A Crufts Experience
by Rita Coetzer
SA KUSA Nat Jnr Handler 2003

     



 

In March 2004 my Mom and I set off to Birmingham, England, where I represented South Africa at The International Junior Handlers’ event. We stayed at The Hilton Hotel, which is about 500 meters from the exhibition centre where Crufts is held.

 Our trip started of on a bit of a bad note as our luggage went missing and I wondered if it would arrive in time for the formal dinner, scheduled for the Friday night. Luckily our luggage arrived in good time and I could hand out the traditional beaded Zulu dolls and Dog Directories we took with as gifts. I too received many unusual presents from all over the world! We were introduced to our Judge from Denmark, who wished us all a good time. After a lovely dinner all the competitors were given a moment to speak and most of the juniors talked about their lives and what they wanted to be as adults, they also thanked Pedigree for the opportunity.  I thanked my family for supporting me, Pedigree and the governing bodies for giving me such a wonderful opportunity! 

Saturday was spent at Crufts. There were 5 halls with a discover dog section in each, stalls and exhibition arenas. An absolute feast for any dog lover! Anything and everything you might want for your dog was on sale there, from books, regalia, food, gadgets and jewellery to cages, paintings, ornaments and collectables. In the discover dogs sections we saw many breeds for the first time ever as well as breeds we didn’t even know existed.

 At the breed rings it was amazing to see big entries of many breeds South Africans consider “rare”. Enough dogs to be judged in two separate rings, all day! The thing that struck me the most was the size of the event - it was really huge! People arrived with their dogs on the train, busses and/or automobiles. Dogs were benched away from the rings in breed related groups. The breed rings were indicated by a single row of chairs and a few speciality stalls. The spectators stood 3 to 6 deep. The dogs and bitches are judged similtaneously next door to each other. Best Of Breed gets awarded if both judges agree – if not a referee gets called in to have the final decision.

On Sunday morning I was handed my dog, an Australian Shepherd (which was my second choice. The organisers were concerned that a Stafford would be challenging in the very confined area where we had to marshel. If I think back, I must agree that it gets very crowded and some of the handlers are less experienced, which would’ve made a lively Stafford very hard to control). My 4 year old, Aussie’s name was Lorenzo and we bonded straight away! I could freestand and bait him without any difficulty.

We were asked to strut our stuff and I felt very confident throughout the event. It was heart warming to have some South Africans amongst the spectators cheering us on! I was disappointed not to have made the final short list – however, I know I did my best and just like the show scene in South Africa, things don’t always work out like we think it should. First was the USA junior, second Canada and third was Denmark. 

We also had to take part in a final display just before Best In Show in the main arena. I felt really honored and proud! Our time was awesome and I must thank Pedigree for that - I made many friends and we had an unforgetable time!!! 

After Crufts we spent a few days in and around Londen. I saw Big Ben, I was able to go on the London  Eye, we went to Madame Touso as well as the famous Harrods.

Rita Coetzer
SA KUSA Nat Jnr Handler 2003

PS: I wish to thank my Mom, Griet, Brian Blades, Sharon Blades and Lois Wilson who helped to prepair me for this amazing trip!