It's starting, the monetary black hole of showing is now starting to suck me in. :-D Now that Caoimhe is nearing her adult size I wanted to get a decent show lead to practice with. I was looking at some leather slip leads and see that they make some with swivels. Has anyone used a lead like this? gimmick or best thing since sliced bread?
of course also just bought 3 books on showing and my friend got the 2008 diary for me at Leeds, can you hear the sucking noise coming from my purse ;-)

Must admit I've never seen them! I use a thin leather slip lead for showing Goldens but just a plain old rope one for practicing.  Don't forget in the ring when standing you'll be loosening the lead so it's laid over the shoulders, clearing the view of the neck.

I have both with and without swivels. The swivels are handy, especially for puppies who turn into whirling dervishes whilst training :rolleyes:

I use a Hessionite slip lead with a swivel on it for my 9 month old boxer and I think its fab. I have also had lots of lovely compliments from other peeps about it. I get a bit worried though how strong the swivel is but my girly pulls a bit when exited but I've never had a problem. Hessionite are very fast and the customer service is second to none.

I say go for it - she will even send colour samlpes out for you to choose if you ask.

HTH, Aimi.

Yes, I show mine on a similar lead, fine leather with a swivel. It just saves the lead tangling if the dog turns around. Just remember though to choose a colour that is similar to the coat colour of the dog. I have mine made by a chap in Lancashire.

Thanks all. I think I may give one a try. I've just been standing in front of a mirror using both dogs as models to estimate size. :-D The choice of colour is what attracted me to the Hessonite. (after a few searches of the CD board too) :)

Just ordered one from Dave. :-D Thanks for the tip Alison (used good old search again).

Swivel = Best thing since slice bread.  Have them in all my fave show leads (except one!)

Are the hessonite leads only made with very fine chain , I,m just wondering as I,ve been looking for a lead but not a very fine chain for a GSD It could end up acting as a cheese wire on her

after reading this I have ordered a show lead for one of my hounds, and if I like it I dare say I shall be ordering some more