Glaston Park Spaniels

20/12/2024

We just want to say a big thank you to all of our Spaniel & Equestrian friends who made 2024 a fun and special experience.
As the Yuletide approaches we hope that you enjoy a very special Christmas with those that are dearest to you.
Steve & Les x

22/10/2024

For those who like “Old Fashioned Springers”, Jeeves & Tinny, 7 months old.

07/10/2024

Thank you to all you lovely people who sent me birthday wishes. It's been a wonderful day spent with loved ones.
Time now for a wee dram !!!!!

12/09/2024

On a lighter note....

09/09/2024

The beautiful Chalk Stream fly. The TUPS INDISPENSIBLE.

The start of the Trout season and this year I have decided to fish nothing but "old fashioned flies" that are at least 100 years old.
The theory is that they caught plenty of fish back then so there's no reason why they shouldn't catch now.
We shall see.........

30/08/2024

Lesley and I have just returned from a break in the High Country. Stunning views and scenery.
However we were amazed at the number of dead wombats that were killed trying to cross the roads.
We estimate that there were about 3 dozen dead animals seen during our journey.

26/07/2024

Australia's ancient continent has produced some highly-specialised butterflies that should really be treasured like precious jewels. Some are even named 'Jewels' – as they have glistening metallic scales on their wings

The 'Mangrove Jewel' (Hypochrysops epicurus) is a mangrove-dwelling specialist. It's only host-plant is 'Grey Mangrove' aka 'White Mangrove' (Avicenna marina) – providing there are the required 'attendant-ants' present. This shy butterfly is only found in areas of Mangrove from Maryborough (QLD) to Port Macquarie (NSW)

Many Mangroves have been removed along the east coast to make waterfronts less muddy and stagnant – so that these areas can be used for urban development. However as coastal understanding and perceptions have changed some Councils are allowing Mangroves to re-establish – or are even actively replanting them – having realised the vital part they play in preventing coastal erosion – as well as a being a priceless part of the natural ecosystem
[A distribution map for the Mangrove Jewel is in the Comments]


https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mangrove-ecosystem-conservation?fbclid=IwY2xjawEQHPFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYECR0qCaPUuWHpYc8HdrPHUjqaEHn18l_eWTiQH3-xlTw7lZonAJ-RQaA_aem_ko0L8eNkyd3YiQDPviIrDg

21/07/2024

I AM SEEKING YOUR HELP PLEASE......
A few years ago .The Victorian Gundog Club Inc produced this publication.
On the front cover is a life size picture of a brace of pointers called "au coup de fusel" (the Shot) - a bronze model of a pair of Pointers depicted in The Australasian 23rd July 1898, page 199.
The statue was presented to the Victorian Poultry & Kennel Club by Mr L.D. Borsdorff, a well known collie fancier of the time. The V.P & K.C. decided to dispose of it by an Art Union. The piece was described as follows:

The figures are life size, and their posing is admirable. The group would look very handsome on the verandah of a villa, in a large entrance hall to a mansion or in a garden.
(The Australasian 23rd July 1898 p.181).

I am on a mission to find this bronze. Someone must know where it is. It could well be in one of the large Bluestone Houses in the Western district. It could well be in a Toorak Mansion. It could be anywhere in Australia, who knows?

If anyone can help shed some light onto it whereabouts or have any leads that I can follow up, please let me know.
Thanks.

20/07/2024

This is Roly. A brother to Marcus & Zac. Roly is a beautiful lad, willing to please and enjoying his training sessions. Just how we like them.

19/07/2024

Following on from yesterday’s post of Marcus I would like to introduce Zac.
Breeding spaniels of this quality takes time and dedication. These pups are a culmination of 20 years selective breeding.
Knowing what dogs are in the pups past allows you to know what you might get in the future.
Hours studying pedigrees and the dogs within it. Working out their good traits and more importantly the bad traits, so that when we put together a mating, we aim to bring the best traits forward.
Size to me is also important, to produce good solid dogs with the drive to work all day.
Good ‘old fashioned’ Springers.
Zac is a brother to Marcus True working spaniels as one would expect from Glastonpark.
Bred for temperament, working ability and biddability they would suit either a working home or as a lovely companion for country walks.
If a more mature puppy that has already commenced training is of interest to you then please get in touch.

18/07/2024

Gods own acre…..

Howqua River, Sheepyard Flat. Howqua Hills Historic Area.

Photo: Shannon Marcus. Thanks Shannon.

18/07/2024

Classic Springer pup, Marcus, a smidgen over 4 months old. Learning his manners and what his nose is all about. Rockets son and certainly 'a chip off the old block'.
If 'Old fashioned Springers' is your liking then Marcus certainly fits the bill.

12/07/2024

Stella keeping a watchful eye on proceedings last weekend.

11/07/2024

Sunrise...

08/07/2024

A couple of action photo's from the Spaniel Day on Saturday. The dogs handled to across water retrieve with gusto.

07/07/2024

Glastonpark Spaniels, in conjunction with WGAA held a Working Test/ Training Day yesterday at a wonderful property in Ballan.
The property is super for spaniels with thick cover, a river and numerous dams.
The day started at 9.30am with a very misty cold fog which burnt off during the day to brilliant sunshine in the afternoon.
In all there were 8 tests designed to work on the dogs control, steadiness and retrieving abilities. Some of these tests were quite straightforward whilst others had more complex issues to test the dogs.
The across water retrieve saw all of the dogs enter the water boldly and make a good fist of finding the dummy waiting for them. I was surprised as I expected the dogs to run the bank and be reluctant to get their feet wet. How wrong can you be?
I thoroughly enjoyed the day watching the dogs going through their paces and the friendly encouraging conversation as each dog had a turn was lovely to listen to.
A big thank you to my wife, Les, Brett & his son Arlo (10years old) who worked tirelessly all day as my helpers.
I think every one enjoyed the day.