04/11/2024
A huge thank-you to Sporting Gun who attended a recent trial with BOHGC. Ryan Kay attended and published his thoughts.
𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
"It had been a few years since I attended
retriever field trial as a spectator, so I was looking forward to watching some in-form dogs at the Any Variety Retriever Novice Stake, held by Barton on Humber Gundog Club at Appleby, North Lincolnshire. I was greeted with the best start to the day when club secretary Helen Smith kindly supplied me with a fresh bacon butty on arrival. Helen, also the chief steward for the trial,introduced the judges before we set off for a short walk to the starting point. A field of sugar beet would be the competition ground. A warm early September day with a constant brisk breeze meant that conditions were good. Add to that some surprisingly fit early partridge, much to the credit of head keeper Glyn Evans, and the scene was set for some enjoyable dog work.
For those unsure of how a retriever trial
works, I'll explain the basics. Birds can
either be driven towards the waiting dogs or flushed via a line of people. This trial was carried out as a purely walked-up trial via a line. The line itself is usually between 30-40yd long, consisting of six guns, four dogs and handlers, four judges, the keeper, stewards, game carriers and whoever else may be allowed - in this case, me. Everyone else waits close by in the gallery. The four dogs are heeled by their respective handlers on the outer peripherals of the line,two on each end, with a pair of judges.
There are three rounds. The first is usually two retrieves each. The second is usually one retrieve under the judges at the opposite end of the line. The third is usually two retrieves under any judges. First-round retrieves are typically birds shot by the guns closest to thedog,so they often come down close by, out in front, Second-round retrieves are generally birds shot by the guns at the opposite end of the line so lengthier retrieves are required, often needing the dogs to be sent diagonally across in front of the line.
What's apparent here is the distance at
which most retrieves are carried out. I would say that at least 80% on the day were under 50yd from the dog, with many under 30yd away. So why do see so many handlers focusing on 200yd-plus retrieves in training?
I understand those long retrieves will be
needed in many trials, especially where
driven is the format, but the closer-in picks were certainly finding a few dogs out here. Of the 16 dogs on the card, eight went out in the first round for various reasons, including running in, being out of control when handling, dropping birds on delivery, or being beaten by another dog. One thing I noted after the first round was that not only is it important for the dog to mark the fall, but a keen marking eye from the handler is just as crucial, especially when multiple birds are downed. Even the most seasoned handler is sure to be tested on their marking abilities when it comes to sugar beet.
1 marked several birds by using pylons
on the horizon some five miles away in the background, but then marking the distance among a sea of green leaves is a different skill altogether. The foliage, though, wasn't too high or too thick compared with some beet I've waded through over the years, making it perfect for holding partridge and easier for scenting.
The standard was very good, and the
remaining dogs deserved to be still in the trial. However, as we pressed on to the third round, what was perhaps the main event of the day began to unfold. As we came down the edge of the field, two partridge were dropped on the other side of a hedge - one far out into the stubble and another just through and into the hedge bottom. The hedge was relatively thin, and sending a dog through meant that on occasion, you could still see where it was. Three dogs in turn were tried on the bird in the hedge bottom before the third dog returned with a partridge. A few noises of delight came from the gallery at what initially appeared to be a defeat of the first two dogs, putting them both out.
Head judge Andy Slingsby, however, had
left the line to observe all the dogs via a
gap in the hedgerow. He then returned to discuss things with his co-judges before all four of them went back through the hedge and returned with another partridge. He gathered all three handlers round and explained the circumstances. This, I liked.Many times, I've seen handlers put out of a trial in complicated situations without a proper explanation from the judge, who has instead abruptly quoted a disqualifying rule.
Andy, however, addressed everyone
concerned politely. It was revealed that the third dog had actually picked the other bird far out in the stubble, and the bird brought back by the judges was the one that had eluded all three dogs in the hedge bottom. It was found just two metres back down the hedge from the mark given, but none of the dogs had explored that area despite being given ample opportunity. Understandably, the dogs had explored into the wind, heading in the opposite direction. All three were deemed to have failed by the judges and consequently put out. Fair enough. All the handlers accepted the verdict and shook hands with the judges.
This left just two dogs in the trial. Both were very smart performers, but Paula Cullis's labrador claimed victory after her dog picked the longest retrieve of the day, around 130yd behind the line. The bird was pricked and deemed pickable, so Paula sent her dog out past the mark on a back wind before it worked nicely back up, drawing onto it. Overall, there was some lovely dog work throughout the whole trial, brought about by some sharp shooting as well. Credit to Helen and everyone concerned, as the day was well organised and professional but still felt friendly and jovial - just how a field trial should be. I really enjoyed it."
