Stewarding

Stewarding is a great way to support the sport and also gives you an opportunity to observe the action close up. It’s a good way to learn some handling techniques, ring procedures, regulations, and the finer points of competition.

YKC Stewarding Exams

The YKC currently has three stewarding exams that members can take in Breed, Agility and Obedience.  On successful completion of the examinations, members will be awarded with a certificate of achievement, a stewarding badge, and your details will be included on a stewarding list on the YKC website (coming soon).  Please contact the YKC office or ring 020 7518 1030 to find out about taking one of the exams.

Effective stewarding is essential to the smooth running of dog shows and the Kennel Club recognises the importance in supporting the contribution of existing ring stewards and identifying and encouraging new ring stewards. The Young Kennel Club is always looking for members who would like to learn or advance their stewarding skills due to the important role they play for the future of dog showing. Therefore, it has been agreed that any YKC members who are interested in ring stewarding should attend a Ring Stewarding Seminar and that the YKC Breed Stewarding Exam is no longer relevant.   The Stewarding seminar is designed for exhibitors or those who are about to try stewarding for the first time. It is also a good opportunity for those who are currently stewarding to update themselves on current Kennel Club Best Practice for Ring Stewarding.  At the end of the seminar delegates will: Have a clear understanding of the duties and responsibilities of Stewards at Kennel Club licensed events
  • Be aware of up to date Kennel Club Rules and Regulations
  • Gain practical hints gathered from those who have a wide experience of stewarding

The seminar programme includes:

  • Guide for Judges and Ring Stewards
  • Kennel Club Rules and Regulations
  • Arriving at the Show
  • Prior to commencement of Judging
  • During Judging
  • After Judging
  • Equipment

Members must be sixteen years of age or older to attend the Kennel Club Stewarding seminar and those wishing to apply to steward at Crufts must obtain a certificate to verify that they have attended a seminar beforehand. YKC members under the age of sixteen can steward at shows other than Crufts to gain experience before they take the seminar, and should contact their local show to offer their services. If you would like to attend a Stewarding Seminar, dates and further information can be found on the Kennel Club website, www.thekennelclub.org.uk/eventscalendar, or obtained from Amanda Grieve or call 020 7518 1039.