The Hertford Arena celebrates the versatility, diversity and international excellence of working gundogs. Across the weekend, visitors can watch teams from the UK and beyond take part in a range of competitive working tests designed to showcase skill, control and teamwork in realistic shooting scenarios.
From international competition to rare breed showcases and charity events, the arena offers something for gundog enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What’s happening at the Hertford Arena
Euro Challenge
The Euro Challenge brings together top teams from across Europe to compete for the coveted Euro Challenge Trophy.
This year, seven European teams will take part over two days. Each team consists of three dogs representing recognised retriever breeds:
| Friday 24th July | 9.30 – 16.30 | Saturday 25th July | 9.30 – 16 -30 |
EURO Challenge Officials and Team Captains
| Team Captains
Belgium: Nils de Peter
Eire: Jim Collins
GB: Huw Jones
Germany: Jennifer Hirschfeld
Italy: Alessandra Franchi
Netherlands: Benno Wendt
Switzerland: Steve Grutter
|
Officials Judges: Robert Atkinson and Peter Abbs |
Minority Gundog Breed Challenge
Now in its fourth year, the Minority Gundog Breed Challenge highlights the skill, talent and versatility of gundog breeds that are seen less often in competition.
Organised by The Working Minority Retriever Club, the challenge aims to promote awareness, appreciation and long-term preservation of these remarkable breeds.
| Sunday 26th July | 9.30 – 16.30 |
Minority Gundog Breed Challenge Officials and Team Captains
|
Officials (Retrievers) Retriever Judge: TBC Team Captain (Retrievers) Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Debbie Herring |
Officials (Spaniels) Spaniel Judge: TBC Team Captain (Spaniels) Lagotto Romagnolo: Louise Ferguson |
The winners of The Euro Challenge at The Game Fair 2025 were Team Italy! Read the results here.
The results of The Minority Gundog Breed Challenge at The Game Fair 2025 can be found here.
