The All-Breed Agility Trials was beautiful in so many ways….
Last week (Oct19-21 2018) we were very fortunate to visit The Grand Oaks Resort in Lady Lake, Florida for the AKC All Breed Agility Trials. To describe the day was anything less than beautiful would be a disservice to the event and the location. Andy Hall of the Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club (MFGRC) managed two arenas for this event, and Trial Chair was Dee Thibodeaux. As we are growing accustomed to, the attendees came from near and far.
Judges Cindy Elliott Deak and Jill C. Roberts had their hands full and weathered the long days as hundreds of dogs took on the multiple courses that were set and changed frequently for each round. This is done for the various levels of experience in each team. This helps prevent teams from rehearsing the course ahead of time.
Agility Trials. “It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog, and it forges an even deeper relationship between you. Plus, it’s exhilarating to watch as your dog nimbly and quickly crawls through tunnels, weaves around poles, and leaps through tires!” – AKC
Agile bodies and minds
The handlers are given time to walk the course before each cycle begins. These rounds came very fast as the organizers efficiently directed 150 breeds and their handlers throughout the event. These All-Breed events have a few pre-requisites for the American Kennel Club (AKC) including registration or listing in the AKC Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program through the AKC’s “Canine Partners Program”.
If you are new to the sport, then look for your local club and ask them about the “AKC Agility Course Test”.
“The MFGRC encourages and promote purebred Golden Retrievers…and do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmen like competition at dog shows, obedience trials, and field events - MFGRC”
The event organizer Andy Hall was especially busy and as secretary of the MFGRC passionate about his club. The Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club is AKC licensed with conformation shows, obedience and rally trials, agility trials, and retriever hunting tests.
A Closer Look
Did we mention the location?With such an open field of breeds, the show was exciting, and the truly stunning location at the Grand Oaks Resort just added to the great impression of this agility trial.
The event and hosts were both fantastic and another example of why you should get active with your own Bad Azz Dog in the wide selection of happenings around Florida, The rewards can not be understated for both you and your pup. Plus you may get to visit locations like The Grand Oaks Resort. We were eagerly welcomed by the staff and given ample time by partner Laureen Oliver about the Grand Oaks Resort.
With so many canine events outdoors or in rural locations and the expected “Porta-Potties”, The Grand Oaks was a surprise in many ways. The majority of activities center around Equestrian sports with a active calendar throughout the year, but a growing number of canine events are becoming part of their regular guests. The facility has both luxury sweets through RV camping, and the property has stores, restaurants and further amenities expected at the most luxurious hotels. The important part for our interests were the great number of potential options for an event. The open fields we groomed and the large facility for today's agility was cool and quite massive for a covered building. There is even fishing… no kidding. Laureen also made it clear that the options for hosting your event at The Grand Oaks are very welcoming and they are willing to work with those interested in hosting their event here. Clearly know we are looking forward to returning.
Wrapping up the dayThe days of the AKC as a elitist organization and source of good natured ribbing in the film “Best in Show” have been receding for many years now. With Clubs like the Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club and our recent experiences with both the West Volusia Kennel Club and Treasure Coast Kennel Club as proof. Do not be shy or quick to judge. Check out your local club, and you may thank us for it.
More Information:
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Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club – est. 1984 https://mfgrc.org
The Grand Oaks Resort
http://thegrandoaks.com/
Further Recommendations:West Volusia Kennel Club https://www.westvolusiakennelclub.com/
Treasure Coast Kennel Club www.treasurecoastkennelclub.org/
Central Florida Dog Sports (Deland, FL) https://centralfladogsports.com
Ocala Dog Ranch (Ocala) https://www.ocaladogranch.com/
Native Downs (Ocala)
https://www.nativedownskennel.com/
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