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HOLLY JANE BARRINGTON, 15 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE:
Bristol
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
When we bought our first puppy we knew we wanted to train it and we enrolled in what we thought was a puppy obedience class by accident we ended up going to a ringcraft class instead we loved the classes so much we took it a step further and joined a ringcraft in Gloucestershire that specialised in junior handling. With the support of my parents I began to enter companion dog show handling classes, then open and then championship handling classes. I haven’t looked back!
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
With ‘His Masters Choice’ Bertie I train him in heelwork to music, obedience and agility but with ‘Cabon Sea Maiden’ Kizzy we actively take part in obedience competitions and have qualified in obedience for Crufts. We also take part in agility competitions, heelwork to music and Kizzy is also used in professional plays that I am in. My blind dog Bobbie has his silver GDC award and both Kizzy and Bertie have their gold GDC award.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
I have three dog which I own Kizzy, Bertie and Bobbie they are all West Highland White Terriers. Kizzy is three years old and Bertie and Bobbie and both four years old. We show Kizzy and Bertie. I am also currently training a collie called Buster who I hope to have a go at handling at shows in the future, he’s only one and has a long way to go yet.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
Kizzy my youngest dog is so willing to please and we have such a rapport together, so generally I tend to handle Kizzy. However in the future I also hope to show one of Kizzy puppies.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
I have shown Labradors, Great Danes, Poodles, Shih Tzu’s, Shelties, Collies, Manchester Toy Terriers, Scotties, Whippets, Newfoundlands, Weimaraners, Norfolk Terriers and other people’s westies.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
You handle westies on a high lead. Their heads should be up and their tails should be held straight up as well.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I normally wear a brown suit with a pink blouse
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
I have won handling at Crufts and am often placed highly in the line up at Championship shows. Every year that I have been handling I have always qualified for Richmond and Crufts in handling. I am also very proud that I came fourth at Crufts in my obedience class with my Westie Kizzy.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
Definitely when they called my name out at Crufts that I had won the handling, I was so excited and I really didn’t expect it!
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Handling classes are supposed to be fun so always go in the ring with a smile and a positive attitude. If you don’t win maybe it wasn’t your day look at what the top placed handlers did and see if you can improve in any way on your technique. If you want to pick up any tips at shows never be shy to approach other handlers we are all very friendly and are willing to give helpful advice.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
Meeting new people who all have a similar interest as you and most importantly having fun with your dog.
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
Sometimes getting judges that do not fully understand how to judge a handling class. As juniors we work really hard to try and improve at handling and it’s always a bit disappointing when you then go under a judge who doesn’t understand the criteria for handling.
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