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KIRI HURST, 8 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE:
Burton, Christchurch, Dorset
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I nagged my Mum at every show we went to and she finally gave in and let me handle some novelty classes at the age of five. I moved on to the junior handling at 6, mostly at companion shows to start with to get some experience. I am lucky to have a lot of experience handlers and trainers that my Mum knows.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
I love most activities and I actually take part in Agility, Obedience, Heelwork to Music and Flyball Competitions.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
We have 4 Dogs, all American Cocker Spaniels.
Fudge (Sanrogue one to Treasure)
Toffee (Sanrogue CandyMan)
Charlie (Sanrogue Charlie Girl)
Pickle (Sanrogue Secret Affair)
Ojo (Sanrogue Jayden)
The new pup, Zippy a 4 month old papillon.
I think my mummy wants more but my daddy said something about 'over his dead body'
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I mainly use Fudge as we have owned him since I was 3 and I started handling him when I was 5, we only had Fudge then. I am now moving on to Pickle who is our youngest bitch and is a bit trickier. I have a special relationship with Fudge and I think the judges like it.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
I have also shown a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and I gained a 2nd at Bournemouth Championship Show. I mainly show our American Cockers as they live with me.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
The American Cocker is a stacked breed and they are shown on a high lead which is positioned under the ears. I have to walk quite quickly to make sure he strides properly but not too fast as he likes to run too. They are a table dog and I have only just started to be able to reach and see over the top of Fudge.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I have a couple of suits, I started wearing a short (3/4 length) trouser suit and I am wearing a light blue suit at the moment as it constrasts well with Fudges colour.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
Winning my Class at JHA Semi Finals 2005 , 2nd place JHA Semi Finals 2004, Reaching the YKC Jumping Finals at Crufts 2005 and getting a clear round. Winning Best Trick at Discover Dogs and Wag and Bone Show 2004.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
Winning the class at the JHA Semi Finals this weekend (Sept 2005), lots of people congratulated me. Doing agility at Crufts was also amazing with all of the people watching/
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Always remember to do your shoe laces up, enjoy your time in the ring and always say thankyou to the Judge (even if she does not place you)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
I get to meet lots of new people that are really friendly (and YKC Camp because its great! )
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I wish that people would judge the handler and not the dog, my dog has been castrated but he still has to enter a breed class so I can do the junior handling, it is silly.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
It is nice that there is finally a place where I can tell people about my hobby, pen pals would be a great idea?
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