17/10/07
Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be put through their paces later
this month when they take centre stage at Countryside Live.
Harriet Lancaster at the 2006 Countryside Live getting "hands on" in the Pets Area
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For the first-time canine and human members of the Harrogate Agility
Training Society (HATS) will be demonstrating their skills at the
popular event, taking place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October
at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Show Director, Bill Cowling said: "Despite the disappointment
of not being able to hold classes for cattle and sheep, we will
still have plenty of animals on site, and the dog agility demonstrations
are something new which I'm sure will interest everyone, adults
and children alike. Ninety per cent of the activities take place
indoors, and children are admitted free, so we're looking forward
to a great weekend."
Dogs large and small will be tackling the specially-designed obstacle
course in a series of demonstrations which include jumping over
hurdles, running through tunnels, weaving past poles and negotiating
a see-saw.
HATS chairman Diana Hillsdon said members were delighted to be
taking part. "We have a real mixture of dogs in the demonstrations
and we hope people will be interested in watching them and their
handlers in action. It is a very different course and environment
to what the dogs are used to in training but it will be lots of
fun and I'm sure, very entertaining," said Mrs Hillsdon.
The
agility demonstrations are sponsored by North Yorkshire-based pet
food producer Burgess, who will be handing out samples of its premium
dried dog food which is completely hypo-allergenic, Supadog Wellbeing.
As
well as the dog agility demonstrations, the Family Pet Area has
been expanded this year. Whether you are interested in rabbits
and guinea pigs, spiders or snakes, you'll be able to pick up plenty
of tips about them all, and more, at Countryside Live.
Appearing for the first time will be East Coast Ferrets, who are
bringing along a number of their furry friends and offering lots
of information about the species, whilst, courtesy of Askham Bryan
College of York, visitors can see a selection of frogs, snakes,
spiders and other creatures you may keep as pets, or find living
in your garden.
Making a welcome return to Countryside Live will be Bunny Burrows
from Richmond, who are bringing rabbits and guinea pigs, and offering
tips and information on how to look after them, while another popular
regular will be Hazel Brow Farm who are bringing along some hens
and ducks. In addition there will be owls and falcons on display
with staff from Falconry UK Ltd on hand to answer questions.
Nearby in the Education Area, there will be plenty of hands-on
activities to keep youngsters entertained. Children can choose
from bread and sausage making to candle making, badgemaking and
a colouring competition.
Dozens of local Brownies will be enjoying the weekend show - and
completing activities as part of a badge scheme. A special feature
is the Halloween Fancy Dress Competition aimed at youngsters under
the age of 12 who are invited to dress up in the spookiest costume
- made from recycled materials - and be in with the chance of taking
to the catwalk during the event's Fashion Shows.
Co-ordinated by Bernadette Gledhill of the Louise Morton Model
Agency of Huddersfield, clothes created by Yorkshire entrepreneurs
will be featured during the regular shows, including deerskin clothing
presented by Holme Farmed Venison of Sherburn in Elmet and T and
polo shirts from Alison McHamish of Boroughbridge.
 Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair Cancelled for 2007
A Fashion First For Countryside Live
Ploughmen's
Spirits Will Not Be Dampened!
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