First Trial, Second Win, Home Bragging Rights – featuring Laura Pope

If you’ve ever hovered over the “enter” button and talked yourself out of it, this one’s for you.

In this candid, feel-good chat, Laura shares what it was really like stepping into her very first field trial — The Spaniel Club’s Novice AV Trial in December 2025 — after arriving understandably nervous and unsure what to expect. We talk through the nerves, the reality of the day, and the little moments that make a first trial such a big deal.

Laura went on to have two super runs, and in the process bagged 2nd place at her first ever trial. But the moment that made us both laugh was her post-run realisation that she’d not only survived the day… she’d also earned herself serious home bragging rights, beating the more experienced partner who travelled with her and competed too.

If you’re considering your first trial, want an honest sense of what it feels like on the day, or simply love a proper confidence-building story from someone who’s been there, this is a perfect listen.

We hope you enjoy it.