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Young handler

Isabella makes it a ‘double’ on her ninth birthday

Isabella Hartley wins the Border Club Calf Show Young Handler

Brimming with confidence after winning the young handlers class at the North West Club Calf Show at the beginning of February, at the Border’s Club Calf show on the 22nd February Isabella Hartley kept her birthday a secret until after the judging.

Isabella Hartley receives her Champion Young Handler Awards from sponsor Philip Halhead and judge John Hall

Not content with leading her home bred heifer Pendle Amarillo in the show classes, Isabella also entered the under 16’s Young Handler Class and took the Championship for the second time in three years. The class obtained a last minute sponsorship from North West Club member Philip Halhead with his Norbreck Genetics Company and along with the Agri-Lloyd Perpetual Tankard Isabella was presented with an embroidered waistcoat.

Thomas Hartley with Alice Springer competing in the Young Handler Class

Having also entered the Young Handler class, her five year old brother Thomas leading his home bred heifer Pendle Alice Springer was not to be outshone and with their father Mark this time holding the halter and young Thomas in close attendance Alice Springer was also in the ribbons taking not only the Champion Female but also the Reserve Overall Champion honours.

Mark Hartley with Pendle Alice Springer Female and Reserve Overall Champion

Not a family for resting on their laurels both heifers, Alice Springer and Amarillo having been sired by the herd’s stock bull Blue Stone Union Jack and out of Pendle Ursula and Pendle Snowflake respectively, had previously been entered into the Progeny Group class. It topped a very good day for the youngsters when their heifers went on to also win this class.

Allan Wilkinson and Springfield Asher receive the ribbons in their class from judge John Hall

It is of great credit to Mark and Elaine that not only do Isabella and Thomas accompany the cattle into the ring but are also encouraged, under supervision, to halter train and care for the herd at home, Isabella being credited by Mark with much of the halter training of Amarillo and Alice Springer.

Thomas checks the Progeny Group winner’s rosettes whilst Isabella and Mark are left holding the heifers

Also in the young handlers class was Deirdre and Allan Wilkinson’s nephew Isaac Parkinson, leading their young bull Springfield Amos (by Daffyd D’Ochain out of Springfield Pepsi). Although just out of the top ribbons this time it was a very creditable first time in the show ring for Isaac after a long time out of the action due to an accident (unrelated to farming!).

Deirdre Wilkinson and nephew Isaac Parkinson getting Springfield Asher (on the left) and Springfield Anastasia organised to compete in the Progeny Group class prior to becoming Reserve Champions

Hartley family conference before the Progeny Group class

Progeny group winners Pendle Alice Springer (on the left) and Pendle Amarillo