Beginners on the Grouse moor

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time on the moors in North Yorkshire with some beginners and their HPRs. Witnessing their excitement and joy was a beautiful experience, like to watching children open presents on Christmas morning. Over the course of two days, I saw them transform from novices to competent handlers, and it was absolute privilege to witness.

There's something about running a dog on a grouse moor that is unparalleled. It's a feeling of freedom and connection to nature that is hard to describe. Trooper, my old dog, had never been on a grouse moor before, but he quickly got the hang of it. After bumping a grouse, he knew exactly what to look for, and I was fit to burst watching him work.

As someone who grew up in London, falling in love with North Yorkshire was unexpected. But there's something about the moors that inspires me in so many ways. It's a place that feels like home, even though it's far from where I was raised.

This weekend, I'll be returning to the moors again, and I'm already looking forward to it. Watching the beginners grow and Trooper work his magic fills me with joy, and I feel grateful to have found my happy place in such a beautiful part of the world.