European Show at Dublin

I returned from the European Show at Dublin yesterday. Unfortunately, I wasn't placed, but the experience itself was amazing :) The day started out with breakfast at our hotel, a short driving distance away from the venue. As we had hired a car from the airport, we were left to our own devices with transport. After getting lost... a couple of times... and asking for directions from some friendly locals, we arrived at the showground at about 10 o'clock. We wondered about until we found Filly, and I was reacquainted with Roo. After this my mum and I decided to watch the daily handling competition that took place in the Best in Show ring. Everyday there were 3 junior handling classes, one of each age group which in Ireland are 8-12 years, 13-14 years and 15-17 years. Each winner from the 4 days would be asked to return on the final day, to compete against each other in a semi-final competition, and 5 handlers would be chosen to go forward into the final, to join 13 handlers chosen from countries across Europe (including myself for the UK). At 1 0’clock, all the handlers reassembled for the final. The handlers entered the ring one by one, as the judge stood in the centre. Each country that the handler was representing was announced as we entered the ring. The judge asked all 18 of us for a triangle and a straight up and down, before making a shortlist of 3. She finally chose a girl from Poland with a Springer Spaniel as her winner. Although I wasn’t shortlisted, I didn’t feel too disappointed, as lots of very good handlers also didn’t make the cut. It was however, extremely cool to be there representing the UK. This concludes my adventure to Dublin, with revision for my forthcoming exams on the flight home. I’d like to thank the YKC for selecting me :) P.S I passed my driving test last week!