A Personalised System

 

A PERSONALISED SYSTEM

 

We talk of natural, widowhood and other so called systems, yet in practice they are peculiar to the individual person, loft and location. No 2 systems are the same in reality eg Nick operates a system based on my old one, yet it is unique to him. There is our understanding of a named system like celibate and then we fly the birds to a personal interpretation of it. This falls back on the personality of the fancier to get the performance levels of the birds to the maximum. A magic formula for success does not exist, as you have to find your own way and a superstrain of birds, where all are good racers does not exist. The reality and acid test is that with success at your race points comes the effectiveness of your breeding and racing system. The conclusion is that all birds are unique along with the people and systems in practice. This sounds philosophical and existential yet is true.

 

Jim Emerton

 

 

ROOM AT THE TOP

 

In the push and shove of competitive racing, new personalities will evolve and emerge, along with fashions in birds to excite our attention. As some of the old guard come and go, a few will live long in the memories of today. These will have done unusual things or given much publicity. They act as barometers of the health and popularity of the sport and now there is a a wealth of info on these people in the media. I prefer books and hard copy as internet sites can crash, with the loss of original material. I have a hunch that the next real champion may emerge in Ireland and have invested a lot of thought into this possibility. A small number send to Barcelona yet the sport is flooded with birds bred around birds that have raced it. In this race is a great deal of scope and room at the top for the serious aspirant. Who will it be to make more history? I bet it will be a bird of mixed origins that emerges into the limelight. Marketed by name all racing pigeons are from a diverse gene pool.

 

 

Jim Emerton

 

 

THE MAGIC FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

 

All the answers you need lie between the eyes. People look for a rapid solution to get results. In fact there is no one standard recipe. I will suggest that if your birds are content at home, in secure, comfortable surroundings and are kept fit and healthy by you, then they are ready to go to the races. It is not enough to obtain well bred stock: they must be brought into optimal condition before sending them. It is imperative to focus on the complete wellbeing of the birds, then they may perform for you, if they are any good.  Find a system that suits your needs and is effective for you, then it will be your magic formula for success. Pigeon racing is all about individual people and their birds-not a standard formula. I will help anyone with tips and advice yet the way forward is personal to them. My methods work for me, yet good birds are rare and champions seldom.

 

Jim Emerton

 

 

PROFILE OF A CHAMPION

 

The personality of a champion is complex, yet certain traits are conducive to creating one. I like to see a strong sense of originality, creative thinking and independence from mainstream conventions. With a powerful focus and dedicated objectivity, this perfectionist pursues goals and results with passion and fervour. Little fish are sweet and starting at base level, this person will aspire to the top or greatness. On the way to this self realisation, some great or unusual results may be achieved. At or near the top this person may contribute to knowledge or act as a mentor or philanthropist. Often charismatic people they may transcend the sport or activity that has generated so much interest for them, so that they become a focus of interest for others or a role model. Two people who spring to mind in the sporting sphere are Ayrton Senna and Ronnie Osullivan - both touched by the hand of genius.

 

Jim Emerton

 

COMMON DISTANCE PROBLEMS

Many start at home with a lack of focus and persistence by the fancier. In reality few birds will hit the ceiling in the greater distances, no matter how much you put faith into the stock birds. The absolute essential thing to do is send the birds to the races in the first place to prove their worth and to judge capability by doing this. Many birds will not repeat the performance. Treasure the breeders and persist with them over many years and avoid the impulse to keep changing birds and the system, especially after good results. It will not be a quick fix type of racing and to do well may take years and years and a strain takes a good 25 years of solid breeding and racing. It is not easy to condition the birds with limited home exercise and i hate birds closed in stuffy lofts. If you fear your reputation is at risk it may deter you from sending to 5 to 700 miles. All these problems can be overcome by the PERSONALITY of the fancier.

Jim Emerton