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HANNAH ESCOTT, 17 YEARS OLD
LIVES IN KIDDERMINSTER
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I started when I was 13, and I am the first in my family ever to show a dog. I took my dog, Duffee, to a companion show and entered a junior handling class. We hadn’t done any ringcraft, we didn’t even know what ringcraft training was!! I loved every minute of it but didn’t get placed.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER FIELD (I.E. OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, FLYBALL ETC)?
I mainly show in breed and junior handling, but I also enjoy training in obedience, agility and heelwork to music. I think the GCDS is a great thing to try, and I have got 2 Wheatens and a Newfoundland to their silver award. I do stewarding and really enjoy it. I’ve also recently started judging junior handling too.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH, OWN AND SHOW?
We have 2 Wheatens and I live with, train and show both of them. I really enjoy showing other people’s dogs too.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I mainly use my Wheatens because I’ve built a rapport with them, but I’ve taken a Westie, Huskie, Newfoundland and Norwegian Elkhounds in too.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
Newfoundlands, Norwegian Elkhounds, Bearded Collies, Keeshonds, Whippet, Dalmation, Bichon Frise, Cairns, Tibetain Spaniels, Manchester terriers, Irish setter, Norwegian Buhunds, Westie, Flat coated retriever, Siberian Husky and lots of Wheatens
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) WHICHEVER BREED YOU USE MOST IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES.
I handle my Wheatens on a high lead because mine move better this way, but they can also be moved on a low lead. They are usually stacked, with the head held high and the tail held up. Their lovely character can make them difficult to handle, but it just adds to the fun!!
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I wear a black trouser suit.
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
Being 1st at the Richmond semi-finals 2007 was absolutely amazing, I couldn’t believe it, I’d put in a lot of practice and was lucky enough to be supported by many breed and junior handling friends on the day. Also being Wheaten Junior Handler of the Year in 2005, gaining two 1sts in junior handling, and a green star with a Cairn on the Munster Circuit in 2006, gaining BOB and the green star with a Buhund in 2007. Gaining three 1sts at Crufts 2006.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
Loads!! Being dragged out of the ring twice by my naughty Wheaten, falling over in the ring, forgetting where a Norwegian Elkhound came from when I was asked in a handling class- they’re never let me live that down!! So many memorable laughs in Ireland, and of course Richmond semis 2007. Great times on YKC camp. Going on Outward Bound with the YKC- that was an amazing experience!!
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Practise definitely leads to success. When your not competing go and chat to other juniors even if its just hello if you’re shy, it’s a great way to make friends.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
Meeting so many other young dog fans from across the UK, and when you haven’t seen them for even a whole year getting all excited when you get to meet up again!!
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
When we get judges that don’t know the rules of junior handling.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
Enjoy showing your dogs and have lots of fun!! If you ever get the chance to go on the Munster Circuit in Ireland, YKC camp, or on the Outward Bound course for senior members go for it because they are 3 amazing weeks!!
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