Training Day for Field Trial Judging & Stewarding

Sunday 15 June 2025 at the Isenhurst Estate, East Sussex.

Our first ‘Training Day for Field Trial Judging and Stewarding’ will be held at the stunning Isenhurst Estate with its diverse mix of lakes and woodland – the perfect backdrop for a day of learning and interaction in a very hands-on way.
 
The day will run as a mock Field Trial and will be a practical, hands-on learning day in the field. The mentors will encourage discussion, debate and learning based on walked-up and driven scenarios that may be encountered at a Field Trial.

 
Field Trial Judging

 
We are very fortunate to have four experienced A-Panel mentors for the ‘Judges’: Kevin Doughty, Mike Tallamy, Sara Gadd and David Latham.
 
The ‘Judges’ will grade/ score the dogs under the guidance of the mentors, as well as dealing with procedural issues and solving situations sometimes encountered in the field. The day will also include sections on effect of shot and how to check game for damage.
 
The day is aimed at anyone who is trialling their dogs, whether panel/ non-panel judges, those who are new to judging or those who would like to judge in the future. Some experience in competing with your dog is required to take part in the ‘Judges’ part of the day as a base level of Field Trial understanding would be beneficial.
 
The ‘Judges’ will be split into groups of six and rotate around the mentors throughout the day.
 
Places for ‘Judges’ are limited to 24 and cost £50.

 
Field Trial Stewarding

 
For those interested in stewarding at Field Trials, the day will also offer an introduction to stewarding. No experience of competing at Field Trials is necessary. It will be the perfect introduction for those who want to learn more about Field Trials, help at Field Trials or who may be considering trailing in the future.
 
This element of the day will be taken by different mentors – TBC.
 
Places are unlimited and cost £25.

 
Spectators

 
For those who do not wish to actively participate as a ‘Judge’ the opportunity to spectate will also be available. Spectators will not play an active part in ‘judging’ the day but will have at least one different A panel judge with them to facilitate discussion about the retrieves and the scenarios as they unfold. This is a great opportunity for those starting their Field Trial journey to gain an insight into how a Field Trial progresses and the considerations judges have in mind.
 
This training will be taken by different mentors – TBC.
 
Places are unlimited and cost £25.

  
J Regs Seminar

 
We will be offering a J Regs seminar to ‘Judges’, ‘Spectator’ and ‘Steward’ participants on Sunday 8 June in advance of the day, at no additional cost. The seminar will be online over Microsoft Teams and will make use of the updated seminar script and new PowerPoint presentation recently issued by the Kennel Club. The seminar will include the usual content, but with an emphasis on the regulations and guidance relevant to the scenarios which will be included in the day. Taking the J Regs exam online will be optional.
 
Timings for the seminar will be confirmed to participants in due course, but it is expected to start mid-morning and be finished by early afternoon.

 
Booking

 
To book your place as either a Judge, Spectator or Steward, please complete the Booking Form and return by email to James Bailey: jgbailey20@gmail.com.
 
If we are unable to accommodate all applicants for the ‘Judges’, places will be allocated based on experience noted in the application form. ‘Spectator’ spaces will be offered to those who are unable to be accommodated as ‘Judges’.
 
Closing date is 18 May 2025.
 
Places will be allocated after the closing date and entry fees payable thereafter to confirm places.