Page 107 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

CRUFTS 2020

Heelwork To Music

International Freestyle

Report by from Hungary worked to “Beauty and the Beast”
Kath Hardman another slow gentle piece of music which Christine
used well with covert verbal cues whilst “reading” her
(Head Judge)
book. The dog, which had a lovely attitude, covered
This day’s
some great distance to work with its back to Christine,
competition
not easy in such a large arena! There was a very
would be so
smart costume change part way through which the
diverse from the dog didn’t react to, which ended with Christine in a
normal classes flowing golden gown, very innovative. A super end
to judge, with
pose finished this routine where Meredith laid her
routines being
head onto Christine’s neck.
performed by
The Czech Republic
handler and dog teams from 12 different Countries,
which would obviously be of differing and hopefully was the next Country,
exciting styles. represented by
Monika Zapletalova
As for my own judging – I would be increasing my
& Afrodite Mayby
level of judging again – after all, these would be the
Simple Elegance, a
top performers from each of those 12 countries and
red tri Border Collie.
as such an even higher standard of work would be This team performed
expected.
to “Carol of The Bells”
The Main Arena was absolutely full of people wanting by Lindsey Stirling.
to watch this exciting day of entertainment as we Monika and Mayby
three judges took our seats ringside! flowed around the
First to take ring with this routine
to the Arena which contained lots
was Monika of circles and weaves
Ballerina from and a lovely length of
Swit zerland the dog walking backwards. Monika wore a Lycra
with Breeze top and a netted skirt but this didn’t affect this little
Jumping Kiwis. dog’s focus – keeping its eyes on Monika throughout
Monica and the performance.
Breeze worked smoothly to “Bring Me To Life” by Marianne Elise Methi
Evanescence a very slow, yet dramatic piece of from Norway was the
music and lyrics which Monica had interpreted with a next competitor with
lot of good advanced moves including some difficult her Border Collie,
distance work, with the dog facing or backing to her as Very Vega performing
she seemed to avoid all eye contact with Breeze. The to a comical piece
cueing of Monika to of music “What
this lovely dog was Does The Fox Say?”
very subtle and by Ylvis Brothers.
nicely accurate too. This was such an
Next into the arena entertaining routine
was Christine with Vega actually
Elisabeth Berczes showing fabulous
& Silver Dream musical interpretation
Aussie’s Top Secret – this routine had been really well choreographed,
- an Australian was very innovative, and included great use of the
Shepherd pet name available ring space, something a lot of handlers
Meredith. This team don’t taken into account although it is in the marking

K9 NEWS DIGITAL - 107