Sounds like someone's heart got in front of their head. That would be like running an eleven year old horse in a triple crown event. Too bad.

xxx

Field trialing is more about the men than the dogs.
It is a look what I got sort of thing.
It takes a lot of training and patience to make a field trialing dog into a hunting dog, and most of the time it is not possible.
I consider a field trialing dog more livestock than hunting dog.

Some would argue its all about the dogs. I bet she might.

It is all about the dogs. I'm an amateur field trialer with two setters that I also hunt (primarily grouse and woodcock). I enjoy the bond between handler and dog. It's the sense of trust, loyalty and wanting to please each other that drives the dog to do what they were bred for and for me to bring out the best of them. It's not for everybody but if you've never done it don't mock it. Our preference is to run in wild bird stakes (usually 1 hour) in New England covers. Though we do occasionally participate in released quail trials where, unfortunately, the handler spends more time kicking around to flush the pen raised bird that may or may not fly. But there's no prouder moment seeing your dog lock up completely focused on a wild bird, hold that point until you make the flush and you fire the blank pistol without your dog ever moving a foot, and then, not moving on until released. It's adrenaline pumping for the dog and you. It really is the best bond between man and dog.

Tom those are beautiful Setters!

Tom your so spot on its the relationship between man and dog. I'm sure my hunting buddies don't understand me sending off my labs for two years of training and working towards AKC and HRC titles. When I was young I did all my own training and campaigning. But when a dog reaches thier full potential and becomes a true believer in the handler they will accomplish incredible performance in the field.

John did you judge back when the Smith’s still had the setter kennel in GA and Harold Raye was their trainer . If I’m not mistaken now the Smith’s and Harold have passed .

I didn’t know them. I suspect they were running American Field. I have always been involved in AKC. Mostly pointers and setters in AF. Much bigger running dogs. AKC is for gun dogs. Work a little closer but must still be steady to wing and shot. And must demonstrate they will retrieve to hand. The dreaded callback, which 99% of time is a cluster.

Back in the day. Second picture is my youngest daughter, Parker, when she was 11.