(1995) 10TH ANNIVERSARY! One of the first ABSA Events of the 1994/95 Season saw the 10th Anniversary celebrations of its Purina Pro Plan New Forest Event in Hampshire, organised by Mike and Lynn Harrison of Sled Dog Events. The first of the two days of this competition is devoted to the smaller teams, scheduling D, E, and EF Classes for 1-3 dogs over 3.6 miles. The second day sees A, B, C1 and C2 Classes scheduled for the larger teams of 3-8 dogs over 7.5 and 3.6 miles. Patron of the New Forest Event is Sir Dudley Forwood, Bart. - former Equerry to the Duke of Windsor, a former Head Verderer of the New Forest, an ex-Chairman of Crufts Dog Show and a present-day Vice-President of The Kennel Club. It was Sir Dudley who, in 1984, supported the newly-formed sleddog sport in this country by promoting it to the New Forest Forestry Commission, persuading the Commission to grant the first permit for the use of the trails around his own home in Burley. Applications until then were always refused as the sport was not thought to be 'in keeping' with the intended purpose of this Forest. Although the trails at Burley were not ideal, in so much that the Start and Finish were a mile apart, they gave that vital chance to prove to the FC that husky folk were well-behaved and did no damage to the trails. The first anniversary of the Event saw a move across the Forest to Brockenhurst where a 'circular' trail would prove easier to organise. However, the couple of grass rides linking up the firmer trails soon turned into a mud bath under torrential rain - not helped by the Hunt passing through the week before. The Spearhead Support Unit, who have always provided Marshalling, First Aid and Communications for The New Forest Event, were also called upon to pull several vehicles from a grass carpark where they were visibly sinking. Subsequent years have seen base camp located at nearby Ladycross where all trails are firm. Publicity this year included an article in the Dog World newspaper and one in colour in Dogs' Monthly magazine. As a result of the latter, one of the enquiries came from New York on how to start a strong-pulling Pyrenean Mountain Dog with a rig! In addition to the usual trophies and awards, the New Forest also recognises the Oldest Musher, Oldest Dog, Best Newcomer to the Event, and Best Opposite Sex each class. Exclusive car stickers are now a feature and, with the appointment of a new Deputy Surveyor, Mr Arthur Barlow, to the New Forest FC, the much-pleaded-for portable toilets finally became a reality two years ago. Sir Dudley, now in his eighties, turns out every year to mingle with Event supporters and enjoys the good sportsmanship and camaraderie he says is not so readily seen in other sports.