Team UK – Aim High
Holland 2024
Throughout 2024 myself and my UK Team co captain Tony Williams scouted the UK show scene in search of the best dogs to represent the UK at the N.B.T.C Country Competition. This prestigious show is held in October every year in Holland and is quite spectacular, judged by 3 judges in unison, Bull Terriers from across the world come together to compete in Teams of up to 12, consisting of;
Two under 2 males plus a reserve, two over 2 males plus a reserve, two under 2 bitches plus a reserve and two over 2 bitches plus a reserve.
This is no easy task, so much has to be taken into consideration, with such a prestige event and an excellent track record of UK victories, the pressure is real!!
Work started early on our wonderful 2024 ‘AIM HIGH‘ Team logo, this year kindly designed by Michael Fletcher. We have the logo made into pin badges and put onto clothing to raise funds to help get the team to Holland.
We also secured two very generous sponsors; ‘Prime Vets’ who also kindly sponsored the 2023 team, and again this year with fabulous handler jackets. Our second sponsor Clearway’ also very generously sponsored the team this year with thanks to Mark and Audrey Taylor.
Along with pin and clothing sales and the help of Rachel Karta-Williams and Tracey Fletcher, we manage to generate enough funds to give each team member needing a AHC £200 towards the cost, a UK Team handler jacket and polo shirt.
A very strong team was eventually decided upon and put together, which can be see in the 2024 UK Team flier.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, the logistics of getting so many dogs, their owners and handlers to Holland is a challange in itself.
Two reserves (under 2 dog and over 2 bitch) were pulled in on the day, which proves how vitally important our reserve dogs are to the team.
The UK Team pulled together, spirits were high and our team looked incredible as we made our way around the ring in the opening parade.
We started strong in under 2 males with a win, one of our boys winning 2nd highest points in the category and a 15 point lead! In the second class we followed up with a second win, our over 2 males getting the highest and 2nd highest points from the dogs in the ring putting us in a great position and well in lead! The third class, we did it again… Another win with our under 2 girls winning the highest and 2nd highest points in their category. The fourth class we came a respectful 3rd place, one of our team members winning 2nd highest points in the category and securing and overall win by a large margin for Team UK!!!
I’d like to give thanks to;
The N.B.T.C committee for hosting such a great event.
All of the judges for thinking so highly of our 2024 UK Team.
All of the owners and handlers of Team 2024 for representing their country, making the trip to Holland with your outstanding dogs and presenting them in fantastic condition.
To all of the UK supporters that follow the team to Holland and to those who purchase pins and clothing to help mobilise the team.
To our wonderful sponsors Prime Vets and Clearway for their generous sponsorship.
To all of the other countries teams, Team Captains and exhibitors for making it such a competitive event.
Lastly to my co judge Tony Williams and our long suffering spouses who give up months of the year to listen to UK Team plans and preparations!!