It was a great privilege to be asked to judge this very special show. Having the working hounds present helps to focus the mind on the reasons behind the breed standard. There are many lessons to be learned from talking to the huntsmen and assessing their hounds, these can be applied when judging. Which brings me to Ridgebacks. It is essential that the fundamentals such as conformation are not missed. Balance, movement and soundness in a ridgeback are as essential as the ridge and typeyness. All ridges were acceptable, there were some exceptionally good ones but as is not unusual they were not always on the best hounds. There were none with excess white. Some fronts had a lot to be desired. Looking from the front the space between the forelegs and chest should form almost rectangle but with the chest dropping very slightly towards the sternum. The lack of return of upper arm which is now prevalent in the breed, often also accompanied by upright shoulders results in a cathedral arch to the chest. Looking through this arch, formed by the upper arm being too forward placed, the ribs are often narrow and lack spring and there is a large gap between the ribcage and elbows. This slab sidedness results in a lack of heart room, adequate heart room is essential and not an option in a hound. Approximately two thirds had this faulty forehand construction in some degree which had an influence on movement and therefore placings. However, most forelegs were straight and most had the correct slight slope to the pasterns and good knuckling to the feet. Quarters were generally fairly sound but some could do with more width of first and second thigh. There were some good ones with correct fronts and ribbing which moved with extension and drive and they were justly rewarded.

Dog CC

1^st Gander’s Tukela Umgaza at Sofala L/W. Correct proportions to his masculine head. Has a good eye and gentle expression. Good straight forelegs which are well boned with the correct amount of spring of pasterns. Feet well knuckled. Good reach of neck Excellent level topline. Croup and tailset correct although on the move he does carry his tail a little high on the move. Good turn of stifle with well let down hocks and good width through the hock joint. His sound movement coming and going with effortless profile action won him his first well deserved CC.

 Bitch CC and BOB

1^st Storey’s Kambond Kijakazi by Kiromol R/W.. Has excellent level planes to her head with correct drop of lip and width of jaw which is strong. Moderate stop and ears carried correctly. Shoulders are clean and well laid with and excellent return of upper arm bringing her elbows in a vertical line below her withers. Forechest present and correct. Chest not too wide and brisket well sprung and let down.. Excellent bone which does not taper below the pasterns. Forelegs perfectly straight. Good level topline, ribs well sprung and carried back, strong loin. Excellent well muscled quarters with good definition of hock. Tracks up well coming and going and stunning in profile on the move. Drove off from her quarters with long, low effortless strides. This exceptional movement won her the BOB and CC. This was not a reflection on the quality of the bitches in the higher classes and normally this accuracy of movement only comes with maturity but I made an exception for an exceptional bitch. Her handler made the most of her qualities.

Lindsey Barnes (Judge)

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