Towards the end of 2009 it was announced that the Kennel Club would support the Heel Work to Music team to attend the First HTM competition to be held in Denmark in April 2010.

The team however, had to provide their own sponsorship to pay for the trip and came up with various events to raise the money.  The raffle money taken at West of England Show was donated to support the team.  One of the team members being our very own treasurer Carole Dodson and member Michelle Dodson was also part of Team GB.

 Money raised, travel and accommodation booked the team announced and bags packed.

 I went over to support the team and also attend the breed judging at the World Show.

 So here is my report on the trip.

 An early evening flight and arrival in Bilhund and an over night stay at the lovely Airport hotel ready for an early start for the breeding judging.

 Once at the ringside an opportunity to try and work out the classes which are quite different to the U.K.  Several of our members were in attendance and Lorna Hastings’s won the Champion Dog class with Sh.Ch. Lux. Ch Tonkory Cassanova of Lorianna and Ineke Neve was 2^nd in Open Dog with International Champion Kerrybrent Midnite Solo.

 Judging completed and off to find the HTM team who were practising their routines in the hall put aside for the competition starting the next day.

 I was pleased to see Carole’s Kinaway Doctor Watson HTM A.Ex was on good form after the long trip from the U.K.

 All of the teams were very friendly and the Danish team made us all feel very welcome.

 Back to the hotel for a good nights sleep ready for the taxi to take me back the show the next day.

 The next day was the team event for the HTM and Team GB came 2^nd the winning team was Denmark.  The top 10 dogs from all counties then went through to the final day for the singles competition.

 Next came the Freestyle and again Team GB put up a good performance and Michelle Dodson went through to the final day in the singles.

 All too soon came the last day and Kinaway Doctor Watson – Clifton and Carole performed to the crowds in the main arena under the spot light to get applause.

 The singles results were HTM Kath Hardman from GB with Stillmoor Lady in Red HTM A.Ex Amber (B.C.) in 1^st place and Freestyle went to France with Thierry Thomas with his lovely blue merle Border Collie Speed.

 There is no doubt that the Team did us proud and the team return triumphant with a gold and silver.

 Here are some photos that speak better than any words!!

We now look ahead and hope that the World Show next year in France will also have the Heel Work competition – as I want a trip to Paris!!!

Kathie Kinton

Committee Member