Pointer Club and English Setter Club Training Day 30th July 2019
Report
The Pointer Club and English Setter Club held their second joint Training Day on Tuesday 30th July 2019 on Apedale Moor, Leyburn by the very kind permission of Lord Bolton of Wensley.
We were very lucky have access to ground on one of the top moors in the North of England at this time of year to give the participants chance to work their dogs on young grouse and we would like to thank Headkeeper, Ian Sleightholm for all his help and support. Ian is a great supporter of Pointers and Setters and our sport.
The 7 Pointers, 5 Gordon Setters, 1 English Setter and 1 Irish Red and White Setter and their handlers met at The Wheatsheaf pub in Carperby for introductions and coffee before moving off to the moor.
Steve Lound, whose brain child and commitment to Pointers and Setters has made these Training days possible, gave a talk about the moor management on this type of moor and the groups then set off with their Trainers. We were very fortunate to have David Hall and Terry Harris, as well as Steve Lound as trainers and Meryl Asbury helping on the day.
The sun was shining and conditions were perfect for working the dogs, but the forecast for the day was wet in the afternoon so we set off as soon as possible, as young grouse should not be disturbed in wet or windy conditions.
It was great to see the enthusiasm and interest shown by the participants. The dogs were worked with training lines to give the handlers control when the dogs pointed and flushed the birds and all the dogs had the opportunity not only to quarter, but also to point grouse .
Luckily we had pushed on in the morning and everyone had had chance to run their dogs, as in the afternoon we heard rumblings of thunder and saw steaks of lightening in the distance. Out in the open, on the top of a moor is no place to be in a thunderstorm, so we quickly gathered everyone up and made our way back to the pub.
While we had coffee and compared notes about the dogs and had a very useful and informative question and answer session, the rain started to fall. It was not normal rain and we all decided it would be best to set off for home as soon as possible. It was unbelievable how quickly and fiercely the rain came and we were all lucky to get home safely as roads and bridges were washed away in a few hours. Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered up the Dales.
It was another great day and a super that two Clubs can work together so well. Thanks to all the participants for their support and enthusiasm. It is their enthusiasm and interest in learning to work their dogs for what they were bred for, which makes the days so worthwhile. Thanks again must also go to Ian Sleightholm for arranging the venue and to our Trainers; David Hall, Terry Harris, Steve Lound and Meryl Asbury for being so generous with their time, knowledge and experience. Sadly, Carole Brown could not be with us for this day, but we would all like to thank her for organising the pub and coffee and her help behind the scenes
Fiona Kirk, Hon Sec English Setter Club
We were very lucky have access to ground on one of the top moors in the North of England at this time of year to give the participants chance to work their dogs on young grouse and we would like to thank Headkeeper, Ian Sleightholm for all his help and support. Ian is a great supporter of Pointers and Setters and our sport.
The 7 Pointers, 5 Gordon Setters, 1 English Setter and 1 Irish Red and White Setter and their handlers met at The Wheatsheaf pub in Carperby for introductions and coffee before moving off to the moor.
Steve Lound, whose brain child and commitment to Pointers and Setters has made these Training days possible, gave a talk about the moor management on this type of moor and the groups then set off with their Trainers. We were very fortunate to have David Hall and Terry Harris, as well as Steve Lound as trainers and Meryl Asbury helping on the day.
The sun was shining and conditions were perfect for working the dogs, but the forecast for the day was wet in the afternoon so we set off as soon as possible, as young grouse should not be disturbed in wet or windy conditions.
It was great to see the enthusiasm and interest shown by the participants. The dogs were worked with training lines to give the handlers control when the dogs pointed and flushed the birds and all the dogs had the opportunity not only to quarter, but also to point grouse .
Luckily we had pushed on in the morning and everyone had had chance to run their dogs, as in the afternoon we heard rumblings of thunder and saw steaks of lightening in the distance. Out in the open, on the top of a moor is no place to be in a thunderstorm, so we quickly gathered everyone up and made our way back to the pub.
While we had coffee and compared notes about the dogs and had a very useful and informative question and answer session, the rain started to fall. It was not normal rain and we all decided it would be best to set off for home as soon as possible. It was unbelievable how quickly and fiercely the rain came and we were all lucky to get home safely as roads and bridges were washed away in a few hours. Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered up the Dales.
It was another great day and a super that two Clubs can work together so well. Thanks to all the participants for their support and enthusiasm. It is their enthusiasm and interest in learning to work their dogs for what they were bred for, which makes the days so worthwhile. Thanks again must also go to Ian Sleightholm for arranging the venue and to our Trainers; David Hall, Terry Harris, Steve Lound and Meryl Asbury for being so generous with their time, knowledge and experience. Sadly, Carole Brown could not be with us for this day, but we would all like to thank her for organising the pub and coffee and her help behind the scenes
Fiona Kirk, Hon Sec English Setter Club
