Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject: Research for book
HELP!?!
I am writing a book which relates to Field Trial dogs and their handlers.
I am in the research stage.
The idea came about when I was ill and read all gundog books and found they were mainly about training.
I wanted info on dogs, the bloodlines, how people started and their life stories.
Can I ask opinions of people on here?
What dog do you think has had the most influence on British Field Trials and what handler - and why?
It is interesting how different parts of the country have different views.
What dog do you think has had the most influence on British Field Trials?
Undoubtedly Flapper, because that was where it all started. Glenhead Jimmy's daughter Glenhead Zuider, who won the IGL in 1949. That lovely old dog Gallywood Shot who won the championship in1957 and 58. Obviously Frank Clitheroe's Hedenhampark Holcot Fay who gave birth to Hedenhampark Dash of Philray in August 1973 then went on to win the championship that same year and again the following year and for her son Dash to win it in 1976! Of course, no one could miss Breeze of Drakeshead, winning in 1985, 86 and 87!.
Quote:
what handler
A little before my time, but Richard Sharp, the trainer and handler of Flapper, from what I've read must be there, again for the same reason as Flapper. Obviously John Halstead, as Ann Courtier said to me one day, "He could win the championship with a Yorkie!" I would also like to add Edward Martin into my list for the way he seems to be able to bring new genes into the working lines.
And I'm reserving a copy of your book now! A fascinating subject!
im ducking my head above the parapet but since i found out about breeze ive always wondered if he had the same influence in his siblings, sorry to ask but its pre internet days so cant really find out
Half siblings maybe Trev, I have Drakeshead Tinker siring 4 FT champions, Branchine Vigour of Rasenfield, Drakeshead Connie, Inka of Drakeshead and of course Breeze of Drakeshead. (There may be others I've missed, but I dont think so although saying that, I certainly dont have all Irish champions)
But by winning 3 championships he equalled the record set by Lorna Countess of Howe set when she won in 1926, 28 and 29 with Balmuto Jock, something no other dog has done.
Probably the most enjoyable read amongst my gundog books is the bit at the back of Keith Erlandson's book where he goes through the career of all of his springer and cocker FTChs. Something along those lines for some famous retrievers would be fascinating.
Here's a few more for your list :
Phillip White - Handler of FTCh Swinbrook Tan, and had judged the Championship more times (I think) than any other. I've a feeling he judged the years that Pocklea Remus and Craighorn Bracken won.
Swinbrook Tan must be in the pedigree of just about every trialling lab in the UK, probably a number of times.
The late Eric Baldwin and his Palgrave labs and goldies. FTCh Palgrave Edward sired brother and sister FTChs Swinbrook Tan and Palgrave Swinbrook Fern as well as other influential dogs)
June Atkinson and her Holway Goldens. Arguably the most influential working Golden trainer.
David Garbutt - FTCh Pocklea Remus - sire of nurerous FTChs and try finding a trial bred lab without him in the pedigree!
John Halstead Snr has been mentioned above and would be an obvious choice, but I would perhaps also include John Halsted Jnr as I think he pretty much now sets the benchmark for the level of 'handleability' of his dogs.
Thanks - keep em coming.
Halsteads are very popular and they do have a very interesting story to tell. I am getting as much feed back from the general public as possible, to see just what everyone thinks as influential.
Sherry
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
I keep thinking about a ballyduff dog, but for the life of me can't find me book
