Scott Mossop
I've been involved in country sports since I could walk, my earliest memory being ferreting with my granddad on a freezing cold February morning! Since then I have been involved in all aspects of country sports from deer stalking in the Scottish highlands to sitting in wet gutters in the wind and rain waiting for early morning duck and geese. No matter what aspect of shooting I have participated in, I find it far more enjoyable having a trained dog by your side waiting for your every command.
My first involvement with gundogs was throwing dummies for my uncles and granddad, before I was eventually 'promoted' and allowed to handle one of my granddads dogs in the beating line on our shoot. For the next five years I pestered my parents to let me have a dog of my own and at the age of 15 I got my first dog, a black Labrador called Brook. Brook taught me a lot about gundog training, both the good and bad and the mistakes I made with him have been the best lesson I could ever have. He has been my constant companion in the field for the past thirteen years, and in the last six has been joined by my first Cocker Spaniel, Amber.
Seeing these little dogs hunt opened my eyes to spaniel work and I was hooked! Training a spaniel was a totally different experience; however it was made easier by her natural ability and willingness to learn. Ambers' training alerted me to the world of trialling and although I recognise she is not up to trial standard, I have a better idea of what I need to do to be able to compete. Hopefully this experience will stand me in good stead with the new dogs in the kennels.
I've been involved in country sports since I could walk, my earliest memory being ferreting with my granddad on a freezing cold February morning! Since then I have been involved in all aspects of country sports from deer stalking in the Scottish highlands to sitting in wet gutters in the wind and rain waiting for early morning duck and geese. No matter what aspect of shooting I have participated in, I find it far more enjoyable having a trained dog by your side waiting for your every command.
My first involvement with gundogs was throwing dummies for my uncles and granddad, before I was eventually 'promoted' and allowed to handle one of my granddads dogs in the beating line on our shoot. For the next five years I pestered my parents to let me have a dog of my own and at the age of 15 I got my first dog, a black Labrador called Brook. Brook taught me a lot about gundog training, both the good and bad and the mistakes I made with him have been the best lesson I could ever have. He has been my constant companion in the field for the past thirteen years, and in the last six has been joined by my first Cocker Spaniel, Amber.
Seeing these little dogs hunt opened my eyes to spaniel work and I was hooked! Training a spaniel was a totally different experience; however it was made easier by her natural ability and willingness to learn. Ambers' training alerted me to the world of trialling and although I recognise she is not up to trial standard, I have a better idea of what I need to do to be able to compete. Hopefully this experience will stand me in good stead with the new dogs in the kennels.
Sarah Mossop
My interest in gundogs and shooting may be considered a relatively recent hobby. A lot of my passion stems from Scott’s infectious enthusiasm, for which over time has lead to my ever increasing involvement. Prior to meeting Scott I had no insight into the gundog community, yet had a brief taste of shooting, albeit not game, many years ago. I have since had many enjoyable experiences combining both interests up and down the country.
My first insight was on the local shoot being handed a flag along with precise instructions of what to do and where to go. I carefully walked the line waving my flag in anticipation of flushing my first pheasant. A few drives later the decision was made to my horror to work through dinner! My growling tummy and I carried on and battled through the woodland listening to the flight of pheasants. Despite missing dinner it was a great experience and I wasn’t put off! I quickly adapted to the working life, working in all weathers and making the most of the outdoors. I have been keen to learn and develop my skills, progressing gradually over time.
Fern was the first dog I had ever attempted to train with the help and careful guidance from Scott. We both have tried extremely hard to get to where we are today. Scott’s dedication and passion for dogs is unquestionable and obvious to all. He constantly strives to better himself and help the dogs realise their potential. I will continue to support Scott and help with training commitments where I can. Who knows, one day we might be head to head trialling against each other!
My interest in gundogs and shooting may be considered a relatively recent hobby. A lot of my passion stems from Scott’s infectious enthusiasm, for which over time has lead to my ever increasing involvement. Prior to meeting Scott I had no insight into the gundog community, yet had a brief taste of shooting, albeit not game, many years ago. I have since had many enjoyable experiences combining both interests up and down the country.
My first insight was on the local shoot being handed a flag along with precise instructions of what to do and where to go. I carefully walked the line waving my flag in anticipation of flushing my first pheasant. A few drives later the decision was made to my horror to work through dinner! My growling tummy and I carried on and battled through the woodland listening to the flight of pheasants. Despite missing dinner it was a great experience and I wasn’t put off! I quickly adapted to the working life, working in all weathers and making the most of the outdoors. I have been keen to learn and develop my skills, progressing gradually over time.
Fern was the first dog I had ever attempted to train with the help and careful guidance from Scott. We both have tried extremely hard to get to where we are today. Scott’s dedication and passion for dogs is unquestionable and obvious to all. He constantly strives to better himself and help the dogs realise their potential. I will continue to support Scott and help with training commitments where I can. Who knows, one day we might be head to head trialling against each other!
