My First Experience at the IGL Retriever Championship

Earlier this week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the IGL Retriever Championship for the first time. Held in the stunning Scottish countryside, it promised to be an adventure—and it didn’t disappoint. My partner in crime, Penny Davies, and I decided to make a little holiday of it, adding some extra excitement to the trip. Scotland, dogs, and top-level gundog work? What could possibly go wrong?

As first-time attendees of the IGL Retriever Championship in Scotland, we learned a lot about what to do (and what not to do). Rookie mistake number one? Bringing our dogs without a clear plan for their care. Unless you have a sitter lined up, it’s best to leave them at home.

Our next challenge? A 5:30 am wake-up call to make it to the venue for the 7:30 am briefing. In the pitch-black Scottish morning, we found ourselves parked near the breathtaking Drumlanrig Castle, where the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry himself gave a welcoming address. It set the tone beautifully for what would be an unforgettable event.

Flags, Trucks, and Spectators Galore

With 67 competitors, their entourages, event staff, and a sea of spectators, the scale of the championship was awe-inspiring. At the briefing, we were instructed to follow the red flags as spectators, ensuring the competitors and their trucks (marked by white flags) had priority. Watching the convoy of 4x4s winding through the countryside was something else—I’d love to know just how many people were there that day.

After parking, we took a short walk to the hills, where the competition was already underway. Competitors and their dogs were out working under the watchful eyes of the judges, and I even managed to snap a cheeky picture of Laura warming up Brae as we passed. Armed with my programme and running order, I dove into the action, eager to see who was up and how they were performing.

At times, the work was visible on the opposite bank, while at others, we had to rely on updates from radio-carrying helpers as the line moved beyond our view. The tension was palpable as dogs were sent out to retrieve, with some succeeding spectacularly and others sadly coming back empty-handed. The stakes were high, and it was a reminder of just how tough this sport can be.

Unforgettable Moments

As the line progressed, we were treated to some exceptional dog work, including moments where birds landed directly behind the gallery, giving us a front-row seat. Watching 3- or 4-dog eye wipes unfold was particularly memorable, with applause erupting for one competitor who seemed destined for the final. The camaraderie among the spectators was another highlight—we swapped stories, caught up with old friends, and even made a few new ones.

I was amazed by how far people had traveled for the event. There were spectators from Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Iceland, and beyond. One gentleman, Russell from Romsey (practically a neighbour!), turned out to be a medic assigned to the event and a proud HPR handler. After some hushed conversations about the differences between their trials and ours, I promised not to hold his HPR allegiance against him.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

For some competitors, the wait for their first round felt agonizingly long, with some not getting their chance until day two due to fading daylight. It was a tough reminder of the unpredictable nature of these events. The emotional highs and lows were intense—elation for those who succeeded and heartbreak for those who didn’t make it through.

Of course, no report would be complete without mentioning the weather. Scotland defied all expectations with crisp, sunny days that made the whole experience even more magical. It truly felt like the icing on the cake for an already incredible event.

Here’s to 2024—I’ll be booking the dog-sitters early this time! 

Want to Learn More About the IGL Retriever Championship?

If this has sparked your interest in the world of retriever trials, why not dive deeper? The IGL Retriever Championship is a fascinating event showcasing the best of gundog skills and training. To learn more about the competition, its history, and future events, head over to the official IGL website (https://www.internationalgundogleague.com). It’s a treasure trove of information for gundog enthusiasts!