Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the ADAA Chair ... October / November 2009

During October and November we had two major Agility events on the calendar, so it was extremely hectic. Hence, this is a very late October/November report but I decided to separate it from my December report because there was so much to cover.

The Grand Prix 2009 saw a 20% growth from last year, as Steve and I drove in on Friday the grounds were just a swathe of caravans, campers, tents and motor-homes. What an awesome sight and certainly befitting of ADAA’s 15th anniversary year.

The festivities kicked off with a glass of bubbly to celebrate ADAA’s 15 years and then got straight into the titling events (a change of format from last year). The weekend had numerous highlights – members from new areas (both interstate and local regions), final Selection rounds for the Australian Team to compete at the World Agility Championships, a weekend format that encouraged and recognised beginner and experienced handlers and dogs alike, great catering to keep the largest eater happy and a phenomenal prize table. Unfortunately the weather didn’t shine down (literally) for the whole weekend but that didn’t diminish the enthusiasm and positive attitude of those in attendance. Huge thanks to Alison Muddle and her Grand Prix sub-committee (Alyssa Ablitt, Julia Barnett, Margaret Lind, Sharon Fraser and David Yould) for bringing the event together. I would also like to reiterate thanks to all of the Grand Prix HERO’s - Sharon Bartels, Janice Booth, Tom Booth, Shaaron Borg, Lee Bottomley, Linda Helkin, Barbara Inskip, Gayle King, Vern Muddle, Louise Stephens, Ann Trubshaw, Jan Tunny, Ruth Winn and Robyn Yould. Thanks to Agility Dog Club of Queensland Inc for supplying the trailer and one of the sets of equipment that was used at the Grand Prix (driven down by Damian and Karen Noud) and to Loyd Barker for bringing the ADAA equipment up from Sydney. Thanks also to David Yould as Ring Manager and HERO coordinator for the weekend. Lastly, a huge thanks to all of our Judges (for the Grand Prix as well as at all our competitions throughout the year) - Marion Allen, Loyd Barker and Lisa Henshaw for carrying the majority of the judging load at the Grand Prix - Wendy Blakeston, Jody Brown, Siegfried Clever, Debbie Duce, Steve Drinkwater, Jim Hull, Katie Jones, Natalie Kirkwood, Lyndal Nichols, Damian Noud, Sharyn Palmer, Cathy Slot and Wayne Stutz for stepping up to judge the balance of events. Challenge Results are available for you to check out.

The World Dog Games was an Agility/dog experience that was world-class. Thanks to everyone who participated / contributed, I’m sure that you all enjoyed the event as much as I did. Congratulations to the winners of the two major prizes - Andrea Gibney with Sammy (Mini) and Amanda Pacher with Marty (Maxi). For those interstate, or who didn’t manage to get to the event, have a read of the comprehensive report and/or keep an eye out on Channel 7 on 19 December 2009 at around 4.00pm in NSW (may vary in other states).

On behalf of the ADAA Board, I would like to congratulate the following who have been extended an invitation to be Australian Team Handlers competing at the IFCS World Agility Championships WAC) to be held in the UK May 2010 (www.wac2010.com). Those who applied for the team represented an exceptionally strong field and we thank all of the nominees (whether or not they have been offered a position at this point) for their contribution.

Mini/Toy:
Nicole Ford
Ian Weston
Stacy Richards
Lisa Henshaw
Siegfried Clever
Tracey Harrison Hill
Kate Bartels (First Reserve)

Maxi/Midi:
Denise Crook
Kriszty Cumming
Jo Lewohl
Elsina Meyer
Sharyn Palmer
Natalie Kirkwood
Nicola Read (First Reserve)
Amanda Pacher (Second Reserve)

The Board is also delighted to advise that Maria Thiry has been offered the position of Australian Team Coach.

More information regarding the Australian Team selection is available on the ADAA web page. Maria and I look forward to working with the team in the lead up to the WAC.

May you enjoy your training with your dog and achieve your goals.

Cathy Slot
ADAA Chair

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