Saturday, 15th& Sunday, 16thApril, 2017

Introducing new beginner’s classes and a change of rule for the Specials classes

Briefings from 8.30am - Judging Starts 9.00 am

Entry closing date: Friday, 7th April, 2017

Enquiries, Schedule requests & Entries to:

Rosemary Stowers

HILLCREST HOUSE, Bedford Road, HOLWELL, Hitchin, Herts SG5 3RT

Tel: 01462 712763 Mobile at show: 07802 359815

Competition Manager: Ian Stowers. Show Secretary: Rosemary Stowers

Orchard Events would like to thank the following Sponsors for their very generous support:

just SO Rosettes

The Embroidery Shop

Hales Printers (Royston)

RVA Agility Equipment

Hitchin Veterinary Surgery

Mimram Veterinary Centre

Paul – Tow Fix (TF) Caravan Engineer

Arden Grange (AG) Complete Dog Food

Ray Tant (RT) Musculoskeletal Therapist

Vet on call: Details will be at the Secretary’s marquee

Please remember that without your help these shows cannot happen

Please help us to continue running the shows

e-mail:

Orchard Agility Easter Agility Show

The Old Orchard, Grays Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 2HN

Saturday, 15thApril & Sunday, 16thApril, 2017

Class / Large Dogs- Saturday15th / Class / Medium Dogs -Saturday15th / Class / Small Dogs - Saturday 15th
1 / Agility G1 ‘Run for fun’ (a toy may be used in the ring) There will be no weaves) / 10 / Agility G1-3 Comb (ES Qualifier) / 17 / Agility G1-3 Comb (ES Qualifier)
2 / Jumping G1 & 2 Comb / 11 / Jumping G1-3 Comb / 18 / Jumping G1-3 Comb
3 / Agility G1 & 2 Comb (AG Qualifier) / 12 / Agility G 1-5 Comb (ES Qualifier) / 19 / Agility G 1-5 Comb (ES Qualifier)
4 / Agility G1-3 Comb (Hitchin Veterinary Surgery) / 13 / Jumping G1-5 Comb (Mimram Veterinary Centre) / 20 / Jumping G1-5 Comb (Tow Fix)
5 / Jumping G1-3 Comb / 14 / Agility G1-7 Comb / 21 / Agility G1-7 Comb (Tow Fix)
6 / Agility G1-5 Comb (Mimram Veterinary Centre) / 15 / Jumping G1-7 Comb / 22 / Jumping G1-7 Comb (Hitchin Veterinary Surgery)
7 / Jumping G1-5 Comb (Steeplechase) / 16 / Jumping G1-7 Comb (Steeplechase) / 23 / Jumping G1-7 Comb (Steeplechase)
8a / **Special Agility G1-7 Comb** (RT) / 8b / **Special Agility G1-7 Comb**(RT) / 8c / **Special Agility G1-7 Comb**(RT)
9a / **Special Jumping G1-7 Comb** (RT) / 9b / **Special Jumping G1-7 Comb** (RT) / 9c / **Special Jumping G1-7 Comb** (RT)
Class / Large Dogs - Sunday 16th / Class / Medium Dogs - Sunday 16th / Class / Small Dogs - Sunday 16th
24 / Agility G1 ‘Run for fun’ (a toy may be used in the ring) There will be no weaves / 33 / Agility G1-3 Comb (ES Qualifier) / 40 / Agility G1-3 Comb (ES Qualifier)
25 / Jumping G1 & 2 Comb / 34 / Jumping G1-3 Comb / 41 / Jumping G1 - 3 Comb (Mimram Veterinary Centre)
26 / Agility G1 & 2 Comb (AG Qualifier) / 35 / Agility G 1-5 Comb (ES Qualifier) / 42 / Agility G 1-5 Comb (ES Qualifier)
27 / Agility G1-3 Comb (Hitchin Veterinary Surgery) / 36 / Jumping G1-5 Comb / 43 / Jumping G1-5 Comb (Tow Fix)
28 / Jumping G1-3 Comb / 37 / Agility G1-7 Comb (Hitchin Veterinary Surgery) / 44 / Agility G1-7 Comb (Tow Fix)
29 / Agility G1-5 Comb (Mimram Veterinary Centre) / 38 / Jumping G1-7 Comb / 45 / Jumping G1-7 Comb
30 / Jumping G1-5 Comb (Steeplechase) / 39 / Jumping G1-7 Comb (Steeplechase) / 46 / Jumping G1-7 Comb (Steeplechase)
31a / **Special Agility G1-7 Comb**(RT) / 31b / **Special Agility G1-7 Comb**(RT) / 31c / **Special Agility G1-7 Comb** (RT)
32a / **Special Jumping G1-7 Comb** (RT) / 32b / **Special Jumping G1-7 Comb**(RT) / 32c / **Special Jumping G1-7 Comb**(RT))

Please note that if you have a G1 or G2 dog you are eligible to enter up to 7 classes each day

**Special classes – Please read the eligibility and class definition below.

Only dogs who are not entered in any other class may enter the Special classes**

Also please note that these are a list of class numbers and not the sequence of classes at the show

If entries for the Small and Medium (same grade) combined classes are less than 5 for each size on the day of the show, then the Small and Medium classes will be combined

Eligibility and Definition of Classes

When classes that are combined with others, have a total entry of less than 5 or labelled ‘Special’ they will not count towards progression at Orchard Agility Shows. See Rule 18.

Grade 1

For owners, handlers or dogs which have not gained a first place in an Agility Class or three first places in jumping classes at KC Licensed and/or Orchard Events Agility Shows.

(N.B. Owners, handlers or dogs previously qualified out of G 1 (Elementary) are not eligible for this class.

Grade 2

Open to dogs which are not eligible for Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and have not gained a first place in an Agility Class or three first places in Jumping Classes at G2 at KC Licensed Agility Shows and/or Orchard Events Agility Shows, or elected to progress on points from G 1. N.B. Owners, handlers or dogs previously qualified out of G2 (Starters) are not eligible for this class.

Grade 3

Open to dogs which are not eligible for G 1 or 2 or have elected to progress on points from G2 at KC Licensed Agility Shows and/or Orchard Events Agility Shows.

and dogs which are not eligible for G 4, 5, 6 or 7.

Grade 4

Open to dogs which have gained a first place in an Agility Class or three first places in Jumping Classes at G3 or elected to progress on points from G3 at KC Licensed Agility Showsand/or Orchard Events Agility Shows and are not eligible for G 3, 5, 6 or 7.

Grade 5

Open to dogs which have gained a first place in an Agility Class or three first places in Jumping Classes at G4 or elected to progress on points from G4 at KC Licensed Agility Showsand/or Orchard Events Agility Shows and are not eligible for G 3, 4, 6 or 7.

Grade 6

Open to dogs which have gained a first place in an Agility Class or three first places in Jumping Classes at G5 at KC Licensed Agility Shows and/or Orchard Events Agility Shows and are not eligible for G 3, 4, 5 or 7.

Grade 7

Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of 4 first places at G6 at KC Licensed Agility Shows and/or Orchard Events Agility Shows. Two first places must be gained in Agility (not Jumping) classes.

Steeplechase: A standard jumping class without weave poles.

Large: For those dogs measuring over 430mm (1′ 5″) at the withers.

Medium: For those dogs measuring over 350 mm (1′ 1.75″) and measuring 430 mm (1′5″) or under at the withers.

Small: For dogs measuring 350 mm (1′1.75″) or under at the withers.

Eligibility and Definition of Classes (continued)

**Special: Open to Large, Medium and Small dogs that have not entered any other class other than Special classes. This class is not open to dogs that have competed at their own standard height in the last 4 months. You may opt to jump at any of the 3 heights in the Special classes, but you will need to inform the Ring Manager before competing in the ring.** The following equipment will notbe used in Special classes: Weave poles, Tyre, ‘A’ frame. The results will be combined in the Large/Medium/Small Special classes. Height of hurdles: Large: 350 mm, Medium: 300 mm and Small: 250 mm

Run for Fun: A toy may be used in the ring. There will be no weaves.

Rules & Regulations
  1. Entry fees: £3.10 per dog, per class. Helping Club Members: £1.50 per dog per class.
  2. Camping fees: £8.50 per unit, per night. Helping Club members: Free.
  3. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entries.
  4. Puppies under eighteen calendar months of age on the first day of the show are not eligible for Agility Tests.
  5. No person shall carry out punitive correction or harsh handling of a dog at any time within the boundaries of the Show.
  6. Dogs must not wear slip chains, or leads but may wear a close fitting flat collar without a hanging tag, when under test.
  7. Dogs must be kept under control on the venue and surrounding locality to the show and on lead, except when under test and in the designated exercise area.
  8. Food shall not be carried in the hand or given to the dog in the ring.
  9. No competitor shall impugn the decision of the judge or judges.
  10. In all matters concerning Agility Tests the Judge’s decision is final; in all other matters the Management of the event’s decision is final.
  11. Jump heights will be: 650 mm for Large dogs; 450 mm for Medium dogs;350 mm for Small dogs;350 mm for Special Large dogs; 300 mm for Special Medium dogs and 250 mm for Special Small dogs.
  12. A dog will be withdrawn from competition and removed from test if it is: A bitch, which is in season, suffering from any infectious diseases, interfering with the safety or chance of winning of an opponent, of such temperament or is so much out of hand as to be a danger to the safety of any person or other animal or likely to cause suffering to the dog if it continues competing.
  13. In the event of abandonment of the show, through circumstances beyond our control, the organisers will defray any such expenses from the entry fees tocover the cost of the show preparation. The remainder of monies will be donated to a dog related charity or charities.
  14. All dogs are entered at this show at their owner’s risk and whilst every care will be taken, the Management of the Show will not accept responsibility for loss, damage or injury however caused to dogs, persons or property whilst at the Show.
  15. DOG FOULING – Any owner, competitor, or other person in charge of a dog is required to pick up and remove any fouling, as soon as possible. If a person in charge of a dog is seen to deliberately ignore this rule they will be asked to leave the Show without refund.
  16. Entries will be limited by number in the following: Standard Large dogs 100, Small, Medium and Large Special dogs 30.
  17. Any bank charges incurred to the organisation by individual competitor’s circumstances will be recovered from that person.

18 When classes that are Combined with others or have a total entry of less than 5or labelled ‘Special’they will not count towards progression at Orchard

Agility Shows.

19. Welfare of Dogs

Any exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at this event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met and should not knowingly put their dog(s) health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise.

Avoid your dog taking part in unnecessary exertion or from standing in exposed sunlight for extended lengths of time.

Remember, if you feel hot your dog is very likely to feel much hotter and dehydrated and this could lead to dire results. Please look after your dog(s)

welfare.

Warning: If your dog is found to be at risk, forcible entry to your vehicle may be necessary without liability for any damage cause.

In order to run these shows we need your help. We ask everyone to please give at least 1 hour of their time each day so that no-one person needs to do more unwillingly.

20. Qualifying Classes:

Large G1 & G2 Dogs – Arden Grange Starter Dog of the Year – Classes: 3, & 26

Small/Medium Grades 1-5 – The Embroidery Challenge Cup – Classes: 10, 12, 17, 19, 33, 35, 40 & 42

Directions to the Show

From A1 exit at Junction 8 on to A602 signposted Hitchin and LutonAirport. Continue straight on over the roundabout (Three Moorhens pub on your right-hand side) then at next roundabout turn left signposted Barton-le-Clay/Luton Airport, then take first right, Grays Lane which is opposite the Highlander public house. Continue to the end of Grays Lane where the venue is through the gateway on the left.

Hitchin is an old Market Town with lots of history. It boasts an array of coffee houses, pubs and well situated shops and supermarkets. It also has an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, plus many other amenities.

Camping

Limited camping is available at this fabulous venue. Please book early to avoid disappointment.