2012 competition year summary

Mr Pip – aka Foxtwist Full Speed 2012 was a year of firsts... - My first year running a collie - Pip’s first year of competition - My first year of KC shows - My first trophy, - My first 1st place in a regular class (Bonnie once had a 1st in Casual UKA) It was also a year of discovering how to work with the fantastic Mr Pip. We both had the tools, but neither of us knew quite how to use them at the same time to get round clear. Now at the end of the season we both have confidence in the other, we work together in the ring, and we trust one another to do our bit. Pip is hugely talented but can be spooky and worried, and I have loved watching him grow in confidence and blossom this year. As well as Agility Pip had a go at Flyball (and was pretty good for a first time!), helped me out on the publicity stand for the pool, helped run the bar at a few kite festivals, went to Cornwall with me, and came on holiday to the IOM and behaved in Tony's mum's house! Achievements :- 1st clear round in June at Cippennham and he came 3rd in a large combined 1-3 steeplechase. Probably the place that meant the most as it was totally unexpected (I even went and asked if they gave rosettes to unplaced clears!) Came 5th in a G1-4 combined agility at Ramsay. Won out of Grade 1 at Ramsay, also coming 3rd &5th in G1-4 combined agility over the course of the weekend. Won Grade 2 jumping and came 2nd in G1-2 combined jumping at Gillingham. Pip was even voted as Best Pet by members of the Saddle Up Forum as they love reading my blog of his achievements and think he’s so handsome. We started the year not able to queue, we ended it queuing for our agility round 11th in the queue and sitting quietly and watching. One memory which just stands out was when Pip and I went to Cornwall. I parked on the cliff above the beach at Daymer on a sunny day. The beach was packed with people, kids and dogs but Pip had no eyes for anyone or anything other than me (with the exception of one viszla girl who played like Inca). Pip has been sought out to walk with less confident dogs, and has been such a good doggy diplomat. He just knows how to put other dogs at ease. I’m just so proud of my little boy and how far we have come together this year, can’t wait for next year now!