Southern English Springer Spaniel Society

SESSS Championship Show - 13th July 2025

I was highly honoured to be asked to judge the SESSS 50th Breed Championship show and immensely enjoyed my day.  I would like to extend my thanks to the committee for entrusting me to perform this task and a special thank you to Paul Osborne, my wonderful steward for the day who did a fabulous job keeping me on track all day.  I am very grateful to everyone who brought their dogs allowing me the opportunity to cast my eyes over them and accepting my decisions with good sportsmanship.  It was forecast to be a very hot day but thankfully the superb facilities that were availed to us meant that the dogs (and judges) were kept cool. I was delighted with my entry and the quality and presentation of the exhibits was excellent and in several classes I wished I had more than one red card to hand out …., it really came down to the finer details when making the final choices.

DOGS

Minor Puppy Dog    Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.     ELAZLAN NIGHT HAWK (Ms C Darling) Incredibly smart looking b/w boy. Masculine in head without any coarseness, dark almond shaped eye and a super kind expression. Lovely length of neck with that leads into super well boned front legs with the tightest of feet. He is well balanced throughout and moved with super reach and drive keeping a level top line. Developing well in body and already has ample spring of rib with depth throughout. Has a look of mischief one would expect with a seven-month-old puppy and his handler had her work cut out, but once settled, he moved straight and true. Unfortunately, injured his leg was unable to compete in the challenge.

Puppy Dog        Entries: 3 Abs: 0

1.    CHANANGEL YORKSHIRE ALE WITH BETHERSDEN (Mr G & Mrs S Tolladay)  An impressive L/W 11month young man with super head and a lovely dark eye and is without any shadow of doubt a male. Pleasing arched neck leading into well placed shoulders and owns a correct return of upper arm - stands on well boned legs and possesses tidy well-padded tight feet. I enjoyed feeling depth through his dark liver jacket. His strong backend has well-toned muscles that he uses to drive around the ring where he keeps his top line level and carries his tail well and won on his movement in a lovely class. He does tend to lean back when stood which can spoil the overall look of very promising puppy. BPD

2.    DEXBENELLA LIVIN’ THE DREAM (Mr S P & Mrs W M Walker) Another lovely puppy from this kennel who is of a similar age. He makes a pleasing outline and owns a typical masculine head with dark eye and kind expression without an ounce of coarseness. Clean neck leading into tidy shoulders and good layback of shoulder. Moved well with reach, drive and enthusiasm which I like to see in a youngster but just pipped to the post by the class winner as he was slightly more balanced on the move. I’m sure he has a bright future.

3.    EASTRIDING ROYAL GOLD (Mrs K Jenkinson)

Junior Dog           Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.    MEONSTOKE WOODPECKER AT GROSBREUIL (Mrs D West) An incredibly smart L /W 15 month old boy - pleasing head and nice dark eye with lovely springer expression. Won this class on his overall construction and movement. Not overly heavy boned but is still at that raw teenager stage but is starting to develop some depth in his middle piece. A little tucked up in his loin currently which can make him look long in his stifle but as he develops and drops into his body a little more, this should even out the picture. Happy mover and does have good reach and drive. Beautifully presented and well-handled and did move out happily considering he’s not seen much of the show scene so far.

2.    DAENERYS PLAYING WITH FIRE (Mrs K Allery) Quite a raw teenager just over 12 months old. Pleasant head, dark eye with sufficient neck and lay back of shoulder. Just needs to mature all through.  He really is at that teenager ‘in between’ stage.  Appeared a little flat on his front pasterns and fell away over his croup which did spoil his overall outline when moving - although a happy mover, this did cost him a class.

Yearling Dog        Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.    COBHAY DASHING DANDELION  JW  (Mrs J, Mrs D & Miss P Williams & Toublic) Very smart L/W dog who is well boned and plenty of substance throughout - there is no doubting his gender. Pleasing head with dark eye and kind expression – leads into a neck which is of sufficient length and possesses good shoulders and return of upper arm with noticeable depth to his body. Great width to his second thigh allowing him a sufficient bend of stifle.  Really well handled and showed he could really move and covered the ground well.

Novice Dog.         Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.    DEXBENELLA LIVIN’ THE DREAM (Mr S P & Mrs W M Walker) 

Also 2nd in Puppy Dog

Graduate Dog         Entries: 2 Abs: 

1.    DEXBENELLA LIVIN’ THE DREAM (Mr S P & Mrs W M Walker) 

Also 2nd in Puppy Dog

Post Graduate Dog    Entries: 3 Abs: 0

1.    PEASBLOSSOM BROGAN AT GAOLACHARA  (Ms Stevenson) Smart L/W boy who is clean in outline and at  2 1/2 years old is just starting to mature nicely. Kind expression dark eye of correct shape and together with good workings in his head, there is no mistaking he is male.  Clean neck of sufficient length that leads into well angulated shoulders with a tidy return of upper arm. Does need to drop into his body and fill out more to give him an improved spring of rib which will complete his middle piece.  He does possess the correct bend of stifle and has an excellent width of well-muscled second thigh.  He's in hard condition throughout which shows he does get plenty of exercise outside the showring.  Pleased to see him put his well-muscled body into action around the ring and strode out with excellent reach and drive and by far out moved the class to take first place. Everything is there, just needs to develop and think he has the potential to finish quite a tidy dog. 

2.    HUNTERHECK FADE TO BLACK  (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc) A lovely B/W boy with such a kind expressive head with the loveliest of dark eyes and an expression that is typical of the breed.  Clean reach of neck leading into well-placed shoulders, would like slightly more return of upper arm but he has enough. Great bone throughout and stands straight on super tidy feet.  Excellent depth to his body and does own an adequate spring of rib associated with a male of this age.  Can appear a little straight behind but I know that he has that bend of stifle that does just need a bit of encouragement to show it off - that would complete an improved overall stacked picture.  But oh dear, it’s his movement that does let him down – he is not at one with his handler and it is costing him – his head was down and consequently threw his backend out.  He does have all the basics – just needs a few words in his ear as to who is the boss in the show ring – he will get there, just needs a bit more practice to get him working with you…. not against you 

3.    KINGSHEATH SUN DANCE  (Mrs J Fitchett)

Mid Limit Dog         Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.    GLEADSBURY IT IS DESTINY FOR ANACAPA (Mrs H Merry) Although he stood alone in this class, I was so pleased I finally had the opportunity to get my hands on this young l/w dog who is just coming up to 3years old.  When I did, I was delighted that his coat wasn’t hiding anything.  He is a 100% honest well-presented dog who is yet to reach his prime but today he showed me what he was made of and what potential he as to finish at top level.  Loveliest male with expressive head showing a kind dark eye who is no way overdone – particularly like the amount of work in evidence giving him that true springer look with just a glint of mischief in his dark eyes.  Clean through throat and possesses just the right amount of neck with a very slight arch. This leads nicely into really well-placed shoulders and an adequate return of upper arm.  Straight in front and ample chest allowing plenty of heart room. He has a super well ribbed body and is strong over his loin and sufficient turn of stifle.  A young man who has excellent bone throughout and has a well-balanced ratio of length to height and his toned legs are completed standing on lovely tight catlike feet.  Well angulated throughout and sufficient bend of stifle and strong well-muscled hindquarters. Another one whose musculature structure displays he gets abundant exercise outside of the showring.  Makes a lovely outline when he is stacked with well let down hocks.  When he moved he was the first one of the day to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and he was like man on a mission retaining a lovely level topline, he drives effortlessly around the ring – straight and true moving away and towards me.  He obviously succeeded in his mission today as I was delighted to award him his first CC for which he pulled out all the stops for and really out-moved some other strong competition in the challenge.  I hope to see the other two CC’s follow soon as I believe he is certainly worthy of having Sh Ch in front of his name.  

Limit Dog        Entries: 2 Abs: 1

1.    MELTAROSE MIDSHIPMAN  (Mrs E. Rowlinson) Really liked this 5-year-old l/w tri dog.  He is an impressive dog that is very eye catching in stature.  The first stop is his head with which he draws you in to display one that is correctly shaped without being overdone.  He possesses the kindest of expressions which is made up of his lovely fluting and almond shaped dark eye.  There is no sign of any exaggeration anywhere.  Strong in neck which is clean and slightly arched of sufficient length and leads into well angulated shoulders and return of upper arm which presents a balanced outline and racy in build. Satisfying to feel a deep chest with plenty of heart room.  He possesses an excellent spring of rib and depth to his body. He is supported by super boned legs standing on tidy well-padded feet. Moved well maintaining a level top line with correct tail carriage – has excellent reach and drive which his handler capitalised on and really got the best out of this lovely dog.  Beautifully presented and he was in my consideration for the RCC but even though he moved well he was just slightly out moved in the final challenge.   On another day the results could be very different 

Open Dog         Entries: 4 Abs: 1

1.    ELAZLAN BILLY KIMBER (Mrs C Darling) Extremely smart black and white 5-year dog who is all male without any coarseness. He makes a very clean-cut outline from his typical Springer head which is well chiselled with just the right amount of workings to complete a very handsome headpiece. Beautiful dark almond shaped eyes, flat cheeks and nicely rounded shape to his head typical springer head. Has a fabulous reach of neck that leads into super shoulder placement with a good return of upper arm. He is blessed with a full sparkling black and white jacket – under that he has plenty of body and well-muscled definition there. Great forechest with plenty of heart room and excellent depth to his body.  Moderate hindquarters, with correct angulation with correct tail set.  Good bone and the most delightful well-padded tight feet. He has well let down hocks and just the right amount of bend of stifle. He flows around the ring producing an excellent profile and moving away and coming towards he is straight and true – a well-balanced gentleman all the way through. Very close decision between him and my limit winner who just out moved him in the final run round.  Delighted to award him the RCC     

2.    DAN/SWE CH TRIMERE TIME TRAVELLER  (Mrs B. & Miss V. Brasch & Borregaard Madsen) Unlucky to meet the class winner on such sparkling form today. Very smart L/W dog with pleasing head and kind expression. Strong arched neck and well-placed shoulders – balanced throughout and well boned standing on neat tidy feet. Not quite the depth of forechest of class winner but has sufficient depth of body and adequate bend of stifle. Another lovely free mover who retained his topline and maintained a good tail set – close decision 

3.    CHERISHYM DOFIDA (Mr P & Mrs Y Richardson & Terry-Richardson)

Veteran Dog         Entries: 2 Ab: 0

It’s no secret that I have a special fondness for the veterans and these two older gentlemen are an excellent example of how our glorious veterans improve as they get older – just like a good wine.  

1.     Sh Ch DEXBENELLA ATTICUS FINCH ShCEx VW (Mr S P & Mrs W M Walker) This l/w boy belies his 8 years and is in excellent condition all through.  He has the most glorious head with dark almond shaped eyes, super fluting, flat cheeks and another who is all male without any coarseness. Retains a strong arched neck that flows into his well-placed shoulders. I liked his return of upper arm and front assembly. You can get a good handful of his ample depth of chest which allows for plenty of heart room.  Excellent solid boned dog who stands on tidy catlike feet He has a beautiful profuse coat that I imagine has taken time to reach the gleaming standard presented and when you get your hands under his coat he is sturdy and possesses ample spring of rib leading into his strong arched loin.  Super well-muscled back end with strength and width to his thighs possessing a good turn of stifle.  Moves with lovely reach and drive retaining a level topline and correct tail carriage. An absolute credit to his owner. BVD and BVIS

2.    CRACKERJANNE COURT JESTER  (Mrs C Woodbridge) Another lovely veteran in his pomp with a spring in his step.  Beautifully presented in a gleaming l/w jacket, he possesses such a kind expressive headpiece retaining a luscious dark eye. Not as clean in the neck and throat area as the class winner, nonetheless a gentleman who is also belying his 9 years and apart from a few grey hairs around his muzzle, he hides his age very well.  His body is strong and muscular with adequate angulation throughout and good depth and spring of rib through his middle piece. Not quite the width of thigh as my class winner but owns a tidy bend of stifle and lovely tidy catlike feet. Moved around the ring striding out retaining his top line with a wagging level tail set…. Obviously enjoying his day out immensely.  And so he should – he was presented good order and he and his handler were at one.  Well done on keeping this gentleman in such fine fettle     

Special Beginners Dog        Entries: 3 Abs: 0

1.    HUNTERHHECK FADE TO BLACK (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc) 

Also 2nd Post Graduate Dog

2.    KINGSHEATH SUN DANCE  (Mrs J Fitchett) Smart b/w boy coming up to 3 years old in possession of a gleaming coat and really well presented. Would prefer a little better shoulder placement and return of upper arm but does have enough depth of chest and spring of rib.  Think he may have a bit more maturing to do in this area. Sufficient width of thigh and bend of stifle and does stand on tidy tight feet.  Moved well and better than in his previous PG class where he stood 3rd but here he gave a more balanced performance and you cold see him driving from behind.  He did not move this well in his previous class which let him down and cost him a higher place 

3.    DAENERYS PLAYING WITH FIRE  (Mrs K Allery)

Presidents Special Open Stakes     Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.    COBHAY DASHING DANDELION JW (Mrs J, Mrs D & Miss P Williams & Toublic) 

Also 1st Yearling Dog

BITCHES

Minor Puppy Bitch            Entries: 1 Abs: 0

1.    ELAZLAN ELLE FOR LEATHER  (Mr & Mrs M Calvert) Oh my goodness what a little cracker to start the girls off with.  My notes said on my first observation ‘WOW-WOW’ As I got my hands on her and watched her move I loved her even more.  Super 8-month-old young lady in a gleaming l/w coat and oozes quality from any angle.  Her head has yet to mature but when you look at it you can see what the finished article will look like.  She presents a lovely slightly rounded head with a correct balanced foreface and chiselling starting to appear.  Already blessed with an almond shaped darkening eye displaying more than a hint of mischief in there.  Clean in her throat and this leads into a nicely arched clean neck and fabulous well-constructed front assembly for one so young. Super shoulder placement and return of upper arm and stands on beautiful tight catlike feet trimmed to perfection. She stands on well boned legs that are already well muscled for her age. Lovely to feel a deep chest developing and when you move along her body she has a wonderful spring of rib and good depth of her middle piece. She has strength in her well-muscled thigh and adequate bend of stifle ….and such a chunky bum which gives her the overall well-balanced picture that fills the eye.  Her movement is outstanding for such a baby and she has it all together – super reach and drive as she moved around the ring and is true back and forth. She covers the ground effortlessly retaining a level topline with super tail carriage There is nothing I would want to change with this young lady apart from her address – I could have happily put her in my van and taken her home! I am sure she has a very bright future, hence my decision to award her BPB, BPIS and RCC.   

Puppy Bitch                    Entries: 6 Abs: 2

1.    CHANANGEL YORKSHIRE HONEY (Mr & Mrs M Calvert) Such a pretty headed young lady who, with her 1st birthday just around the corner, is starting to get it all together. She presented me with the prettiest of heads and a lovely dark eye and such a pleasing expression.  Good length to her foreface and ample stop and fluting in evidence. Clean throat and lovely slightly arched neck leading into super shoulder placement and front assembly.  Deep in forechest and stands on straight well boned legs with those lovely catlike feet.  Elbows tight to her well ribbed body and has both depth and strength in her middle piece. Wide and already well-muscled thigh with good turn of stifle and well let down hocks.  All was put to good use as she moved around the ring with balanced reach and drive maintaining a lovely outline and correct level tail set – another exciting prospect for the future. Close decision between 1 & 2 but preferred the head of this young lady 

2.    EASTRIDING ROYAL STYLE (Mrs K Jenkinson) Mature 11 month old l/w bitch who was a very different type and build than my class winner. Heavier and racy in make but another lovely puppy who was just unfortunate to meet class winner today.  Her head does appear a little plain but I am sure the fluting and chiselling will develop as she matures further.  Kind dark eye and correct shaped head supported by her graceful arched neck with a very well assembled front and rear presenting excellent angulation throughout. She has sufficient depth to her body, although I would like slightly more spring of rib but time is most definitely on her side and this will come, I am sure. She displays a straight front and stands on tidy well-padded feet.  Another young lady with a nicely developed rear end who owns a muscular slightly arched loin and width of thigh with adequate bend of stifle producing a balanced picture throughout.  Moved well with reach and drive and maintains a level top line.  Another youngster who, I am sure, has a very bright future and as they both age, these places could change many times 

3.    EASTRIDING ROYAL ROSE (Mr J & Mrs L Lillie)

Junior Bitch                    Entries: 3 Abs: 0

Three litter sisters all very different in appearance but possessing similar qualities. All just out of puppy looking immature and with quite a bit of growing up to do as you would expect at this stage – they look their age which is what I prefer to see at this stage in their development 

1.    FORGESPRING NOBODY’S FOOL AT BLISSENBEA (Mrs M Proctor) Very feminine striking b/w young lady just out of puppy and very much at that ‘in between’ stage.  Pretty headed bitch that is well worked and has dark eyes presenting a lovely expression.  Clean over her shoulders that are well placed and has tidy angles front and rear.  Would like a little more depth to her body but that will come as she matures.  Her outline does present a lovely balanced picture, unfortunately the photo captured does show a very slight dip behind her shoulders – maybe it’s the way she was stood as I did not see this in evidence when she moved.  Moving she retained a lovely level topline with correct movement throwing her front legs from the shoulders and drove well behind. Should finish well. Beautifully presented 

2.    FORGESPRING FOOLPROOF (Mrs V K Pattison) Pretty headed B/W tri presents a lovely expression from her slightly rounded head, almond shaped dark eyes and with flat cheeks with enough flew.  No sign of throatiness and she flows from her neck through to her well-rounded bum. I think she is slightly better proportioned in her neck and shoulder area than the sister who beat her today. Elbows tucked in and ribs yet to spring and like her sisters, again does require more depth to her body..  Excellent of bend of stifle and width of well-muscled thigh and possesses sufficient bone throughout standing with lovely tight well-trimmed feet .  Although she moved OK, lost this on her movement today. 

3.    FORGESPRING FOOL ME ONCE (Mrs E L Stephens)

Yearling Bitch                 Entries: 5 Abs: 1

1.    SIEGERS SEE EYE TO EYE WITH TRIMERE (Imp Dk) NAF (Mrs A Corbett) An elegant  l/w girl who is full of breed type and one who catches your eye.  She has the most beautiful slightly domed shaped head that is well balanced with sufficient fluting highlighting her glorious correctly placed dark eyes.  She is well angulated for and aft and has clean shoulders and an excellent return of upper arm.  Deep in chest, short coupled and plenty of middle piece.  Strong in loin and just enough width of thigh and bend of stifle to present a lovely overall picture.  She stands on well boned legs with super tight feet.  Moved with purpose and drive holding her top line steady throughout. Absolutely faultless presentation.  She is a lovely 19 month old bitch with such a lot to like who was a strong contender for top honours 

2.    CARLYQUINN WINTER STORM JW (Mrs H Cokell) Another beautiful girl who is a different stamp than the class winner, nonetheless such a lot to like about her as well.  This young lady at the top end of yearling at 23 months old, is full of breed type and style.  Super balanced head with kind and dark expressive eye.  Lovely fluting, flat cheeks and good ear placement.  She possesses a clean throat, strong arched neck with great depth and heart room between her straight well boned forelegs.  Adequate shoulder placement and return of upper arm although I did prefer the cleaner front assembly of the class winner.  Good depth to her middle piece and has strong well-muscled loin with a slight arch which leads into a pleasing turn of stifle – hocks well let down. Great bone, super tight feet and beautifully presented.  Wasn’t as positive on the move as I’ve seen her before but still moves straight and true fore and aft and on another day I am sure these two will change places  

3.    FORGESPRING NOBODY’S FOOL AT BLISSENBEA (Mrs M Proctor)

Novice Bitch                Entries: 5 Abs: 1

1.    FORGESPRING NOBODY’S FOOL AT BLISSENBEA (Mrs M Proctor)

Also 1st in Junior Bitch 

2.    FORGESPRING FOOLPROOF (Mrs V K Pattison)

Also 2nd in Junior Bitch

3.    SPUFFING DAIQUIRI AT GAOLACHCARA (Ms Stevenson)

Graduate Bitch            Entries: 6 Abs: 3

1.    PLAIGLEN ONE LAST TIME  (Ms F Glendinning) Ultra feminine l/w bitch at just over 2 years old has such a lovely head with ample workings giving that lovely Springer expression.  She is blessed with a beautiful dark, almond shaped eye and sufficient fluting and chiselling to complement her head piece.  Clean throat and has strength in her slightly arched neck.  Good depth to her chest allowing that all important heart room.  Liked her shoulder placement and just enough return of upper arm to present a pleasing front end.  Her elbows are well tucked in and she has adequate depth in her body with sufficient spring of rib.  She presents a slight rise over her loin and enough bend of stifle for her backend to match her front nicely and stands on well boned, straight legs all finished off with the neatest of feet. Lovely to feel good musculature throughout without being coarse or over exaggerated.  Moved well enough to win her class but still manages to give her handler a hard time standing still  … I believe they call it character, of which she has in abundance.   

2.    CALVDALE PADLUROWNCANOE AT ZAWSPRING (Miss Z Wilson) There was certainly no disgrace in standing 2nd to my winner, it was a close decision and if I had 2 red cards, I would have handed them out here.  This delightful 2.5-year-old presented in her ultra smart b/w jacket, was a very different in make and shape to nonetheless, has many of the same attributes.  She is blessed with a strong slightly arched neck with the most beautiful dark head atop.  So feminine in shape and workings she is simply stunning and has the most desirable and kind expression.  In excellent hard condition throughout with great muscle tone without taking any femininity away from her.  I liked her depth of body, super spring of rib and she has a proper chunky bum. Well boned and the loveliest of tightly well-trimmed feet. Super bend of stifle and she used all of this structure to move really well around the ring maintaining a level top line and tail carriage.

3.    HUNTERHECK LOST IN A SPELL (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc)

Post Graduate Bitch            Entries: 4 Abs: 1

1.    MELVERLY BETSY TROTTWOOD AT COASTALGLOWS (Mrs J L Harris) Beautiful headed l/w young lady in gleaming coat and condition presented to perfection .  Nothing flashy or overdone about this girl - she is a good honest springer with the stamp of dogs from the past. Coming up to her 3rd birthday, I think she has yet some maturing to do but presents a glorious well-proportioned head with plenty of workings, correct eye shape and colour giving an air of quiet elegance.  Clean through throat and presents a lovely straight front that is well assembled and neat over her shoulders with a lovely return of upper arm.  Adequate depth of forechest and elbows well tucked in with plenty of depth through her middle-piece giving her a balanced overall picture. Well-muscled throughout with a nicely rounded bum and ample turn of stifle and well let down hocks.  Stands on well boned legs with beautiful tight feet.  Moved around the ring with reach and driving from behind maintaining a level top line and tail carriage

2.    CALVDALE HALF A STORY BETHERSDEN (Mr G & Mrs S Tolladay)  At almost 3yrs old, this young lady caught my eye when she came into the ring happily showing off her gleaming b/w coat.  She presents a most beautiful head that is well proportioned in foreface with sufficient chiselling below her luscious, dark, almond shaped eyes - all of which blend together to present the kindest of expressions.  She flows from her well-muscled, slightly arched neck through clean shoulders into a level top line down to a nicely rounded and well-muscled rear end. Ample forechest and she stands on straight well-muscled legs. Super depth to her and spring of rib with her elbows well tucked in. Strong in loin adequate width of thigh and a moderately turned stifle. Another with the most beautiful tight, well-padded feet. Really liked her and found her nicely balanced all through but although she moved OK, she was just not as positive on the move as my class winner.

3.    MEONSTOKE WILD THYME (Mrs K C Taubman)

Mid Limit Bitch            Entries: 4 Abs: 1

1.    MELVERLY AMY DORRIT WITH COASTALGLOWS (Mrs J L Harris) What a glorious b/w girl this is and is a pleasure to go over with her flowing lines from the top of her dark head to the tip of her wagging tail.  Her head is textbook and so feminine in make and shape and another who’s lack of white on her foreface certainly does not distract from how beautiful she is.  A well-muscled nicely arched neck leads into her super front assembly with plenty of depth to her forechest. So clean over her withers she flows through into her level top line and correct tail set. She has ample return of upper arm with straight well boned and muscular legs and stands on tight well-padded feet that I like. Deep in body that is short coupled and possesses just the right amount of spring of rib for her age – would like slightly more but this should come as she reaches full maturity.  Tidy hind quarters, well let down hocks and strength to her rear end that she used when she moved.  She really does possess that correct springer movement and is happy and confident around the ring.  Another considered for the top honours and I am sure these will come in time.  

2.    PETRANELLA PERFICK BLISS AT BLISSENBEA (Mrs M Proctor) A well-presented l/w girl  who’s  5th birthday is just around the corner has lots to like about her. Her head is very feminine with an expressive dark eye that is of the correct shape.  She has a slightly arched well-muscled neck although I would like to see slightly more length here as it can make her look a little stuffy over her shoulders -  she might benefit from carrying a little less weight here but it is, and I know from experience, one of the hardest parts to get weight off, but I think that would go some way to giving her the impression of a little more length to her neck.  She is nicely boned throughout with moderate angles fore and aft.  Adequate depth to her body with sufficient spring of rib, and short coupled with a well-turned bend of stifle.  Stands on tidy tight feet and moved with reach and drive retaining a level top line and carrying her wagging tail at the correct height.

3.    DAENERYS MOONDANCER TO CHERISHYM (Mr P & Mrs Y Richardson & Terry-Richardson)

Limit Bitch                 Entries: 6 Abs: 2

1.    CRACKERJANNE CASSIOPEIA  (Mrs V K Pattison) What a lovely girl this is with her gleaming b/w jacket and wagging tail who has so much to like about her from her elegant head to her nicely rounded bum. Such a kind expressive and feminine head greets you with her classic chiselling and fluting surrounding dark correctly shaped eyes.  Her skull is slightly rounded and there isn’t a hint of coarseness anywhere to be seen.   Just the right amount of neck for her make and size and this leads into well placed shoulders with enough return of upper arm. Her tight feet support strong muscular well boned legs and her elbows are tucked tightly into her sufficiently sprung rib cage.  I liked her depth of chest and short coupled body.  All finished off with moderate width of thigh and a well-turned stifle with hocks well let down.  She moved with verve around the ring using her strong hind quarters to power herself throwing her front legs out in true springer style – she was certainly enjoying her day out

2.    SEASPRING WINDCATCHER AT CHIPEWYAN (Mrs P Strover) Another very smart b/w young lady with kind expressive headpiece.   A little on the throaty side with sufficient length of neck, Front assembly OK does have adequate depth to her body and stands on well boned legs with tidy tight feet.  I would prefer her to be slightly less heavy over her shoulders as this does spoil the flow from her neck to her body.  Having said that she does have a decent depth of body and stacks up with a level top line that she did maintain on the move.   A little straight in her stifle which affected her lack of drive around the ring and consequently did not have the flowing gait of my class winner

3.    PETRANELLA PERFICK BLISS AT BLISSENBEA (Mrs M Proctor)

Open Bitch                Entries: 4 Abs: 0 

Goodness, what a super class this was and an absolute pleasure to get my hands on some fabulous examples of our breed.  I am sure the first 3 young ladies will continue to change places and wish I had more than 1 red card to distribute as they were really a glorious trio.

1.    Sh Ch ELAZAN CORONATION DAY JW (Miss E Chandler) My notes on this girl said … ‘classy, elegant bitch full of quality’ and what a beautiful classic l/w girl this is and at 2.5 years old, and I don’t think she’s reached her prime yet. She absolutely exudes quality from her delightful feminine head to the very tip of her correcy carried wagging tail.  She possesses the most melting dark eyes complementing a head piece that has just the right amount of work with fluting and elegance producing an air of haughtiness – she knows just how beautiful she is and effortlessly showed me just that.  She carries her head on a lovely slightly arched and well-muscled neck, no evidence of any throatiness and another one where you delve into her coat, and lo and behold, there is a wonderful depth of chest and plenty of heart room in there.  Super shoulder placement and excellent return of upper arm, she’s straight in front and stands on those beautifully tight, well-padded feet.  Her elbows are tucked tightly in and she flows into a body of well sprung ribs and a great depth and substance to her middle piece.  She is strong in loin and has a well rounded bum with excellent width of second thigh and well let down hocks. Built like that she should be able to move, and boy did she just prove that she was all that… and some.  I could happily watch her on the move all day, she simply glides around the ring effortlessly throwing her front legs from her shoulders and driving from behind using her well muscled rear end to produce a performance that was, for me faultless.  I had absolutely no hesitation in awarding her CC and Best in Show – huge congratulations!

2.    Sh Ch MELVERLY IRIDESCENT (Mr R J Smith) Another beautiful example of our breed. She is a substantial bitch with a slightly heavier stamp than my class winner and did cause some head scratching when it came to my final choices.  Having said that she is indeed the possessor of the most glorious head with cheeky subtle tri markings across her muzzle.  Dark, correctly shaped eyes, plenty of fluting and chiselling in her well worked head,  A l/w tri young lady who’s just short of her 3rd birthday and one who is so balanced flows from tip to tail in her gleaming jacket.  She has strength in her lovely arched neck into well placed shoulders and excellent return of upper arm.  I loved her depth of body, her ample spring of rib and well tucked in elbows.  Makes a wonderful outline on the stack showing her excellent angulation fore and aft.   Moved well and carries herself with a fabulous level top line and just enough drive to achieve her 2nd place in this very strongly contended class.  Given the strength of the class contenders, it really came down the finer details in the placings and overall, I just preferred the slightly lighter built shape of my winner 

3.    Sh Ch TRIMERE TIME FLYS  (Mrs A Corbett)

Veteran Bitch                Entries: 4 Abs: 2

1.    CALVDALE STOWAWAY MAGIC JW (Mr & Mrs M Calvert) Not sure where this gracious 7 year old l/w tri lady has been hiding but what an absolute sweetheart we have joining the veteran ranks.  So well made throughout with her gently smudged tri muzzle, dark almond shaped dark eyes, super length of neck and there is evidence of strength and depth all the way through to her happily carried tail.  Fabulous straight front and plenty of heart room, so well boned without appearing overly heavy or stuffy and another who stands on wonderful tight feet.  Super angulation fore and aft and moves freely with the drive and exuberance of a youngster – I’m sure no one’s told her she’s a veteran. One who I am sure will trouble the best of our veterans out there 

2.    GROSBREUIL ABRICOT REGAL  (Mrs D West) Another lovely veteran who certainly belies her 9 years.  Her head is still lovely and shows no sign of those pesky silver streaks appearing yet.  Kind expression and dark eyes set into a lovely headpiece that leads into sufficient length of neck and well placed shoulders.  Good depth to her body and great to see that she’s not showing her age around her midriff or shoulders yet.  Well presented and moved well - just think the heat at the end of a very long day might have got the better of her as she dropped her topline and into her pasterns a little…..having said that, for her age, she put in a spritely performance on the day 

Special Beginners Bitch        Entries: 4 Abs: 0

1.    CALVDALE PADLUROWNCANOE AT ZAWSPRING (Miss Z Wilson) 

Also 2nd in Graduate

2.    SEASPRING WINDCATCHER AT CHIPEWYAN (Mrs P Strover)

Also 2nd Limit 

3.    HUNTERHECK LOST IN A SPELL (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc)

Also 3rd Graduate 

Presidents Special Open Stakes    Entries: 5 Abs 1 

By the time we reached this last class of the day, the heat had started to take it’s toll on some of the girls in this class.   

1.    COBHAY FANCY PHLOX (Mrs J, Mrs D & Miss P Williams & Toublic) Beautifully presented and extremely well handled 4 year old girl in her gleaming liver and white jacket today. Classic shaped headpiece with correct fluting and plenty of workings with dark eyes creating a pleasing expression.  Sufficient length of neck but found her to be a little upright in her shoulder and not the depth of chest I would have liked to have felt.  Adequate bone throughout and stands on beautifully manicured feet, Moved really well to take this class

2.    KINGSHEATH MAYDAY AT SEASPRING (Ms T M Dunsdon) Honest looking 4 year old b/w tri who presents a lovely head piece with dark, almond shaped eyes, correct fluting and sufficient workings to offer a pleasing and kind expression.  Ample reach of neck and layback of shoulder with enough return of upper arm. She possesses good depth to her body, tucked in elbows and well sprung ribs.  There is strength over her loin in evidence although she does lack a little in width of thigh and appears straight in her stifle. Lovely feet and sufficient bone throughout.  Beautifully presented and moved ok – just preferred the more balanced movement of class winner 

3.    PETRANELLA PERFICK BLISS AT BLISSENBEA (Mrs M Proctor)

JUDGE

Jo Cunliffe (Fallenleaf ESS)