Rabbits are being trained to run the gauntlet leaping high obstacles in a new British craze. Rabbit Jumping UK is the country's only rabbit jumping club and got started after retired office worker Maureen Hoyle, from Huddersfield, West Yorks., visited a fellow breeder in Sweden. The unusual sport is popular there and in other parts of Scandanavia. Rabbit fan Maureen took the idea back home and appealed to others to join a new club. The rabbits are trained by owners at home who use treats to encourage the animals to make a leap of faith over barriers. On Saturday, January 30, members met at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, North Yorks., and treated visitors attending the Bradford Excel Small Animals Show to two competitions and rabbit jumping displays. Nine competing rabbits wearing harnesses and guided by their owners on a lead were timed on a course of six jumps. Touching the jump as the rabbits hop over can incur penalties in a sport where champions can clear heights of three feet.
Showing posts with label Hopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hopping. Show all posts
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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