Pepper was running in Novice so it was going to be good to see how she measured up against the more experienced dogs. The courses were all lovely and flowing and she stormed the Jumping and first Steeplechas, winning both. The Agility wasn't quite so nice - we were able to run it twice but picked up 5 faults in each run. Final Steeplechase was another nice course but I failed to collect her out of the tunnel and she took the wrong jump - I bellowed an expletive (apologies to anyone that heard!) - so annoying and all my fault!
The absolute highlight of the day for me was the gorgeous Ruby. I took her into the Steeplechase ring with a toy to let her have some fun NFC (Not For Competition). She's been doing great at training and I thought it would be good to let her run in daylight at a familiar place. She absolutely flew round the course! She was so happy and wagged her tail round the whole course!
We did the same thing in the second steeplechase and she was just the same. I decided to take the opportunity to see what she did if I didn't have a toy in my hand - I had a plan if she looked at all worried - but she didn't even flinch! As soon as she started moving she blasted round the course and I had to leg it to keep up with her! I couldn't help having a little cry at the end - it was so lovely seeing her so happy!
I still can't believe it but she absolutely smashed it and won the class! I'm so proud of that little girl and it was fantastic to see her so happy and having fun!
The rosette and trophy that we were given for this is the most special and treasured of all of the rosettes that I have won!