Avon Arena trial

Avon Arena Trial , June 21st to 25th.

We were blessed with lovely sunny days for the Avon trial near Beverly this year.

However we could have done without the frosts on Wed, Thur and Fri night.

Those who had early morning runs got frozen toes as they crunched around on the grass. Not sure what the dogs thought but it certainly didn't slow the sheep down. They were tricky indeed.

The novice sheep were quite woolly so dogs had to cover their corners, or the sheep didn't see them through their woolly faces. They also had a tendency to stand up to the dog, and take on any dog that gave them too much leeway.

The Improver and open sheep were a little less woolly but just as obstinate. It proved difficult to get them to look down the race and those that did usually refused to go through, simply turning to face the dog again. Handlers who managed the first obstacle found that they went over the bridge fairly easily but were tricky to pen, and a few people who did pen watched in despair as they flew out again before the gate could be shut.

Some had the homing instinct of a pigeon and repeatedly tried to bolt back to the letouts, so competitors had a real battle to get them into the D.

However in the open event some of the more experienced dogs got their measure and there were a few pens and some quite respectable scores.

In the novice there were only 13 scores out of 57 dogs. And in the improver 15 scores from 60 runs. There was a 40 point ring-off for all competitors.

It was a great trial though and good to see some up and coming stars having their first runs.

On the Sunday an Historical Fair was held so those who were overcome by their efforts on the trial ground could have some distractions. Clydesdale, ploughing competitions, old machinery, harness ponies, and hobby horse displays were part of the entertainment. Also many spectators enjoyed the trialling as well, probably more than some of the competitors did.

Avon is a picturesque ground and the facilities were excellent.

The trial grounds, with many spectators watching Andrew Gorton judging the open final.

I'm pretty sure this clydsdale wasn't meant to do this, but I couldnt help thinking it's a long way to the ground.

Results.

Novice, judged by Jean Hydleman.

1st. Karyn Buller and Kumbark Monty. 68.

2nd. Dave Lacy and Akoonah Henry. 63.

=3rd. Tony Boyle and Boylee Stephanie. 55

=3rd. Peter Gorman and Grass Valley Polar. 55

=3rd. Jane Dorrel and Rocky Dusty. 55

6th. Frank Sutherland and Rocky Nicki. 54

7th. Dave Lacey and Akoonah Lady. 51

=8th Andrew Gorton and Just Sam. 48 (Kelpie Collie X)

=8th. Karyn Buller and Badgingarra Barney. 48 (Kelpie)

10th. Jenny Whitelock and Boylee Sugar. 44.

Improver, judged by Neil Eastough.

1st. Peter Gorman and Grassvalley Polar. 67.

2nd. Gordon Curtis and Binnaburra Sasha. 47. (Kelpie)

3rd. Dave Lacey and Akoonah Henry. 46.

4th. Germaine Seymour and Euroa Nan. 44.

=5th. Andrew Gorton and Ramulam Ripper. 43. (Kelpie).

=5th. Dave Lacey and Akoonah Lady. 43.

7th. Nan Lloyd and Rocky Balto. 42.

=8th. Jenny Palm and Badgingarra Gem. 41. (Kelpie)

=8th. Nick Webb and Euroa Digby. 41.

=10th. Gordon Curtis and Binnaburra Johnny. 36. (Kelpie)

=10th. Karyn Buller and Badgingarra Barney. 36. (Kelpie).

=10th. Phill Dorrell and Ramulam Patch. 36.

=10th. Jenny Whitelock and Boylee Sugar. 36.

=10th. Jenny Atherton and Badgingarra Tony. 36 (Kelpie).

=10th. Bernie Jones and Bellview Teddy. 36

Open, judged by Murray Bell.

1st. Peter Gorman and Badgingarra Nell. 161.

2nd. Tony Boyle and Boylee Tobie. 159.

3rd. Peter Gorman and Princes Sally 157

4th. Ivan Solomon and Perengary Sasha. 153.

5th. Ken Atherton and Olboa Merle. 150.

6th. Peter Gorman and Grassvalley Polar. 149.

7th. Glenice Webb and Morrillo Toby 132.

8th. Peter Gorman and Grassvalley Floss. 125.

9th. Frank Sutherland and Rocky Nikki. 109.

10th Ivan Solomon and Somerville Tully. 88.

11th Malcolm Seymour and Euroa Nell. 78.

12th Simon Leaning and Chidlow Floss. 74.

Grant Cookes Grassvalley Skye getting a steam up at the pen.

Malcolm Seymour's Somerville Lucy at the bridge.

Rod Forsyth's Binnaburra Wal.

Tony Boyle's Boylee Mustard.

The pictures below show Jane Dorrell's Rocky Dusty doing his very best to head a sheep that was determined to escape in any way possible. Dusty did get the sheep back without crossing and continued on.