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Stefanie Theis Masters Series Weave Pole Challenge - Video

19 Jul 2025Steve Schwarz

Stefanie Theis designed a challenging approach to the weaves in a recent UKI Masters Series Jumpers course. It had good flow and everyone was talking about the weave pole entry challenge!

Here’s the course map:

Stefanie Theis Masters Series Jumping
Stefanie Theis Masters Series Jumping

Remember this is Masters Series so you can still earn a placement and a bye with a refusal; just don't E.

Steve

There are several areas where handlers were challenged:

  • 6-7: most handlers rear crossed on the approach but a few got a blind cross over 6 to put their dog on right at the approach to 7.
  • 7-11: handlers with fast dogs were looking to get ahead to support the back side of 11. Though the dog’s natural path, given enough extension, puts them on the correct side of 11.
  • The weave entry approach at 12 is the obvious major challenge of this course. Most teams just sent their dogs to the weave entry. A couple tried going around jump 4 to give the dog a straight on approach. But, most teams accepted the refusal if it happened, fixed it and went on. Interestingly, a couple dogs tried to enter the weaves at the end closest to jump 11. I’d speculate it was due to the handler’s motion still being straight toward the weaves rather than turning toward the correct end and/or verbally cueing the weaves early.
  • The weave exit also required the handler stay connected, letting the dog drive forward did cause a few dogs to take the off course 11 jump.
  • 14-15-16: jumps layer jump 3 or not is the question. Most handlers went in to jump 15.
  • 17: a few dogs took the wrong side of this jump and a couple took the off course start jump.

Here’s Snap! and me giving this course a go. I’m still recovering from some injuries so I can only go as fast as a jog… You can see I handled the weaves by staying connected with him as he came over 11 and for a second afterwards. Then I directed him to the weaves. I waited a second to make sure he has wrapped the first pole and was staying in the weaves before moving. Lastly, I gave him bit of a half cross at the end of the poles to be certain he didn’t take off course jump 11.

Set this challenge up and give it a try with your team!

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