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EMMA BOWMAN, 14 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE: Perth , Scotland
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
My friend Hilda got two puppies and Irish Setter (Rosie) and a collie (Gill). I went to thier house a lot when they were growing up and we got to know each other. Then Hilda started to show Rosie and I went along to the Irish Setter Club of Scotland Championship show to watch. I watched the Junior Handling Class and I was hooked. Hilda said I could have a go with Rosie at their next open show (Perth Canine Club Open show) . We had a go and were placed 3rd and qualified for Richmond at our very first show!
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
I do a little obedience with Hilda's husband George's collie, Gill. We have done one competeitin (SKC Beginners Obedience heat) and we won ! We have also done the Bronze Road Safety (passed with 100% ).
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
I live in an "animal free zone" . apart from an outside cat (sadly !). I have only ever shown Rosie.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
Just Rosie, because she is lovely and is great to show because she does everything you ask . Once we went to a show and we were asked to do a T. I had only read how to do it and Rosie and I had never done it for real before (because I don't live with her). We did a perfect T and I was so proud of her.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
Just the Irish Setter. I would love to have a go with some other breeds though.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
The Irish Setter should be stacked , with its head up and tail held level with the dog's topline. When moving them you should move at a brisk jog.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I normally wear a white shirt underneath a black suit . Black shoes and my hair up in a bun or ponytail.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
My best achievements are qualifiing for Richmond at my first show. Also being first at Fife Canine Club Open Show, at The Irish Setter Club of Scotland Championship Show and being Best Junior Handler at Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland Open Show (qualified for Richmond).
Rosie was on maternity leave at the end of last year. She had 9 puppies and I am looking forward to (mabe) showing her beautiful daughter, Ella.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
Qualifying for Richmond.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Winning isn't everything - wether you win or lose, always praise your dog. After all, if it wasn't for your dog, you wouldn't be ther in the first place!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
You make lots of friends and everyone is really nice.
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
When people use their dog as a show machine - dogs have feelings too.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
Just remember to always have fun and congratulate the winner. You will appreciate it when you win !
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