2019 Show Report
Sun 25 August 2019
It was Showtime ! on August Bank Holiday Sunday for thousands of dog lovers and owners and their exited pets in the wonderful showground at Crix the Georgian mansion at Hatfield Peverel, scene of the ninth Essex Dog Day - all there for a great day out.
There were canine competitions all over the extensive parkland.
Sixteen classes in the twin show rings ranged from top dogs in the Best Pedigree Male and Female categories to fun classes like the Most Handsome Male and the Best Mover. At the end of the day all the winners vied for Best in Show which was won this year by ‘Snoopy’, a 12 month old Whippet owned by Abigail, Robertson from Braintree who was ther with her parents, Steven and Sara. Last year Abigail lost her previous dog from illness and it took Snoopy to heal the loss “She is very loud and rather silly but very loveable”, she said “perhaps she will grow up but I doubt it ! It was Snoopy’s first show and she will definitely be entering more.” Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex presented the big prize.
None of the junior handlers in the New Hall Show Ring were over 15 and many much younger. But they all had one thing in common - none of them lacked assurance as they proudly showed their pooches in classes such as the Best Handler Under 12 and the Dog With The Waggiest Tail. And they all had the biggest grins too.
More active hounds showed their paces in a variety of Agility Rings and Scurries around the showground and even in the lake.
But it wasn’t all competition.
Spectators crowded to the Main Show Ring to watch the thrilling demonstrations which ran all day. None more so than for the Essex Police Dog Unit;. They are always huge favourites – with highly trained Police dogs always catching their ‘criminals’. The finale is a full Police cars chase with sirens screaming and lights blazing as they chase an ‘armed ‘bandit’ car.
Appearing for the first time this year was Cossack trained Guido Lewis with his amazing horses demonstrating a mesmerising mix of fast paced equestrian stunt riding and liberty work. Guido has returned from a world tour to perform at Essex and wow the crowds with truly death defying feats taking true harmony between man and horse to new heights.
Phil and Tracey Gibbons of Ridgeside combined fantastic dog and falconry displays with fifteen birds of prey from all round the world. The public were given an opportunity to ‘have a go’ with their own dogs. They proved once again that everyone loves a falconry demonstration.
The experts were very much to the fore with Ed Hawkins and his Gipping Valley sheepdogs displaying sheepdog trialling at its best and Frank Walker, leading gundog trainer showing the level of understanding, precision and discipline existing between a top class handler and his dog.
Away from the Rings there was much more to see and do. The Meet the Breeds tents showcased both familiar and rare breeds. Traders in the shopping areas sold everything a pet and its paying pamperer might want from glittery collars to top dog nosh and there were photographic studios to capture the perfect canine image for owners.
And when the children had seen enough dogs they packed the kids fairground offering climbing walls, face painting, zorbs, kartz, inflatable wipe-out and all manner of other rides. There was all manner of good things to eat and drink all over the site from scrummy fast food with their enticing aromas alongside bars to quench a heathy thirst, it was a hot day, to tea and homemade cakes.
Ian Twinley, owner of Crix and Chairman of the organisers commented :
“What’s great about this show is that everyone has a good time, the visitors, the dog owners, the exhibitors and the traders and all the volunteers and organisers - not to mention the dogs themselves. And at the same time we’ve raised a clear half a million pounds for charity since we’ve been doing this.”
All the money raised on the day goes to The Essex Community Fund to benefit Essex charities. ”
