Russia - Day Three

Day Three started very cold with a covering of snow over the roads - but as almost all the cars in Russia are fitted with snow tyres, the journey to the Russian National Competition was no problem.   After an hours journey,  through a few small villages North of Moscow, Karen and Kath arrived at the spacious competition venue.

All the competitors were costumed very early and were each called for their practice time in the ring.  Food and toys were allowed for the practice time and for most this was probably their first indoor workout on carpet as most training is carried out in the open air!

The first class was the Children's Class where they were allowed to use food or toys  to help them through their routines.  The standard was excellent - especially the winner of this class - a young boy with a large Russian Black Terrier.

 Each handler made full use of their practice time.

 It was good to see a variety of breeds taking part in the classes.

The judges table was very busy!   Karen and Kath were to judge each routine under the FCI World Show Rules and the other seven judges would judge under the Russian HTM Rules.  Yes, nine judges sat at the top table, but the handlers coped with it very well - they are obviously used to this number watching.

All the competitors and their dogs were introduced in the spacious ring before the competition started.

 Thirty seven handlers - some with more than one dog to work.

The judging took some time.  After each routine, the handler had to wait in the ring for a short critique to be given by Kath and Karen - luckily the translator was very good.

The Russian results were announced first - the 7 judges had judged the competition as one whole class so it didn't take long.    Then the results of Karen and Kath's marks were given.

 Food prizes, certificates and medals were given out by both Karen and Kath.

Polina, the British judges' host, was the only entrant in the HTM Masters' Class - and obviously she was placed first!   It was a beautiful routine and a worthy winner.

 The first three placed in the Masters' Freestyle Class.  A beautifully controlled, enthusiastic Golden Retriever in First Place.

 The Freestyle Progress Class line-up.  Congratulations!

And at the end of the competition, Karen and Kath were given framed drawn pictures of themselves by Oksana Shokhalevich, an HTM enthusiast from the Ukraine
Thanks to the organisers and all the competitors for a very entertaining day.