More show results involving, Roughrigg Ragga owned by Diane Haslam-Carib, but shown by Wilma Brodie’s partner David, when Diane’s work intervenes. They went to Angus & Kincardineshire Canine Association, Limited members show  at Jim Clark Auction Hall, Errol, Perthshire, last Saturday, where Audrey Kempton (Borderbrook Border Collies) was judging and awarded her BOB, she then took G3 followed by 2nd in AV Junior, well done to all concerned
Over the weekend, WECS held an Open show at the usual venue at East Huntspill, now under the leadership of a new Secretary: Margaret Scamp (Marketdene) with the previous secretary, Pete Cornish elected as President following the death of their esteemed previous president, Hazel Hunt.
Results were slow to arrive but Sue Beare (Jemspark) had received a paper entry of 16 males and 30 females. Marina McLaughlin was to judge her 16 smooth entries and SAC classes, limited to Roughs only, judged by newly elected committee member Rachel Tilley. As usual there were absentees, but I understand the day was most enjoyable, especially for Jayne Llewellyn who took back to Wales the majority of the awards! Allow me to explain, Best Dog was Nor Ch Riverside Song Xplorer of Hearts, owned by Jayne, Mrs J Svendstad and Mr & Mrs Templeman.
BB was also another belonging to Jayne, and ultimate BOB, Artziak Strawberry Rose for Salsina (imp Esp.) and Jayne also won OB with her Ch Artzaiak Selina de Salsina – so an exceptional day all around for Jayne who had to call on close friends to handle for her in the challenge, and did go RBIS overall
Other class winning males were: Pick Pocket via Samhaven for Liz Patman. Sweetmints What A Buzz for Gataj and Melissa who won PD with Prince of Sunlight Thrilled by the Difference at Gataj but lost out for BPD to his MP kennel mate!. Christine Collins then won the next 2 classes with Triburle The Joker (JD) and Spl Yearling with Triburle Blue Bolero. Hanvale Ralph Lauren was placed 2nd in PD but went on to win Novice for Mr & Mrs Toogood. The PG entry was absent and Limit went to Serenlas Black Magic in the ownership of Mrs Hawkins.  Reserve BD was Vanessa Cronk and her Chelborn That’ll Do who was called back having been 2nd in Open.
Brooklynson Jolene at Rifflesea, owned by Jo Denton took Veteran, BVIB and BVIS MP was Gataj Pink Glitter and Hannah and Simon Walder travelled down with their Hanvale Patsy Stone to win PB and BPIB and eventual BPIS. Junior was another win for Vanessa and her blue, Skabona If I Saw You In Heaven for Chelborn. Louise Rae piloted her Gataj Majestic Hope to win Spl Yearling; Di Ware won Graduate with Millubie Essence of Magic at Wassail. Alone in PG was Riverside Song Ice Cream Girl another for Liz Patman, with Jayne winning the last two classes. Reserve BB was Vanessa and her blue girl.

SAC Results were Prince of Sunlight Thrilled by The Difference at Gataj (Puppy)  Riverside Song Ice Cream Girl (PG) and Open was Serenlas Black Magic.
Some very interesting comments have been seen regarding the recent Collie Club of America show whereby some fortunate folk managed to attend, even if their leg/ankle was still in a protective case! Thanks to Lene, Lorraine, Brenda and Miranda. The photos were very much appreciated by those interested, at home, and raised quite a few remarks concerning the so-called American type of collie. What we must remember this show was in the USA and as such catered for those collies in that country.
It would do no harm, regardless of how you feel about the breed, and the slight differences between our Country of Origin Standard and that adopted by the USA if you were to compare a ring of collies in the USA to a ring of collies here in the UK.
I raise a few points for you to consider:  Nearly every contestant appeared to be enjoying the day out, all stood freely on a loose lead (down to weeks of training), nearly all had correctly placed ears and from those I saw, most had correct eye shape and placement. However, unlike here in the UK, many heads were trimmed but this only enhanced the head and profile. Grooming was perfection, as is often in the States, and each handler or owner was dressed well.
So, I ask you, where did we in the UK go so wrong? As an established judge and exhibitor, these are my personal thoughts only. Many of our collies, slink into a ring, hate every moment of it, crawl up or maybe and up and down.  As for movement, it leaves very much to be desired  Ear carriage is suspect as placement is low and wide and in some cases the ear size is far too big, therefore impossible to obtain the correct expression. As for standing on a loose lead, far too many are “strung up” with so much hair brushed up behind the head making the neck appear shorter and body length is questionable. Apart from a few, most exhibitors do not even consider their own presentation, some looking as if they had just come in from walking dogs in a muddy field! We can, and should take a leaf out of our USA collies and owners/handlers and maybe, maybe, we could return to the once impressive breed so many of us fell in love with instead of being dismissed as laughing stock!

Finally a note from The Secretary of EACA, Miranda Blake regarding their AGM. To make life easier for Miranda, who is still hobbling around after breaking her leg, the AGM is being postponed. It was originally planned to have this at at 9am before the double open show, and this will now be an online meeting at 2pm on Saturday 20th April. Miranda will set up a Facebook messenger group and any paid up members wishing to attend can contact Miranda for the link.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com