Racomitrium Gundogs

20/09/2025

Another successful AV Spaniel Working Test today, held at our training ground, aiming to encourage newcomers to this wonderful sport. With a strong field for all four stakes, thankfully the weather was kind, perfect hunting conditions.

A full card in the Novice saw an amazing 8 handlers that have never dipped their toe in, so for me that was a great success.

One of which was an up and coming youngster in Rosie Farmer who trains with Mark Craddock and won the Young Handler and also was in the awards for the Puppy, Novice & was awarded Best Newcomer, this along with Best Hunting Spaniel were Sponsored by an anonymous handler through Dog & Field, thank you.

Thank you to all those that helped make the day the success it was, without them these days cannot go ahead. Judges Steve Newman, Graham Burton, both chosen not just for there experience, but also as they would offer positive, professional feedback to handlers, the comments from many handlers were pleasing to hear, as they felt supported & were put at ease.

Dummy throwers Robert John Annie Turner & Steve, Craig Horwill, Nick Lovell, my long suffering wife Joanne Gripton (aka The War Office) and Summer Gripton who did a good job with the raffle, proceeds going to Spaniel Aid.

Photographer Alan Doyle of Wet Dog Photography who has produced some amazing photos, a link will follow later next week. Alan also offers a photography service through the season where he accompanies a shoot for the day and captures it, the day is then made into a hardback book.

Thank you kindly to our Sponsors for some wonderful prizes, Dog & Field & Skinner's

Finally a big shout out to Deborah at Ruby Cooper's Coffee House who opened early for us, she has extended her business & had a face-lift, only yesterday had a new kitchen finally signed off, just in time for us to be the first to sample a full English breakfast, which isn't currently being offered on the menu, but will be soon! 😉🤫🤐

Full results and photos to follow, next week.

Sponsored by Dog & Field
Fed on Skinner's

19/09/2025

Ruby Cooper's Coffee House will be open from 0800hrs tomorrow, so if you want a coffee and breakfast before the working test or some delicious cake and lunch later, pop in & say hello to Deborah and the ladies, the toilet will be available also.😊☕️🥐🥯

⚠️Road Safety Advice⚠️
OILMILLS ROAD is at best a roller coaster, its 60mph, 20mph is plenty in places!, there are dips and bumps that catch everyone out and can throw you either into oncoming traffic or off the road!


Sponsored by Dog & Field
Fed on Skinner's

19/09/2025

💥💥💥💥Training Pen available to hire from Tuesday 23rd September💥💥💥💥
​
A well stocked 1/3 acre secure training pen, in a cover mix and grass. At our training ground at Ramsey, which is also available to hire.

£50.00 per session, per handler (not per hour, although slots will be allocated on an hourly basis, not all dogs will need a full hour)
​
Tuesday-Sunday 0900-1500hrs (outside of these times please ask)

We are also holding a training pen workshop on Sunday 26th October, 0900-1500hrs. 2 hour groups, 4 handlers, £50.00 each handler.

0900-1100hrs 2 spaces available
1100-1300hrs 3 spaces available
1300-1500hrs 1 space available
​
Those on the waiting list will be contacted in due course.
​
Contact me through WhatsApp to book 07850 586096

🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇

Sponsored by Dog & Field
Fed on Skinner's

18/09/2025

💥Sponsorship Announcement💥

We are really pleased to announce, we have secured a permanent sponsorship deal with Dog & Field

An exciting collaboration that will see us host training days, sponsored by Dog & Field, with goodie bags for those clients that are quick enough to sign up.

On occasion a professional photographer will be provided for the day to capture you and your dog, using industry leading dummies and equipment & you may even get to appear on their social media and other platforms.

Colin initially started the business in Wansford, Cambs, ten minutes from us, before moving over the border to Northants. So its a lovely gesture that they are able to support a small local business who thrive on offering professional, constructive gundog training in a fun and welcoming environment, based on over 30 years experience training spaniels & labradors for the working field.

We are fortunate to have their support and sponsorship for this weekends AV Spaniel Working Test, with goodie bags for the lucky winners.

We must be doing something right as one of the staff members comes for spaniel training with a very well bred cocker, week on week we see improvements after completing homework set, just about sorted now for the coming season! 👌

We are now able to stock products, with a shop planned for next year, so those that hire the ground or come for training can take advantage of having dummies, leads and more available on site.

At present my best seller is the 1.2m Pro Trialler slip lead, which I personally endorse, & currently have stock of all colours!

https://www.dogandfield.co.uk/dog-leads/slip-leads/field-trial-pro-slip-lead/

Sponsored by Dog & Field
Fed on Skinner's

16/09/2025

Get those cocker entries in!!!!!

Get your novice cocker entries in! The days are flying past and October will soon be here. We look forward to welcoming everyone at our first spaniel trial of the season

16/09/2025

OCTOBER 2025 TRAINING DATES:

Thursday 2nd October:
Midweek Retriever Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Saturday 4th October: ***NEW WEEKEND GROUP***
Spaniel - Novice dog & Novice (Handler Week 1 of 4)
Price: £100.00 (usually £120.00, discount for block booking)
Places: 6 handlers
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH
Sponsored By Dog & Field. Will include a goodie bag.

Sunday 5th October:
Spaniel Hunting Workshop, all abilities welcome.
Time: 0900-1300hrs
Price: £50.00 includes refreshments.
Places: 6 handlers
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Tuesday 7th October:
Midweek Spaniel Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Wednesday 8th October:
Spaniel Test/Trial Preparation (dummies & cold game)
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £40.00
Places: 8 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Thursday 9th October:
Midweek Retriever Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Saturday 11th October:
Spaniel - Novice dog & Novice Handler (Week 2 of 4)
Time: 0900-1100hrs
Price: £100.00 (usually £120.00, discount for block booking)
Places: 6 handlers
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH
Sponsored By Dog & Field.

Sunday 12th October:
Launcher Workshop, Spaniels & Retrievers
Time: 0900-1300hrs
Price: £50.00 Includes refreshments.
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Tuesday 14th October:
Midweek Spaniel Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Thursday 16th October:
Midweek Retriever Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Sunday 19th October:
Cold Game Workshop, Spaniels & Retrievers
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £50.00 Includes refreshments.
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Newcomers/Have a Go Gundog Group:
Spaniels, retrievers & cross breed gundogs
Time: 1200-1400hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Tuesday 21st October:
Midweek Spaniel Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Wednesday 22nd October:
Spaniel Test/Trial Preparation (dummies & cold game)
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £40.00
Places: 8 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Thursday 23rd October:
Midweek Retriever Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Saturday 25th October:
Spaniel - Novice dog & Novice Handler (Week 3 of 4)
Time: 0900-1100hrs
Price: £100.00 (usually £120.00, discount for block booking)
Places: 6 handlers
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH
Sponsored By Dog & Field.

Sunday 26th October:
Spaniel - Training Pen Workshop, live game.
Time: 0900-1100hrs, 1100-1300hrs, 1300-1500hrs
Price: £50.00
Places: 4 handlers each session, (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Tuesday 28th October:
Midweek Spaniel Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

Thursday 30th October:
Midweek Retriever Group: Novice/Intermediate
Time: 0900-1200hrs
Price: £30.00
Places: 6 handlers (2nd dog welcome)
Location: RGD Training Ground, PE26 2XH

1:2:1 lesson’s available midweek from 0900-1700hrs, also Sunday’s PM.

TRAINING GROUND HIRE is available now, see website for full details & prices.
We are happy to host a day’s training be that small groups, clubs, societies, either midweek or Saturday’s, tailored to your requirements, with or without instruction, with a dummy thrower provided. Pistol, launcher, blanks & dummies all included. Contact us to discuss your requirements & prices.
Alternatively your own trainer is welcome, free of charge.

Full payment for any lesson, 1:2:1, group, workshop or ground hire is payable at time of booking to secure place.

Contact us to find out more.
WhatsApp: 07850586096
Email: [email protected]
www.racomitriumgundogs.co.uk

15/09/2025

Bloopers! 😂😂😂😂🤦‍♂️

Three goes before we got it right, wind and rain didnt help, videos 2 & 3 are in the comments!.......you need to watch the third to the end for the commmentry!

Started doing more with my boy, Frank the Tank aka Racomitrium Fox. Just wants to please, he's such a lovely natured dog.

See if we get enough time to get him out this season. Health test, eye test, hips & elbows and all being well our stud dog next year! 🤞

Brand Ambassador: A K Gundog Accessories
Fed on Skinner's

15/09/2025

💥Midweek Lesson's💥

Groups & 1:2:1's available!

Tuesdays = Spaniel day, mixed abilty group, 0900-1200hrs. £30.00. 6 handlers maximum.

Wednesdays = Spaniel test/trial preparation. Scenarios, running in pairs, shot and cold game, & dummies. 0900-1300hrs. £40.00. 8 handlers maximum.

Thursday = Retriver day, mixed ability group,
0900-1200hrs. £30.00. 6 handlers maximum.

Ground Hire available!
AM 0900-1200hrs
PM 1200-1500hrs

Bodsey Farm,
Bodsey Toll Road,
Ramsey,
Huntingdon,
Cambs,
PE26 2XH.

WhatsApp 07850 586096 to book or find out more.

Brand Ambassador: A K Gundog Accessories
Fed on Skinner's

14/09/2025

All entries for next weekend's Working Test have a run, & have been emailed or WhatsApp'd.

If any handlers from the Novice would like a run in the Open please let me know, happy to take late entries for the Puppy and Open.

Thank you & good luck!

14/09/2025

Now offering Saturday ground hire as the evenings close in!

Today's group of energetic HPR's had their owners travel 1½ hours from different parts of the country to meet up & train together.
Only 200 Brittany Spaniels registered in the UK & it was lovely to have two here today.

I'm always keen on feedback on the ground, likes, dislikes, what could be changed or improved. Everyone has something to add or suggest, today I was really pleased to hear that its 'not manicured' so the training is similar to what you will find on a shoot day.

Frank the Tank starting to get upto speed with some training now he's had time to settle & get a bond with him.

Brand Ambassador: A K Gundog Accessories
Fed on Skinner's fans

11/09/2025

RIP Racomitrium Posy
20/04/23 - 11/09/25

I knew she hadn't been right since November, three times at the vets for the same thing, thought it was a foreign body that we just couldn't find. This time, bloods, xrays and an ultrasound showed masses in her abdomen, well all over.

Rushed to the Cambridge Small Animal hospital, she stayed for two days while all the tests where done, lymphoma was the result. Even though I have mine insured, that wasn't going to fix her, even with chemotherapy they hoped for a year at best, her breathing was laboured and it was a matter of days.

So, with a very heavy heart we made the decision to put her to sleep. I was there, holding her, watched her eyes glaze over and those final two gasps of breath. I've laid her to rest next to her sister Violet.

2 dogs gone in less than three months, sometimes life just isn't fair. I'd just entered her in her first trials of the season. But it wasnt meant to be, she was the sweetest natured softest dog, not complicated in anyway, just a little unsure at times and needed time to mature & get up to speed, a few training days last year, rabbits over the summer and partridge in sugar beet only last week, at least she got to experience all the joys of being a working dog and still being a pet and loved her cuddles.
I'm so glad we chose you and had the precious times we did together.

Miss you already Posy Pie, chase as much as you want now! Rest easy ###

❤️❤️❤️

29/03/2025

Lovely day today at The Spaniel Club AV Spaniel Working Test. Ran both Posy & River, unfortunately not in the awards. It's really nice doing something with my own dogs for a change.

Posy ran in on her second run, but how she was only 4 months ago I'll take that, River looked at me on the gunshot & didn't mark the seen, I didn't push her back far enough so the wrong side of the wind. But she can do no wrong for me, love her! Onto the next one, after some more practise! 🤪😂

Well done to Jackie for a well run day, the judges for giving up their time & all the helpers, without which these events can not run. Also, a big thank you to the landowner & sponsors for the generous prizes. Congratulations to the winners & all in the awards 🏆👏👍

I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Cantwell today, two very different trainers, one has a face for radio, the other not so much!.........I'll let you decide which is which!

Brand Ambassador: A K Gundog Accessories
Fed on skinnersfieldandtrial