Super Retriever Series

Has anyone ever had experience jumping in the Super Retriever Series? I have thought about taking Sky to an event she has been real consistant the past few events we have been at Jumping Over 22 feet, any ideas how we would stack up? I know Rob and Seven went and won with a 24 something and that is not out of Skys reach as she went 23'7" in Cinci and 24 something in Demos in Grand Rapids. I know Milt and Brian Used to compete in these events to. Any ideas, from those of you that have seen and know about Sky. I believe there is a event in KY that would be the only one we would probably be able to attend.

But I guess as I stated before:
1. Does anyone know how "big" the normal super retriever series jump is?
I know they boast a video of 23'01 as being their world record from two years ago.
2. Any idea what the entry fees are?
3. And for anyone that knows Sky do you believ she could ligitamatley? compete with the dogs they normaly have?

Anyones knowledge of the event would be appreciated!!!

The only thing I can say is give it a try! What do you have to lose? It will be another event where you and your dog are having fun. I know the people that run the dock jumping events are a great group of people.

The world record jump for SRS is over 27'. It is held by Jag Lab. He jumped this 2 years ago.

We jumped Sally in an SRS event last month. From what we could tell, it was a well-run event. If the weather hadn't have been so crappy (cold, cold, cold, windy and raining, MISERABLE!), it would have been a lot of fun. The people running it and attending it were super nice and helpful.

The dogs were jumping about like other events.....anywhere from 12 - around 23 feet. But I bet they would have jumped better if the weather had not been such a factor! I definitely want to do another SRS event.

The entry fees for Sky would be over $100 I think because she would not be considered an amateur. That information is on their website though.

We jumped with Jag Lab at the UAD event outside of Nashville last year. He is one cool dog.

Colby (Cheese Dogs) has jumped SV at SRS and probably Air as well. I think Wrigley did it last year as an amateur but he won't be that anymore.

Go for it!!! This March was our first experience with the Super Retriever Series and we had a great time but if you ask Seven I don't know if he would agree.

For those of you that don't know him he is not much of a "hunting" dog, he is more "city boy". The event took place right next to the retriever trial, gun shots and all . Seven is very gun shy and was very much thrown off his game. Yes, his jumps were very pedestrian for him but we were very proud that he was able to pull him self together enough to win and qualify for the Crown Championship this May.

From what I have read about Sky, on this board , she would love the retriever trial atmosphere. My recomendation is to go for it and see what happens. Don't get caught up with wondering if you think Sky can compete or not. Go and enjoy the time jumping Sky, meeting new people, and visiting new places. That is what this wonderful sport is all about...

Here's a link to their web-site:
http://www.superretrieverseries.com/

We would take Waffles there, if she were jumping like Sky.

MaraLee

Sevenz wrote:Don't get caught up with wondering if you think Sky can compete or not. Go and enjoy the time jumping Sky, meeting new people, and visiting new places. That is what this wonderful sport is all about...

Couldn't agree more. I would never chose an event based on whether or not I thought Colby/Pooh/Abraham could win or not. Go and have fun, and if she wins, great, good for her. If not, have fun and enjoy the time that you have with her and your friends and family. THAT IS BY FAR THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!!! :heart:

I understand that it is not about winning it is about having fun. But, it is also nice to know if you go you are not going to be in the bottom of the class. Because all of our vehicles are diesels and at 4.15 a gallon it is nice to know if it is even worth looking at going to an event anyway. I mean I am sure if most of your dogs jumped under 20 feet (not that sky does) but you would not make a trip that is 7-20 hours to compete. And pay 100 dollars to enter the event.

I know I may take the wrong approach but I just look at the fact of it is alot!! of money to chase these events and if, for me, if we are going to be out-jumped by 4-5 feet it would not be worth spending $800 dollars to go. On the other hand if you know you won't be totally outclassed by the jumps it makes the events a whole! lot more fun. But, what do I know; besides, if we go it means a fun time with sky and the family!

Not all SRS events have Super Fly. I think the last event might have been the last one to qualify for the Crown Championship. You can check on the SRS website and the Splashdog website. Splashdog does the SRS events.

Sky is a great dog :heart: , and a great jumper. I think if you want to go, I don't see you having any trouble.

I thought about taking Gumpy and Sarah but the entry fee is what stoped us.. Because he has jumped over 20 feet he is also not amature.. But really cool because he would have been the smallest on up there with all the big dogs..

SRS qualifing for the crown is complete for 2008. They already have the 12 dogs for the crown. Take the top 3 from 4 events. Last year there was a last chance qualifier at the crown location but did not see this for 2008. Sky would be considered a pro since sky has jumped over 18' at 2 events (does not matter whose event). Cost / entry fee is $125 last I saw. If you want to know your chances look at the past results on their web-site then you can see what past dogs jumped.

Dan & Missy

Just FYI,
The jumping dogs are an after-thought for the SRS. Their priority and focus is on the retriever trials.
Also, they will change the rules at a moments notice after you have driven several hours and hundreds of miles to get there.

We drove 9 hours only to find out that they changed the Super V rules to only allow 6 dogs (versus 12 in the rules on their web site) in the finals and they would be going up in 4 inch (versus 2 inch)increments with increased starting heights (6'6" versus 6'). I preregistered so they could have easily emailed me about the possible rule changes.
I would have never entered the event had I known the rules would be changed on the fly.
It was a total bust for them because most of the dogs couldn't even get the starting height at 6'6".

Good luck if you go!

Just know that the SRS is all about the "Retrievers".

Dan with Piper and Elvis

Thanks for all the input everyone. SKY is first and foremost a wonderful companion and an excellent hunter (mostly upland). We are headed to Wisconsin this weekend to get her started on her UKC "Started Retriever" title which should be a breeze for her, knowing what the rules say. It may be more of a challenge for BT (my son) and me (Dad) as the handlers. Technically speaking she should be able to do this with no problems, 2 single water retrieves, and 2 single land retrieves, none over 70 yards away. That is what SKY does, but we will wait and see.

Once again thanks for all your input on the SRS. BT is hoping to get us their in for the 2009 qualifiers, which we "may" try. It will depend a lot on how SKY does the remainder of the year. I know that the gun shots will not bother her at all as she loves to hunt and practice with live or dummy rounds. When the shotgun comes out she is ready to go and charged up.

team sky wrote:I know that the gun shots will not bother her at all as she loves to hunt and practice with live or dummy rounds. When the shotgun comes out she is ready to go and charged up.

Good Luck guys. Sounds like Sky will be bringing home that SR title. Yeah, Rock loves the gunfire too... it's amazing to watch how excited, driven and focused they get.


Barb and Rock