We got our first Bernese in May 1985, her name was Lady. A year later one of her litter sisters was returned to the breeder so she came to join us. Her name was Donna and thing really started to change; she had her only litter on Good Friday 1989. We kept a boy called Ruddles and the carting interest was born. We got our first cart that year and Ruddles started his draft work in 1990 at the GB Club garden party taking part on the carting course and the parade.

We have enjoyed carting with the dogs at many events from Crufts, Country Fairs, Steam Rallies, Charity Events, Local and National parades, Bernese club events, Other Dog Breeds (Newfoundland’s and Leonberger’s) and many more.

The involvement with the Bernese Carting Group started about 1993 when we needed to get an organised parade of Bernese carting dogs to perform the following year at Crufts. A committee was form and provided a focal point with the Bernese clubs and the sponsors so a team of experienced carters could be got together and made ready for the event. The other main focus for the group involved the working cart course where the certificate structure was formed, judging requirements and judge’s lists compiled.

Since then draft work has been one of our main working activities and most of our dogs (including the Aussies) have taken part at some level. Tia, Bailey, Bess and now Remy have all been gold medal winners for the yearly drafting awards. Carting not only provides a hobby for us but valuable exercise for the dogs.