ORIGINS OF THE RIDINGBANK NAME

The name Ridingbank is the name of a parcel of land that has been in my family for several generations. The land itself is around 25 acres in size and consists of a sand quarry and an orchard.

Originally the land was purchased by my great uncle Sam, to grow produce for his market gardening business, it was then passed down to my grandfather and used the land for the same purpose. Later the land was passed down to my father, who uses the land as a private airstrip.

I spend many hours on the land with the dogs running free, so this is why I chose the Kennel Club affix of Ridingbank.
In 1979 I had my first dog, a black Labrador named Mac, I was nine years old at the time, I also had a pony, but I spent most of my time doing agility training with Mac around the show jumps. Of course I should really have been working on the jumps with my pony. I spent a lot of time trying to teach Mac one thing or another, looking back now I think that wise old dog humoured me quite a lot.

Some years later, I had Tom, a lab cross collie, he taught me a thing or two about canine behaviours and initially he wasn't the easiest of dogs to get along with, but after perseverance, sweat and some tears, he is now a very well trained and obedient chap, and he lives a happy and contented life with my parents.

I had my first ever Leo ( Geri ) in 2000; my life has never been the same since!

I had my first male Leo (Arkan ) in 2001, and then Barley in 2003. I really was only ever having one dog!

Over the few years I have had Leonbergers, I am learning a lot about all aspects of this giant breed, training, showing, health issues, conformation and movement.

It is my plan in the not too distant future to begin to breed these wonderful dogs. I will strive to breed for health, type and temperament. The future of this breed is in my heart.

Alison Stafford