Central Scotland, where I was born and reared, is surrounded by rolling hills and, traditionally, hundreds of thousands of sheep.
Before moving across the Irish Sea, my summers were filled with months of contract hill gathering.
I became well frequented with the hills and travelled far and wide with my team of dogs to gather sheep for farmers and sporting estates.
My dogs thrived on the hill work. We climbed Munro’s (name given to a Scottish peak over 3,000ft) day in, day out, walking hundreds of miles over the course of the summer and becoming as fit as fiddles.
For big trial courses and day-to-day work, I think it’s hugely important that dogs are as fit as can be.
By walking hundreds of miles over the course of the summer, we became as fit as fiddles. \ Lucy Christie
Now, we have left the days of gathering behind us (you won’t hear my knees complaining!) and a new fitness regime has been implemented.
For a start, my dogs were delighted to join me running round the parish, trotting at my heel and familiarising themselves with our new home in Tyrone.
Worn off
I think I can safely say the novelty has worn off. It’s hard to believe dogs can roll their eyes, but, honestly, witnesses will vouch for me that entering the kennels in running trainers is a sure way to clarify that they can.
Luckily, there is plenty of sheep work in our new life to accompany the miles clocked running the roads. Less hills, but definitely a lot more places for cantankerous ewes to escape to, so there is no shortage of challenges to contend with.
As cliché as it may sound, I am forever grateful to my four-legged team. In my adult life, they are the one constant that never changes.
At home in Scotland, my summers were spent contract hill gathering. \ Lucy Christie
No matter where in the world, every day starts and finishes with them and whatever the weather, they are always glad to see you and can cheer up even the worst of moods.
Moving country, job, home, you name it, they are by my side.
Central Scotland, where I was born and reared, is surrounded by rolling hills and, traditionally, hundreds of thousands of sheep.
Before moving across the Irish Sea, my summers were filled with months of contract hill gathering.
I became well frequented with the hills and travelled far and wide with my team of dogs to gather sheep for farmers and sporting estates.
My dogs thrived on the hill work. We climbed Munro’s (name given to a Scottish peak over 3,000ft) day in, day out, walking hundreds of miles over the course of the summer and becoming as fit as fiddles.
For big trial courses and day-to-day work, I think it’s hugely important that dogs are as fit as can be.
By walking hundreds of miles over the course of the summer, we became as fit as fiddles. \ Lucy Christie
Now, we have left the days of gathering behind us (you won’t hear my knees complaining!) and a new fitness regime has been implemented.
For a start, my dogs were delighted to join me running round the parish, trotting at my heel and familiarising themselves with our new home in Tyrone.
Worn off
I think I can safely say the novelty has worn off. It’s hard to believe dogs can roll their eyes, but, honestly, witnesses will vouch for me that entering the kennels in running trainers is a sure way to clarify that they can.
Luckily, there is plenty of sheep work in our new life to accompany the miles clocked running the roads. Less hills, but definitely a lot more places for cantankerous ewes to escape to, so there is no shortage of challenges to contend with.
As cliché as it may sound, I am forever grateful to my four-legged team. In my adult life, they are the one constant that never changes.
At home in Scotland, my summers were spent contract hill gathering. \ Lucy Christie
No matter where in the world, every day starts and finishes with them and whatever the weather, they are always glad to see you and can cheer up even the worst of moods.
Moving country, job, home, you name it, they are by my side.
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