can anyone give me some advice on the correct trim (using a clippers) for grooming competitions.  i don't really know where to start looking

If your dog is show worthy and your breeder knew of this, perhaps they can help you with your grooming?  if your breeder is not very accessible, perhaps they can put you in contact with someone that can mentor you.

When I had an English Setter the only trimming that was done were the feathers round the legs and the ears. 

English Setters are only clipped around the throat and ears - the body is done by hand stripping and the feet with scissors the feathering should not be trimmed at all.

I will see if I can find a very useful diagram I was giving by the english setter association for you.

do they use clippers on English setters ?? we only use thinning scissors on irish.

Yes - we don't use them on gordons either but some do!

http://www.midlandenglishsettersociety.co.uk/grooming.htm

http://www.englishsetterassociation.co.uk/grooming_&_trimming.htm

Hopefully these links will help.

thanks for all the info, i wont be able to hand strip him as his coat is too bad but the website links are great for pointers on what to do with the rest.  i have found a dog show on in august that i'm gonna go to so hopefully i'll be able to find some breeders to talk to

Please remember that once you clip a setter coat it is very hard to get back... if you clip make sure it is just the neck.
You guys are so lucky... In Australia we have started following America's lead and sculpt our dogs to the max... it is so sad...
To get anywhere I had to clip, scissor, blend and trim the feathering...

Are Irish Setters Like Buff or Red and White American Cockers where once you start clipping the coat colour will over time fade?

Fiona x

As far as i am aware, irish coats shouldn't fade due to clipping but clipping can cause a change in coat type (it becomes soft and ugh) which may make it lighter?
My ES went darker from clipping and had to be stripped to get his coat back.

The only clipped Irish ive seen have been neutered ones so their coat colour changes anyway.