Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
We had an exciting weekend. It started with a Third Place finish in Round 1 of Steeplechase. Yankee was First, to give you an idea of the level of competition. Went into Round 2 Sunday moning,without any expectations, just excited to be there with the BCs. The course has some wicked angles which resulted in lots of dropped bars in the 26" class. We had a bobble when I blocked Baileys weave entry and another when I was not in positon to cue an off set jump...lost time but not faults. so we ran clean. I was amazed when we finished Second behind Alicia and Pickle. Great company to be in. . We got a check, our first for $41.85, and a hug from Alicia, very cool.
Cant figure out how to upload video but the run of RD 1 is here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezO779LBmxY The plan was to FC at the bottom of the AF but didnt make it, otherwise game plan worked..
Cheers,
Jean
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
wow... $41+ ... enought for some steak for dinner for all!!
elizabethÂ
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Hi Jean,
Once more, huge congratulations on your STP finish both in Rd.1 and in Rd.2! Way to go!
And though I haven't been able to see your STP Rd. 2 (I can't wait for Eric to post WVDS trial videos on AVS), your 2nd place finish speaks for itself, ;-).. Hurray and bravo!
However, I can tell you guys that I am most proud of Jean and Bailey for their fearless showing in Rd. 1, ;-)! :: The course was such that a lot depended on the dog's positions which were not very easily predictable. Jean has walked it a few different ways and after conferring with me, decided on the best plan of action which was to watch the dog and direct him in real time. No chicken allowed! And Jean did exactly that! Took no prisoners and reacted to the dog's needs of direction like a pro, ;-).. Went around clean and fast. Just perfect! I was tickled pink.
P.S.: In fact all the TNT students who were at the WVDS trial made me mighty proud: Becky and Freddy were the stars of the Starters and Advanced ring and had so much fun and great success (I hope Becky gets around to write about her runs); Tim and Gina turned quite a few heads with their blazing speed; Tracy England managed to come for the afternoon runs after earning her Invitational points at an AKC trial and ran a great Jumpers run with Doc the Super Spaniel to everyone's delight, just to name a few..
Go TNT-ers!!
Olga.
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Thanks Olga,
I was waiting for Eric to post the runs to finish my comments. As you said, in RD 1 and 2, my challenge was not being sure where Bailey would be and I had to be prepared to adjust quickly. At the start line you gave me sage advice...work each obstacle and watch your dog.
RD1 I had planned a FC either before or after the AF but wasn't fast enough, burst of speed FC would have been nice after the weaves,as well. Then the final tunnel exit presented several options. I am very eager to see the videos of Yankee,Pickle and Kala..if memory serves me, you all handled from the far side of the AF. and calling over the jump. I was tempted to try it but not without  practicing it first.
As you say, we did good, now working on Best,
Cheers,
Jean
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Jean,
In fact I think that your handling Bailey with an RX out of the tunnel at the end of the Rd.1 STP was really a great choice and well done. I actually would have preferred to handle it that way myself if not for the FX before that tunnel which put me on the other side of the AF for the finish..
As far as not being able to put an FX before or after the AF.. you still managed to keep your head together and push forward. With the hind sight 20/20, I should have advised you on an RX after the AF and at least made you walk it as a possibility..
Here are the links to Bailey's and Yankee's STP Rd.1 videos that we are talking about:
Bailey STP Rd.1
YY STP Rd.1
Olga.
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Wow, what a great learning opportunity. I am having a great time watching stride length etc, and picking out parts where Bailey wasn't quite sure what was next.Yankee is flying, he knows exactly what is next.  Can only make us a better team.
Cheers,
Jean
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Congratulations, Jean! Wow! $41. That will buy Bailey a lot of treats!
ValÂ
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Great videos! Jean, you are so lucky! Bailey actually was waiting for you to decide your next move at a couple of spots. I would have paid somebody $41 (or maybe $4100 if I had that much) to get Duke to wait for me. He was my first agility dog and he had NO patience for a slow handler. LOL! He taught me A LOT! Yankee looked great, too!
ValÂ
Re: Bailey cashes in, with Second Place Steeplechase win
Hi Jean,
Congratulations to you and Bailey! I watched both of your runs, and they great....You do a wonderful job with him!
Plus, it was great to finally meet you!
I hope to see you at more trials in the near future!
Becky