5th February 2026 - Double Silver & Gold trial results and reports- Newbury Christmas Tree Farm (KBDT)

Trials Reports:

Silver 1 -

The first of today's Silver trials was at the Christmas tree farm outdoors and was set amongst 2 rows of Christmas trees. It was raining and there were ~12mph winds as well as lost off wildlife droppings and rabbit burrows which could have made searching challenging for the dogs. The first hide was located on the right-hand row of Christmas trees embedded in a tree stump. The second was in the back left corner on the outside of the tree trunk circa 2 foot up. 

Each of the dog and handler teams chose to dear the area in a different way (some freestyle and some on the line) and with differing search plans. The dogs responded differently to the area, some taking a little longer to get focused with the environmental distractions but all teams worked well together, covered the area well, and most found both hides.

Silver 2

The second silver search was a single, but longer row of Christmas trees which varied in maturity. For this search, teams were expected to cover the floor as well as edges of the search area, which some dogs found challenging as it was such a long straight line. Again, teams approached the search differently with different search styles and plans. The first hide was about 5 meters of the way into the search area on the right-hand side in a net around a fledgling tree. The second was at the top of the search area on the left in a mound of grass surrounding an infant tree. A really interesting mix for this search, with some dogs covering the entire area very thoroughly whilst others caught the odour in the wind are were quick to find both hides. Teams all worked really nicely and dis a great job.

Gold

The third and final trial of the day was the Gold search. The gold search was at the back of the Christmas tree farm, a large square area filled with Tree of different maturity, tree cuttings, logos, and palettes storing green waste. Handlers all approach this area differently and chose different starting points and plans for their search. The first hide was on a tree right at the assumed start poi t of the search. Most dogs found this hide demonstrating good focus right from their initial tasking. The second was amongst the palettes in the middle of the search area, about 2.5foot high, in some wood. Some dogs picked up the odour from the other side but all did work the odour into source really well. The final hide was amongst lots of chopped off Christmas tree branches at the back right of the search area. Not all dogs were able to locate this hide and some glazed over it without any recognition though those that did find that hide demonstrated good indication. The environmental distractions presented a challenge for some of the dogs during this trial but all managed to regain focus when tasked again by handlers. 

Overall, it was a joy to watch all of the teams.

Silver 1 - Judges Kate Bowsher & Eve Silveston-Maxey 

1st - Eleanor Hogan & Maddy - 97

2nd - Emily Jane Meadows & Lola - 96

3rd - Vanessa Bonner & Daphne - 95

4th - Jak Entiknap & Ralphie - 94.5

5th - Marney Wells & Chutney - 90

6th (Joint) - Beverly Hoddinott & Delilah - 74

6th (Joint) - Jan Martin & Onyx - 74

Silver 2 - Judges Kate Bowsher & Eve Silveston-Maxey 

1st - Marney Wells & Chutney 100

2nd - Emily Jane Meadows & Lola - 99.5

3rd - Jak Entiknap & Ralphie - 99

4th - Jan Martin & Onyx - 98

5th - Eleanor Hogan & Maddy - 98

6th - Vanessa Bonner & Daphne - 97

Gold - Judges Kate Bowsher & Eve Silveston-Maxey 

1st - Jan Martin & Onyx - 100

2nd - Emily Jane Meadows & Lola - 99.5

3rd - Peter Tuck & Minnie - 93

4th - Eleanor Hogan & Tilly - 89.5

5th - Jak Entiknap & Ralphie - 81

6th - Vanessa Bonner & Daphne - 74