IFCS World Champs 2010 videos-finally!

I should learn that if I do not put my thoughts down right after an event it just ain't gonna happen. Although I would like to write down everything, I will just have to settle with a few thoughts, photos and videos.

This was Zen's 5th time representing Great Britain internationally. I think the girl done pretty good this time with three Bronze medals and some "nearly" runs. Now we look forward to the European Open in July and the World Champ try-outs at the end of the month. I would love Zen to qualify for the 2010 World Champs again as it may be her last time. Competing at these events is not only expensive but it also takes alot of focus and energy. I would not want to do them if I could not give it 100%. Next year may be our year off from any International events and as we focus on the new house, the pups fledgling career and some (non-doggie)travel.



It certainly was nice to have an international event right here in the UK. The travel was so much easier than normal! MEGA well done to the countries who had to fly their dogs into England. The cost of dog flights into England is exorbitant and they showed such dedication in getting here as most had to pay their own way. The Gold medal (figuratively and literally!) goes to the Russian team who DROVE here from Russia and then got lost. Instead of going south west to Clevedon Somerset, they ended going north east to Cleveland! Probably about a 5 hour drive one-way without traffic. I admit we had a little chuckle at this but the Russians really showed us! They wiped the board with medals and outstanding runs; my hat is tipped to them. Plus their agility fashion sense was impeccable with quite a few pink mini-skirts and perfect make-up and hair! I did get a little frustrated with their ability to run like heck and throw in multiple double and triple blind crosses seamlessly. Geesh! "Run like a Russian" has become our little secret motto. Watch out for Marilyn A. and Zav-lana (previously called Zavvi) to hit the rings running like a Russian in a few weeks.

In two years the IFCS World Cup will be in the USA. Zen will definitely NOT be going to that event as I will not fly her across the ocean in cargo. It is a shame as the IFCS heights are great for Zen as the height cut-off is 16" vs the 17" of FCI. This gives Zen (at 15") the advantage of being in the upper limits of the height cut-off. The pups would be at a disadvantage being 13" so they would probably never compete at IFCS. So sadly this may have been my first and last IFCS competition. I really enjoyed the entire atmosphere and was so proud to be a part of a great team. Coming back to reality after these events is always difficult. You spend a few days in a positively charged agility "bubble" and you have the support and backup of your team-mates during that time. It is a great feeling and one I hope to experience a few more times with Zen this year. And, God willing, with the pups in a few years. It can definitely be addictive!

I do not want to go into details of the courses or our placements. Suffice to say that Zen was running great and I loved all the tough courses. The biggest suprise of all was our Snooker run. Considering Zen and I have done Snooker approximately 3 times before in our entire lives, I was pretty well chuffed with the Snooker Bronze medal! The not-so-big suprise was our Gamblers run. Gamblers will never be Zen's strength and sadly it was what prevented us from winning the gold or silver overall medal. Until we actually have proper gamblers courses here in the UK it will just not ever be a priority for us.

Here is our Snooker run.



Our individual Agility run.




Our Biathalon jumping run.



Our Individual Jumping run, which combined with the Individual Agility, gave us the Overall Bronze!



Thanks again to Zen-star for making it look easy for me.