Zoe Blackburn wins ISA Gundog Challenge at Midland Game Fair

Essex-based schoolgirl Zoe Blackburn won the inaugural Independent Schools Association (ISA) Gundog Challenge at last weekend’s Midland Game Fair at Weston Park. Hosted by The Gundog Company, the ISA Gundog Challenge is designed for beginners to raise awareness of handling and training of gundogs. The competition is open to all primary school children from 3-12 years of age.

In total 54 children from 27 schools nationwide competed in the final. A student at Coopersdale Hall in Essex, nine-year old Zoe impressed judges with her natural aptitude for gundog handling. Organiser John Robertson commented: “Zoe was a real stand-out candidate. Using our spaniel Lizzie, she competently completed a long distance retrieve using all the correct handling signals. Zoe does not have a dog at home, so we hope this achievement will spark an enduring interest in gundog handling.”

Sponsored by Red Monkey Play, Zoe won £2,000 worth of playground equipment for her school plus a trophy, gundog accessories from Sporting Saint and dog food from Chudleys. To take part next year, email [email protected].