

Sorrel
This morning, the lady who now owns Jonny came round for their first proper walk now all their jabs are done. Off we set, and Jaz and Hazel came along to. Did a couple of recalls with all the dogs, having lots of tasty treats for the puppies. The 2 puppies played really well together, and we probably did an hours walk. I was concerned that it may have been a bit far but the pups weren't bothered at all, and still played together while we had coffee in the kitchen.

12th November, Monday

2007-11-12T17:25:00.000Z

Chloe
Dawn
Out hunting this morning, and managed to have a quiet morning as the anti's couldn't find us and they ended up driving around all over and never found us all morning. Hee, hee, hee!!
She was good, but still hyper. We did a few jumps that were quite little, but she is good at sorting herself out, and picking her feet up neatly.

10th November, Saturday

2007-11-12T17:10:00.000Z

Large Munsterlander Novice Field Trial
Judges: Keith Scattergood & Helen Evans

They were short of runners and as the trial is only in Westerham in Kent it doesn't take too long to get there. I thought it would be nice to give Jaz a run. There are 10 runners, and I think she stands a good chance.
The day was fairly bright, with some cloud and about average temperature for this time of year. I am running No 10 (last). It would have been so much better if we were running first, but I'm going to stay relaxed so hopefully this will wear off on Jaz.
Most of the runners before me had been working hedges (and ditches) and a few birds had been flushed which had been shot. Quite a few people have all had retrieves, and by the time it was my run all the rest of the runners were still in.
I cast Jaz off, and she was really hyper, I tried to keep her close, but she was just out there to find birds. She soon came on point, and the judges really admired her fast work and stylish point. We walked up to her and I put her in to flush but the bird ran instead of flying. She chased after it and I blew the stop whistle but she didn't stop. The bird did get up, and a shot was fired but I think missed. (I'm pretty sure Jaz went to see if the bird had come down but she was out of sight by now.) I got her back to me and cast her off again and another bird got up and was shot and she ran in again. She was just so hyper. However, she didn't see were the bird came down and it ran so she never got the retrieve, and we were out.
I am really disappointed. She gets so excited at any bird work. I thought she might have calmed down by now, and she isn't that fit as she only stopped feeding her puppies a couple of weeks ago.
Well..... that's dogs for you.

The judges gave out a 2nd to Karen with her Munsterlander, 3rd to Julie (her first trial with her GSP), a 4th to Trevor with his Vizsla, and a CofM to a weimaraner.

9th November, Friday

2007-11-09T17:14:00.001Z

Chloe
Met Hounds at dawn over the local shoot ground. Had a fantastic morning. Cold and dry and at least the ground rides really well over here at the moment. (It's on clay and is a nightmare when it is wet.)
Not that many out only 6ish in the field. Stayed out till 10.30 and Chloe was shattered. We had done a quite a lot, and done quite a bit of galloping. She jumped great, and we had such a lovely morning.

Jasmine
Training session again today. Reinforcing the stop whistle!!!! There is absolutely no reason why this dog shouldn't win a Novice trial - but whether she will put it all together is another question. We'll see tomorrow.

7th November, Wednesday

2007-11-07T18:03:00.000Z

Chloe
Went to a grid work session which had been organised by the hunt during F & M. I ended up in with all the PtoPointers, and Chloe is a bit of an old hand at grids and jumped beautifully. Doesn't do her any harm to go and practice her jumping, and she gets in such a state when she thinks she is going hunting, it does her good to go and do something different.

Risque
Rode Risque, my beautiful horse. First time she has been ridden for over a year now (since she has had the foal - Panache.) She is the most loveliest horse in the whole world. Just wish she would jump at bit better.

Panache.
No more milk from Risque now. I have stopped putting Risque in her stable in the mornings now. She is a bit cross that she doesn't get her morning drink, but at least not the stress of actually separating them (out of sight.)

Hazel
Still in season. Cancelled all her picking up days this week (which was Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.) Why do we have bitches!!!!

Jaz
Is running in a trial on Saturday, so had a training session this evening. She hunted great, but gets so hot with so much game about, she wasn't listening to me at all. Blinked a dummy, I know her now!! because she wanted to carry on hunting pheasant so we had to have a good talking to!!.

Sorrel
Came for a short ride in the car (with Jaz). Stayed in the car while I worked Jaz. No sick - only wee. Not sure what I would prefer - actually clean would be nice!!!!!! Still very sweet though.

5th November, Monday

2007-11-06T16:55:00.000Z

Chloe
Met just after dawn. Only 5 other people in the field, + master, whip & huntsman.
Cold but bright with reasonable clear skies.
What a lovely morning. All the trees are changing colour and it is still really dry.
Out all morning and got back just before 12.

Chloe gave me a great ride. Jumping a couple of tricky fences, as one of the tiger traps had a steep drop the other side. She coped really well with some awkward ditches which she always jumps so well, judging them better than I can, and making a neat little jump.

This is probably one of my favourite mornings following hounds.

Sorrel
Went to the vets today for her second jab.
She is 10 weeks old today.

4th November, Sunday

2007-11-04T19:00:00.000Z

Risque - lunged
Chloe - lovely fast hack over loads of jumps in warm sunshine. She is good fun.

Rusty, Jaz and Sorrell came out with me to the horses field this morning so they all got a good run.

3rd November, Saturday

2007-11-04T18:55:00.000Z

Well, today should have been the Opening Meet, but it has been put back a month because of Foot and Mouth, and to give the hounds a bit longer to get fitter.
They are out today, and I'm sure will have a good gallop round over some hedges but decided to go picking up.

Bakers Shoot Day
Rusty & Jaz
(Hazel still in season and can babysit Sorrell).
Well, they only shoot 4o odd birds today, so really only had a couple of retrieves. It was a lovely sunny warm autumnal day, and nice to see everyone again, (This was their first shoot day.) I really like this shoot though, it is very relaxed and I know everyone and all the covert's so an easy day. Both dogs had some lovely points, and Jaz backs Rusty beautifully, but I forgot my camera so no pics today. Still have to be really on top of them though, definitely not as easy as a lab.

2nd November, Friday

2007-11-04T18:45:00.000Z

Well the last few days have been dry, and quite warm in the sun during the day. Sorrell has been out in the garden a lot, playing with Mum.

Chloe has had her second clip.

Risque has had her first clip and looks smarter already.

Panache is just having one drink on milk off Risque in the morning before Risque is exercised, although she couldn't quite work it out this morning as Risque had a rug on.

Hazel is in season so have had to cancel all my 'picking up' this week. Should have been out on Tuesday and again today, so that's a bit disappointing.

Sorrell is doing great, not really doing anything structured, just building the bond together. I keep giving her different objects to carry, so this was a pair of very old socks that she played with for a bit.

1st November, Thursday - Hazel in season

2007-11-04T18:22:00.001Z

Hazel is in season, and it is hard work keeping Rusty separate, so I have taken down the puppy play pen, and all the girls will have to live together in the utility room. Sorrell is so hopeless at her house training, but I guess we can start today.

All the girls are getting along fine, but Jaz loves playing with her daughter. They are come with me to the stables, and round the paddocks when I poo pick for the horses so Sorrell is getting a good run round every morning.

She is very sweet, and has mastered 'sit' very quickly, so that's a great start.

31st October, Wednesday

2007-10-31T14:32:00.000Z

Sorrell
Went to her first puppy party (at the vets.)

No wee or poo the whole time we were out, and although I thought she looked a bit quesey in the car, she wasn't sick. No quite so noisy either, so a definite improvement.

Only 2 other puppies there and both were a bit too shy with Sorrell to play with her, although she did her best!!

30th October, Tuesday

2007-10-31T14:29:00.000Z

Sorrell
Had her first car journey today just to Mum's. We had lots of howling at being in the crate, and after about 5 minutes she had wee'ed and poo'ed in her crate. Cleaned that out. Then was sick.
Got to Mum's and she fell asleep.

Drove home and she was sick again!!

All the fun of having a puppy!!!

29th October, Monday

2007-10-30T08:30:00.000Z

Chloe
Foot and mouth restrictions have now been lifted so we are out today with the hounds. Today is much nicer than yesterday and we actually had some warm sunshine this afternoon. Chloe actually gave me a lovely ride, was well mannered at the 'meet' and she has a lot of plus points. Afterwards, we had a lovely tea laid on of crumpets and cake. At least Chloe is easy and will load into the trailer at the end of the day and eat her haynet. Risque goes nuts if you shut her in on her own, especially after hunting as she is usually a bit wound up anyway.

Sorrell
She has been outside in the garden and came down to the stables and was put in a crate. We did have quite a bit of howling but she did stop after a bit, so definite improvement from yesterday.

28th October, Sunday

2007-10-30T08:27:00.000Z

Sorrell
On her own now and woke up howling quite early. I am surprised as I thought with her staying here it wouldn't be that stressful, and also Jaz is still in the kitchen area so she does have some company, although she is restricted to the puppy pen.

I have started with the recall and sit with lots of turkey rewards which she loves. She is retrieving the puppy dummy nicely, but I don't want to do too many and bore her.

Today was horrible, strong wind and heavy drizzle all day so not really a day for being outside.

27th October, Saturday

2007-10-30T08:24:00.000Z

Chloe
Had a hunt ride today, which was actually a gallop around over about a dozen hedges, and we went round twice. Chloe had 2 stops so I was actually a bit annoyed with her, but you do need to kick on at a fence with her, and I just don't really ride her that well. Still think she could have tried a bit harder.

Bracken went today. He is to be called Milton Duff after a malt whisky.

26th October, Friday

2007-10-30T08:18:00.000Z

Holly was collected today.

Only my puppy and Bracken left now. Cooked some turkey up as a treat which they loved, and had them both recalling and sitting in about 10 secs. amazing how quick they learnt, I had forgotten how easy little puppies can be!!!

Panache (the foal) and Ellie seems to be working well. I am putting Risque (the mother) in with Panache for about an hour morning and night so that Panache can have a drink of milk, and so that Risque's milk can dry up without her being too uncomfortable.

So far, although they are in separate paddocks they have never been out of sight. I am really pleased how this weaning has gone, so I have had no stress and no calling to each other. It has taken a long time of gently separating them for longer periods and it has certainly worked for me. I am so pleased not to have stressed either of them too much, as I think Risque would have been as bad as the foal as she has a separation anxiety thing anyway.

23rd October, Tuesday

2007-10-23T13:44:00.000Z

No 'hunting' organised today, just a PC visit to the kennels (it is half term I suppose!)

Puppies

3 puppies have gone to their new homes today, which is a bit sad. I have to make a decision, and have allocated homes for the 2 really pretty puppies, one being my favourite.
However, I have decided to keep the noisy one, simply because her retrieving is so much better. I have a horrible feeling I might live to regret my decision, but it was lovely to have the choice between 5 of them.

Panache
Today, I am trying to wean Panache at home with as little stress as possible so she is in an adjacent field to Risque. After her having an absolute galloping fit yesterday for about 10 minutes, she was absolutely fine today, so I am really pleased.

20th October, Saturday

2007-10-20T19:19:00.000Z

Hazel
Went with Mike to a new shoot today over in Hampshire. A 'Small!' country estate with pheasant and duck, and a mile of the River Test.

Weather has been cold and frosty overnight with lovely sunny days.

Today was bright and warmed up by lunch time. Hazel was no problem, did ok, and is a pleasure to take out. This was her first duck day, and she looked like she had been doing duck for years. Her nose has really developed, and she is a good game finder. She had some nice retrieves, and nice quartering work, but her handling on straight lines leaves a lot to be desired but overall she is a nice shooting dog.

19th October, Friday

2007-10-19T13:03:00.000Z

Sorrell

Well Sorrell is the new puppy's name, but I am still really unsure which one should be Sorrell!!!
I have to decide between purple and orange.

Today purple had a go on a partridge and did brilliantly.

16th October, Tuesday

2007-10-19T13:01:00.000Z

Chloe
Hunt ride just round a local farm which is just setaside with no stock.

The huntsman brought some of the puppies for the experience.

Nice afternoon.

13th October, Saturday

2007-10-15T09:14:00.000Z

Chloe

Hunt ride without hounds around Angmering Estate. This is where I picked up last week, and afterwards Brenda had tea and cake for us at the 'keepers house.

Nice afternoon, with warm sunshine.

Ellie has settled in well, and seems to have a lovely temperament.

Panache is started to be weaned from Risque and are in at night, along with Chloe.

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All the puppies are doing well with pics on the website. Not really had time to go to training as the puppies need feeding at lunchtime so it is a bit difficult.

10th October, Wednesday

2007-10-10T14:13:00.000Z

Chloe
Hound Exercise

This was from the kennels, with a breakfast half way.

Never quite had a sandwich before with egg, bacon, sausage, kidney and a bit of black pudding. Chloe was really well behaved today and stood really well at our breakfast stop.

9th October, Tuesday Ellie Arrived

2007-10-10T14:10:00.000Z

Ellie arrived

She is a 2 year old liver chestnut filly. She is by a warmblood stallion out of an Irish mare.

A gave her a brush and a tidy up, and she was so well behaved, I can't believe she is just 2.

Well pleased with her, as when I bought her I only saw her stood in a field and you can't really tell what their temperament is like.

6th October, Saturday

2007-10-08T17:33:00.001Z

Chloe

F&M restrictions still in place so the hunt organised a Downs ride in the country of the South Downs.

This was great fun, and I'm really pleased that we 'are doing something'.

Chloe was fine, but a bit speedy at times, but quite manageable.

4th October, Thursday

2007-10-08T17:30:00.000Z

Went and bought another horse today.

A 2year old liver chestnut mare, and I'm expecting her to be delivered next week.

4th October, Wednesday

2007-10-03T23:27:00.000Z

Puppy update

Most of the really nice photos are on my website. They are all so cute, and I can't decide which one to keep. Did a little test with green and orange puppy on a duck wing today, and there was nothing to tell between the 2.

Both picked it, and took it into the corner to chomp on it. Not really sure what this tells me.

I have another couple of weeks to decide which one to keep, but this is turning into a real dilemna. There are 4 that I really like.

---------------------

Because of F&M and I believe the anti's have been onto DEFRA that we have been out on hound exercise, there is just going to be a 'ride' organised on Saturdays until the animal movement restrictions have been lifted. Such a shame for the farmers, and all the people this effects, although there has been limited media coverage about it all.

2nd October, Tuesday

2007-10-02T20:01:00.000Z

Rusty & Hazel

New shoot today.

Well, I got there, at the right time, and at the right place. But, I feel a bit out of place. I only have 2 dogs. Everyone else has a minimum of 4 dogs, with C having 7 labs, A having 5 spaniels, and J having a mix of labs and spaniels -not sure now many but quite a few!!

First drive, not much to do.

Second drive - have my 2 on a lead just in case. Oh no........ a partridge is running towards us. This must have been one of the shot ones from earlier on. Oh god, everyone is watching as this is the beginning of the drive and there are 3 of the pickers up with about 20 dogs all chatting at the top of the hill.I really need to send a dog. Send Rusty. He grabs the bird, half it's feathers fall out, he spits it out, turns round to see if there is anything else to pick up... can't see anything.... I shout at him...... then one of the guns shoots...... Rusty is checking out the next bird........ oh no, it's all going wrong...... Blow the stop whistle..... Run out and put him on the lead..... leave Hazel in a sit stay....... I then have to pick the bird myself.... God this is soooo embarrassing. Run back with bird, and dog on lead to position.
Keep them on the lead for the rest of the drive, and then sweep up after, although neither of my dogs actually picked any birds, (Not many shot.)

Next drive... We are put well back near a pen. Rusty needs to be on a lead, as hundreds of pheasants keep flying into the pen wire and rebounding onto the floor right where we are stood. Rusty thinks this is very exciting!!! Partridge are running all around us. Sweep through after, both dogs do ok. Rusty retrieves a pheasant........ whoops ... put it back in the bushes and hope noone has noticed. (This is a partridge only day!!!)

Next drive.... on turnip fields.Both dogs do really well, and both are on the whistle. Hazel found more birds, and worked harder than Rusty.

Last drive...... No much to do, put out on the side, but Hazel trashed a pheasant, although that was more through her lack of experience. No retrieves actually for Rusty, although he retrieved a load of birds off someone elses pile, so at least it saved someone carrying them to the game cart!!!
----
I wonder whether I'll be asked back????
-----
Actually there were a lot of destractions. This was only the 2nd day they had shot this ground. There were thousands of birds, many just feet away from us and overall the dogs were very steady. We were quartering ground and sweeping through very nervy sheep and neither dog was distracted. We had several hares, and neither dog broke, and deer (which they are more used to.) Even walking to our picking up point we were pushing birds along and had birds running just a few feet infront of us, and neither dog broke. Both dogs always stopped on the whistle, and this is hard ground, with a lot of open ground where tight quartering to sweep through after is needed. Overall, if it hadn't been for Rusty's indiscretion on the second drive I would be much happier, but then animals are a great leveller.

Have to see if I get a call in November.

29th September, Saturday

2007-10-02T19:59:00.000Z

Am - Chloe
Beach ride with hound exercise.

Chloe was very good. I'm really pleased that they are trying to organise something during F&M.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More people have come and visited the pups, They all seem really nice. Just 1 left now, and I really want a special home for him.

25th September, Tuesday

2007-09-25T12:03:00.000Z

Hound Exercise.

Took Chloe for a couple of hours, and the meet was just up the road from me, and then around the shoot ground.

It was a very quiet hack round, we didn't even canter!

But it was a lovely morning. Chloe has got her winter coat, so I must think about clipping soon.

Bacon Butties supplied again afterwards - yum, yum

23rd September, Sunday

2007-09-24T07:30:00.000Z

Well, I have been busy doing a website. This was mainly so that anyone who enquired about a puppy could look at some pictures of them.

This has worked extremely well, and today we had 2 visitors, who both paid their deposits, so all the bitches have now been spoken for and they aren't 4 weeks old yet.

The 2 dogs have also been requested, and the people are coming next weekend to see them.

It has been so much fun having this litter. I have loved every minute of it.

22nd September, Saturday

2007-09-24T07:28:00.000Z

Foot and Mouth restrictions are still at a high, so the hunt organised a ride for hound exercise first thing this morning, so off I went with Chloe.

We were out with hounds for a couple of hours, along the Downs Link and on the road.

Must be really hard for the huntsman to keep hounds fit when even where to exercise them is restricted.

Finished with bacon sandwiches...

Got an email saying that the Chiddingfold Field Trial has been cancelled because of F&M :(

15th September, Saturday.

2007-09-15T10:38:00.000Z

Ploughing Match with GWT

Cancelled!!! because of F&M

Had intended running Hazel at the Gundog Working Test, so this is really disappointing.

Hound Exercise

They are exercising hounds this morning on the beach as we are not going on any farmland during this second outbreak of F&M.

Went on foot and took Rusty & Hazel.

13th September, Thursday

2007-09-13T17:36:00.000Z

Chloe
Coombelands
Went Cross country schooling with RC today and gave Chloe a run round. Lovely warm day with clear blue skies. Chloe was pretty average, quite capable of jumping everything I put her out, but we still had several refusals on the first attempt at some of the bigger fences.

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Jasmines puppies seem to be doing well, although Jaz doesn't spend that much time with them, and would much rather to sat with me. Just hope she keeps feeding them ok for the next couple of weeks.

12th September, Wednesday

2007-09-13T17:34:00.000Z

Another F& M case has been found in Surrey.

Oh no, this is just a disaster. Just when we thought we were all clear from the last outbreak.

All hunting is cancelled and I haven't been out this week as Chloe lost a shoe on Sunday and the farrier isn't coming until tonight.

10th September, Monday

2007-09-10T12:39:00.001Z

Rusty and Hazel
Ashdown Forest

It has been dry with warm sunny intervals for the last couple of weeks now, and today was no different. Did a bit with Hazel on directions and it was interesting that there were no problems when I was stood directly in front of her, but when I went back about 25 yds she wasn't sure, and wouldn't then move off the sit. I must put a bit more time into her work, as she is such a biddable dog, I know she could be so much better.

Took Rusty and Hazel for a walk over the heath,. The heather is finishing now, but it was a lovely morning. They both did some hunting, but it is actually Hazel that really works the cover.

9th September, Sunday

2007-09-10T12:35:00.001Z

Chloe
Hunter Trial
Blue Anchor

I ran Chloe in the Novice and she went round clear with no problem. I had a training session with Sally Thurloway on Wednesday last week, and she saw our problems, and gave me a few things to concentrate on. Chloe found the Novice course a bit too easy really, but then she lost a shoe which is a real pain.

She actually went clear round the Open course here last year when we did the team chase but I just didn't feel I had the confidence. Must be an age thing!!

8th September, Saturday

2007-09-08T07:51:00.000Z

Hound Exercise only

Took Chloe as I could hack to the meet, and it is over the shoot grounds. Will do her good to have a quieter morning.
Antis are out filming again
but so are our stewards, keeping a check on them.

Jumped a few jumps and had a wander around for a couple of hours, so it all helps to make a well mannered hunter.

6th September, Rusty had a seizure

2007-09-07T09:08:00.000Z

Really sad that Rusty had a seizure tonight. No reason for it, just sat watching TV and he went completely tense, and uncontrollable panting and a bit of foaming at the mouth. It only lasted a few minutes, and then he was fine afterwards.

Just hope he doesn't have any more. :(

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Jaz and her puppies seem to be doing well.

6th September, Thursday

2007-09-07T09:04:00.000Z

Chloe

Out again this afternoon with the hounds. Really hot, not really hunting weather but had a lovely few hours out. Saw a barn owl, tawny owl, roe deer, loads of them about, and a fox.

Watched the teal circling over the pond as the hounds worked through. Lovely evening.

Tuesday 4th September,

2007-09-07T09:02:00.000Z

Chloe
Out again this morning. Very cold this morning at 4.30am. Went to the meet which was where I used to hack when I had the horses at livery, so Chloe knew where she was. We were only out about an hour or so, when the Master fell off and his horse ran off so we all came home!

1st September, Saturday

2007-09-03T14:01:00.000Z

Hound Exercise

Chloe

Well, we're off.

Nice that I could hack to the meet, although it was rather dark at 5.30am!!!!

Chloe obviously knew something was up, and she did get a bit hairy when we were cantering, and did a few leaps and bucks. She did get herself in a right state of excitement, and was in a white lather. I did sort of hope that she might be a bit calmer, but she is no different really to last season. Anyway, nice morning, even though the anti's were out.

We didn't do any jumps as we were mainly standing round the coverts, and only really cantered in between. But I enjoy it for so many reasons now, that the jumping isn't so important.

30th August, Thursday

2007-09-03T13:55:00.000Z

Jaz and the 7 puppies are doing great, 5 girls and 2 boys.
We lost the little one. I found it so upsetting and can only really write about it now. The vet looked at the pup as he came to dock the litter, and said that we needed to bottle feed it. I tried and tried, but I couldn't get her to suck on the bottle. I tried a smaller bottle but still no joy, and ended up just dripping a little onto the tongue, but she just got weaker and weaker.

At least the others seem ok.

Panache is looking well and continues to grow.

27th August, Bank Holiday Monday

2007-08-28T11:06:00.000Z

Jaz had her puppies today!!!!!

She was a star. I helped break the bag on a couple of puppies - just at the head to help things along, but other than that she did it all by herself.
8 puppies at the moment but puppy no 2 was tiny - half the size of the others. It does not have a good suck reflex and is unable to hold on to the nipple. I will do what I can.

Just so lovely. Amazing that she just knew what to do.

Won't get much done for a while now!!

26th August, Sunday

2007-08-26T17:52:00.000Z

Jaz is looking very pregnant. She is not due till Wednesday but won't eat and is feeling sick. She has suffered from morning sickness throughout her pregnancy, but she won't eat anything today.

Hazel hasn't eaten well the last few days which is really unusual for her.

It is bank holiday weekend and the sun is out and it's really warm. John has cut the last field of standing grass, so we shall see what the hay is like.

The arena I am having built is coming along, but because of damp weather keeps getting delayed. The chalk was too wet on Thursday so the contractors didn't come on Friday.
Hope it all gets sorted as I have the sand being delivered next Tuesday.

24th August, Friday

2007-08-26T17:48:00.000Z

Goldcombe Farm - Hazel
Dorset

DEFRA have now lifted the movement ban on livestock which is outside the exclusion zone in Surrey following the F&M outbreak.

K & M's cattle need to be moved as there is little grass left in their field, so I helped them this morning, which entailed blocking off the road with the old range rover, and ensuring none of the cattle got past. Fortunately that all went OK.

It is another lovely day down here, but when I arrived back in Sussex it was overcast and looked like impending rain.

So nice to get away for a few days

23rd August, Thursday

2007-08-26T17:39:00.000Z

Goldcombe Farm - Hazel
Dorset

My plans for my holiday here in September have had to change because of Jaz and her pending litter. I had really been looking forward to taking Chloe and doing a few days with the South Dorset, and also doing some picking up with Hazel on partridge. Most of my shoots don't start until much later.

So just thought I would pop down for a couple of days. I am staying in a 6 berth caravan and although I have never been caravaning before after this trip I am quite converted. It was lovely staying there with Hazel and catching up with friends. The Farm is in such a stunning location and the views when you wake up and open the blinds are stunning. Hazel stayed in the caravan and she is such a well behaved dog she is a pleasure to take anywhere. I was really impressed that after being told 'no' she totally ignored the wandering chickens, and of course the cats. (I really couldn't see the Vizsla's as being so amenable.!!)

Went for a walk with Kathryn and now she has 11 dogs not counting her 3 litters of puppies. Amazing really, when it wasn't long ago she got her first springer.

Weather here was lovely, much better than it was in Sussex. So nice to get away.....

22nd August, Wednesday

2007-08-26T17:28:00.000Z

UGS Training - Hazel
Popes Oak Farm

Well tonight is like November. Strong wind, cold, and rain in the air. Everyone is all dressed up in waterproofs and hats, and everyone is saying what a terrible summer we have had.

Overall, I just find these classes too slow. Some dogs in the class just haven't mastered the basics. Perhaps I should have gone in the Open training. I guess the main problem is that there is only 3 trainers and a huge number of dogs. We had to wait a long time for our first retrieve and that wasn't ideal for Hazel. A seen, but stop the dog half way, and then send back. Because I wasn't really confident on the send off, she did several spins and was just stood in front of me not sure whether to go or not and this is something I want to avoid. I didn't want to make a fuss and ask to do something different as the class was moving along so slowly as it was. Anyway, loads of dogs failed and it seemed to take an age just to get through this with detailed discussion with each owner!!

I should really take the positive approach, and it is good for Hazel's steadiness and it is a nice social.

After a long wait I sent her for a blind. This wasn't helped by someone stood out in the stubble throwing dummies to the left of where I wanted her, but then it should serve as an interesting distraction. However, after someone else sent their dog as well (why????) they ended up whistling their dog like mad and Hazel completely lost the plot and started running round in circles. She is a very stressy dog, and she is not disobedient, and was trying to respond to both of our whistles. I walked forward and picked her up and sent her (waited for the other person to finish their retrieve & whistling) and took her about 20 yds in front of the bit of the cover where the dummies were, the poor dog seemed in such a mess.

After that it was so dark and that was the end of our 2 hour class.

20th August, Monday

2007-08-20T15:10:00.000Z

Rusty and Hazel
Training at Ashdown Forest

1) Blind, whilst running over a pile of dummies on the track, up to the T Junction of the track, straight on up and over the bank, dummies about 30 yds further in wood.
Rusty & Hazel did fine, although stopped to collect the first pile of dummies, so had to handle to push them back.

2) long memory (which by the time my dogs went was a blind.)

3) Blind but with a shot fired as a mark. This was hard, a long way and through heavy cover. Rusty was fine although was gone for ages, but Hazel failed.

4) Blind. Stop dog on track, then direct either left or right.
No probs with Rusty, but Hazel could have been a bit neater on her handling. She just goes too fast for her own good.

5) Seen. Water. One in the water, one behind in the wood. Alternate dogs to get each retrieve.

6) Blind Water. Send dog to island and sit. Dummy thrown in water. Dog to wait until sent. Rusty fine, but Hazel didn't get a go.
Doesn't matter, her steadiness at water 'seens' is more of an issue than the actual swimming.

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Jaz is looking very pregnant. Pups due next week!!!!!

14th August, Tuesday

2007-08-14T11:09:00.000Z

Dog training was moved to today, but we have a severe weather warning for rain all day, so didn't bother to go.

The Weimaraner Working Test and the GSP Test at Laverstock have both been cancelled due to Foot and Mouth, which is a shame as I may have gone to both of these as they are in South East England.

Oh well, that's life.

9th August, Thursday

2007-08-09T13:23:00.000Z

Panache

Well, I guess she will be 4 months old next week, and her confidence has really grown. She will approach me in the field, and is much happier for me to stroke her. I have been training her to lead, and practicing in the field which is going fine, although I need to do more of it.

She is still really nervous of new people, but I am hoping she will improve in time.

7th August, Tuesday

2007-08-09T13:15:00.000Z

Jasmine
She went to the vets for her ultra scan today. Everything looks good, so she has about 3 weeks to go. Have booked the vet to remove the dew claws, so just have to decide about the docking... such a dilemma now that they have made it illegal for non working dogs. Well have 3 weeks to decide.

Pictures of Jack... the father to be

6th August, Monday

2007-08-06T14:20:00.000Z

4th August, Saturday
The 2 front fields were cut last Monday, and apart from a bit of rain on Thursday it has been dry and sunny. I am all ready for the hay to be bailed today, but we later learnt that the baler had broken.
Foot & Mouth outbreak today near Guildford!!!! :(

Have now found out that the bailer won't be fixed until Wednesday (and it is meant to rain on Tuesday & Wednesday). It is so frustrating.

Ashdown Forest (6th Aug)
Rusty & Hazel
Nice warm day, and went into the forest. It is stunning scenery with the light coming through the pines, and down into all the bracken. The greens on all the ferns is just stunning. Forgot my camera, but haven't quite got the art of really capturing the whole picture.

Did the first couple of retrieves with a distraction including one with a pigeon thrown and the dog having to run over it to get a blind dummy some way up the track. A seen thrown into cover, a blind and some water work. Hazel is definitely improving with her handling, and I really like these training sessions as we get lots of testing retrieves without too much waiting around.

30th July Monday

2007-07-31T14:23:00.000Z

After months of rain, severe flooding everywhere and farming being hit so badly, it is a reasonable day today. John cut the front 2 fields this afternoon, so fingers crossed the weather stays dry for the rest of the week and we get some nice hay.

Rusty & Hazel
Lab training class.

Today we had some quite testing retrieves. Minimum retrieve was probably 100yds and then going up from there I reckon a seen behind a big clump of stingers was a good 150 yds+ . Hazel makes it hard for herself to mark as she always lays down instead of sitting which at least would give her those extra few inches to have a better idea of where the dummy lands. We were out in the field today, and the loose grass seed did clog their eyes.

Both were good, with Rusty being excellent. He just loves these sessions and behaves like a puppy at times. He is so chuffed when he finds a retrieve, even Tony says he thinks he's a lab. I just love the way he is so focused and can concentrate for such a long period. He will watch all the time while Tony is putting out the dummies, and he has a great memory. Definitely my most intelligent dog.

Jaz is in pregnant mode, and really doesn't want to do much. I see little point in staying for the afternoon class, as I just don't think she will be in the mood, something that is really necessary to get the best out of her when training on dummies.

All 3 had a good run before the class so a nice morning out for all of us.

23rd July, Monday

2007-07-23T16:43:00.000Z

found out this morning that the Game Fair has been cancelled at a cost of £50 million. I was so looking forward to it, but I was concerned as everywhere is so wet, and many places are flooded. It seems that it has been raining since May and never stopped.
Even the Championships at Melvern have been cancelled because of fooding.

At least we hadn't spent much in preparation, we were just going to take the tent, and the CLA have said that they will refund ticket prices (and I presume camp site pitch costs that we have already paid out.)

---------------------------------

Went to dog training with Hazel & Rusty and did the lab class. Didn't have the time really to take Jaz as well for the afternoon class. The dogs really enjoyed themselves, and Rusty just loves to work, so those were the positives.

Hazel and Rusty both ran in!! urgh!! It was just another one of those days really, although both of their retrieving was spot on, oh yes, apart from when TR throw the dummy in the pond (so the dog heard the splash) the dog had about 75 yds through cover before the pond, and then had to swim out, and Rusty went to the pond, and then quickly went and got a dummy out of TR's bag. Actually I thought this was quite funny really. I could just see through the cover what had happened but it was pointless trying to handle him because he couldn't see me anyway.

I guess all the time I am a bit relaxed about the whole thing just makes my dogs not quite as polished as they should be, but then, I just enjoy seeing the dogs have fun as well.

Rusty still can outrun most labs, even at his age. He just loves it.

18th July, Wednesday

2007-07-19T10:36:00.000Z

Panache
Well, she is now 12 weeks old, and has really grown. She still is a bit shy, and although I can catch her in the stable, she still wanders away from me in the field.
She is well used to the dogs, but she is getting braver now, and has worked out that if she moves towards the dogs, they will move away from her. Before she was a bit unsure so just kept close to Mum.
Today, she found out that it is a great game to chase Rusty. Poor Rusty.

18th July, Wednesday

2007-07-18T13:35:00.000Z

Jaz
I really want to run her in the Grouse pointing Test the week after next. Usually she really performs well on a moor, and there just isn't any opportunity round here to work a dog on grouse. I will be in Yorkshire that weekend for the game fair and had intended to do the Grouse test whilst there.

Today, I thought I would take her up to the Downs and run her on some open ground as she hasn't been running with much pace.

Anyway, the setaside of last year has now been planted with oats and beans, so we walked miles, right up to the partridge pens and still no ground to run in, so we came home.

She was lucky that she had 2 finds both near the path while she trotted along. The first pair didn't hold, and she wasn't really on that staunch a point when they flushed.

The second pair she was really staunch too, with a really low head carriage (it's always interesting to see how scent works.) Strong, cold wind out in the open.

I put her into flush and she was sticky, moving only a stride before staying on point. I think I probably flushed the birds in the end, as I was making all the noise trying to get the dog to flush so still haven't got the dog flushing and then sitting, which is what I'm really looking for.

I have decided not to send my entry off. :(

This is a hard decision, but I will only be disappointed if she doesn't run well.

I will have to look for more ground now, or wait for the crops to be harvested.

17th July, Tuesday

2007-07-17T16:39:00.001Z

Forest Edge
Jaz
Ran her, and she bumped the first pheasant, because of poor ground treatment. She had gone on too far, and not really quartered far enough to my left so had to recall her and cast her out again. Had a nice find/point on a cock pheasant, got up close to her, and had a nice sit to flush. (Unfortunately I flushed the bird which is what I really want to practise in getting her to flush, and then to sit and not chase.)
Ran her on again, but she really is not running with much pace.

Why?????
Fitness?? Well, she has had the last 6 months off because of cruciate problems, so although she had been doing some retrieving, I have not been running her.
Age?? Is she a bit older & wiser
Pregnant??

Did a couple of easy retrieves, which she just about bothered to do.

Rusty & Hazel
Did some memory retrieves, running Rusty first and Hazel second. She wasn't sure about this on the first go, and just did a couple of spins and then waited.
Will have to do more work with them together.
They both had fun, and were tearing about through the cover, so probably should have been a bit more disciplined, but at least they had fun.

14th July, Saturday

2007-07-15T08:04:00.000Z

Gundog Working Test
Barcombe, West Sussex

Rusty - entered in Open
Jasmine - entered in Novice & Open

Jaz
Novice
Hunting - not brilliant, as should have run with more drive. Drop to whistle & recall
Water - straight forward seen retrieve, but you were stood about 20ft back from the edge so you needed to have trained the 'not shake - deliver to hand' scenario.
Bit hesitant to get in (she just can't really be bothered) but nice delivery
Her next Novice test was at 4.30pm and I could tell she was a bit bored.
Seen retrieve (landed out of sight round the track.) Handler to throw a dummy up a side track. Retrieve the seen first and then the other dummy.
Jaz just about trotted round to do the test. Slight lack of enthusiasm to say the least!!!!!
Blind retrieve - Jaz wandered off and went into a little shed that some kids obviously play in (in the woods) and she would not handle of be bothered to go back for the dummy. urgh!!!!

Open

Blind (for a pigeon)- Up a long and very twisty track. The dog really needs to foot scent on this one. This is a long way away, with several different turns on the track and the dog is out of sight after 20 yds.
Rusty went straight on when sent, instead of following the track left. Had to handle. Gone for ages, came back to the corner (so he could see me) without the pigeon, sent him back, and he went back into the woods, (but needed him to follow the track round) handled and then he went and found the pigeon.

Jaz - did it perfect and was one of only 3 dogs to get top marks!!!!!! She is unbelievable. I never thought she would do it.

Hunting
Nice strong breeze but was a back wind, but quite warm in the sun. Large field of grass. Dummy launcher fired at the end of the run.
Rusty
Really didn't get out, but I know that anyway, so no surprises there. Handled really well to get the dummy, as it was fired really high in the air, and the dog had no chance to mark it (he was looking at the noise of the launcher not the dummy 50 ft up!!!), and it was a good distance away from me. (Probably 50 yds to the dog, and then dummy another 50 + yds away.)
Jaz
Better hunting, although still should of had more drive. Dummy fired, sat, dummy did a nice bounce when it landed, sent the dog. Didn't want to do the retrieve, gave her more encouragement, then she went off and picked up some scent near the dummy, start tracking, speeded up and then was gone. Lost her, she must have gone into the wood at the end of the field - and this was some way off. Little bugger!!!! Recalled for a couple of minutes and no sign of her, so off I trudged to go and look for up. By this stage she had been gone for ages, so the judge and the chap firing the launcher came and looked for the dummy, and eventually she came back looking very pleased with herself.
Well.... that's the first time I've lost a dog at a test!!!!!

Split - very easy. Seen and blind. Get blind first.
Rusty - more interested in sniffing about, but did eventually trot along and did the test. More speed would have been good!!!!
Jaz - would not handle onto the blind, just wanted to get the seen. Had to shout lots, and then she packed up and I had to move forward. Urgh!!!

Water
Blind across the pond for a rabbit. Stood back from bank about 30 yds.
Rusty
Sent him, and he didn't really want to get in the water. He is fine if I am a bit nearer the entry point, but when I'm stood so far back he just needs that extra ummph. Swam across, but was making a bee line for the rushes at the wrong exit point which is to the right hand side. Tried to handle in the water, but then he came back, so had to send him again. Still went to the rushes (ie the wrong point!!) Got 6 duck out of the reeds. Swam round after the ducks for about 5 minutes. Me yelling to get him out.... the judges telling me to call him up..... and the rest of the field thinking it was hilarious....

Just not my day today!!!!!!!!!

9th July, Monday

2007-07-10T12:46:00.000Z

Ashdown Forest
Only had time to do the HPR training class, so just did this with Jaz.

The other 2 came with me, and I did a few memory retrieves, 2 dummies out, and both dogs being sent together. The both did pretty well with this, although Rusty still can stop half way when he sees that Hazel has already picked the dummy.
I think this goes to prove in a funny sort of way that dogs don't really count. It was a very easy and obvious that I had put 2 dummies out, but Rusty still had to check with me that he was still to go after Hazel had got one. I just think this whole concept needs more practice, as he was my only dog for several years.

Jaz
During the class it was all based around the water. I definitely don't have any steadiness problems with Jaz as she isn't the manic retriever of say a Lab, I just have to worry about her boredom level, which has a very low tolerance.
Actually, she could have done better today. She didn't like the 'dummy thrower' hid in the bush the other side of the pond, so just swam around in the pond and obviously couldn't find it and wouldn't handle in the water. I did send her again, but this time with more 'noise/encouragement' from me, and she did succeed.
The dummy 'blind' (but you could hear the splash) into the lake she did first time, but the second time she had got a bit bored and distracted. HPR's are definitely harder to train than labs.

Judged on todays performance she couldn't even have done a Novice test, she is so unpredictable. Are all girls like this????

Rusty and Hazel came out for some water retrieves after the class had finished, and again I had 2 dummies out, and was directing each dog for each dummy in the water. This actually worked really well, and both dogs loved it.

8th July, Sunday

2007-07-08T15:05:00.000Z

Chloe
Iping Cross Country
I have a training session booked with Chris Watts this morning.
I am looking forward to this, as last time we went to Iping we won the Intermediate HT, so she has jumped quite a few of the fences already.
Anyway, she was pants.
She had loads of stops. We had a really agruement at the first fence, a bit of napping, and several wacks before we even got over.... what a start.
It just seems that unless I am really kicking her she just stops.... Even a comparatively easy fences, when she is on a good stride.
So I am a bit peeved with her at the moment.
The only positives are there were some bigger, and tricker fences up in the wooded area that she did jump first time.... if only she was more consistant.

7th July, Saturday

2007-07-07T17:55:00.000Z

Eastlands
H&DRC Annual Show

Chloe
Have entered the Working Hunter at a local show.

It was quite nice to see a few faces, all from hunting. This again just goes to show how much infrastructure the hunting community has with local country people, and how the bloody labour party want to destroy that. Graham was judging, a keen hunts person, and a lovely horseman.

Chloe was 3rd, so I am pleased but I just can't get over the fact that she stopped at the first jump. I am so cross about that as I did everything right. Took her round the outside of the ring, got a good rhythm established, straight at the first fence, got a good stride, so just sat there waiting for her to take off ...... and she bloody refused, and it wasn't even that big. Actually everyone in the class had faults on the jumping course so we were very lucky to get a place.
But regardless of that she did look smart, and Graham rode all the horses beautiful, and he moved us up a couple of places after he had ridden Chloe so that was nice. She is very easy and balanced to ride but I was surprised to come in 3rd.

5th July Thursday

2007-07-06T08:36:00.000Z

Great News
A photo of Jasmine and Rusty will be in The Field in August. That will mean a few freebies for them.

3rd July, Tuesday

2007-07-03T16:45:00.000Z

Raining again today, and we had several really heavy showers as well.

Jaz
Quartering, could of ran with more speed and pattern. Had a find on a hen pheasant, but later bumped a cock pheasant (back / cheek wind). Dull photos are it is just about to rain........ again!!!!

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Rusty & Hazel
They were both whizzing around, Rusty was on full speed!! A couple of retrieves, and one in the pond to finish.

2nd July, Monday

2007-07-02T17:01:00.000Z

Hazel & Rusty
Now Hazel has finished her season, took her to the lab training class at Ashdown Forest. The first retrieve was a blind down a track, round the corner (out of sight) and then into a field of long grass, and then 30 yds further on.
I didn't think Hazel would do this. She did return so she was in sight of me, so I dropped her, and sent her back (which she did nicely) and then she got the dummy. Really pleased with this.
The rest of the retrieves they both did really well. We had a 250 yd blind which I was pleased with Rusty for doing. I had to give 2 back commands (at about 100 yds, and then 150 yds) which he took really well. To be fair the ground sloped away from me so the dogs had a nice downhill outrun, and the dummies were left around a trough in the middle of the field so it was easy for the handler to mark. All the dogs in the class succeeded. I didn't send Hazel as I knew this would be too far for her.

Jaz
Gave her a run this afternoon. I think this is the first time since last summer really. With all her leg problems over the winter I didn't do any work with her, and I don't do much quartering with her during the shooting season as the last thing I want on the shoot is her disappearing all the time.
She was rewarded in the first field with a find on a cock pheasant, which sadly flushed before I could send her in for the flush. She was stood a good distance off it, so I'm not sure why he felt so pressured. I did blow the whistle for a sit but Jaz just wanted to sniff out where it had been so that part was all very messy. I did run her on a bit more. She is running in long grass (hay fields) and the seed gets stuck to her eyes and all in her mouth and on her tongue which isn't ideal. Also I lose sight of her really quickly, and I am nervous of any fawns resting up in the grass during the day, so I guess I will have to start driving up to the Downs to run her in less cover.

1st July, Sunday

2007-07-02T16:57:00.000Z

Well it is still raining. It is the Hickstead Derby today and after wandering around there yesterday afternoon, decided it would be nicer to sit at home and watch todays class on the tellie.
I had the fields mole ploughed yesterday, and the tractor has made a right mess in the field, and had to use the little digger to fill back some of the huge ruts the tractor has made. Getting the ground just right and the contractor to come in on the right day is a nightmare!!!!

Due to the fact that it seems to have rained everyday for the last month or so, noone has been able to make their hay. It has just started going to seed, so all I can do if hope for some dry weather. At least we aren't flooded like some of the villages up North.