Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:31 pm Post subject: Our first Field Trial..... survived to tell the tale :D
Highland Gundog Club Novice Stake for AV Retrievers
Allargue Estate by kind permission of M. Tuck and Family
Judges: H. Paterson, R. Forbes, W.Hutchison, D. Sherwood
1st H. Bradley - Heathergaye Hammer
CoM G. Paterson - Missouri King of Avonstream
CoM T. Boyd - Levenghyl Baccarat at Lochmuir
CoM P. Dunckley - Winorush Echo of Smithsteads
Guns Choice N. Waddington - Inverjomo
Can't believe I did it! My dog didn't run in, didn't squeak, didn't chomp a bird, didn't chase. PHEW! I have been stressed to the max worrying about the shame of him running in, and Oh Gawwwwd, what if he then picks up his bird, chomps it, puts it down in favour of chasing whatever else he's put up, and then ignores the recall whistle and I have to do the walk of shame (breaking my neck on the heather in the process and needing airlifted by mountain rescue) to go get him. That's the stuff my nightmares were made of
We had such an enjoyable first time trial. Thank you to everyone who made me feel very welcome and helped settle my nerves. The host, his keeper and team of guns provided fantastic sport. Plenty of grouse to be had, and several hares. Well done to all in the awards.
This ground is in the Scottish Highlands. The scenery at the ground and on the drive up there through the Cairngorms was nothing short of stunning. I am kicking myself I didn't take a camera (was too busy checking and re-checking that I had whistle and dog with me). Just as the trial was finishing an Eagle coasted down over the line and glided on past. It was a sight to behold.
Anway, how did we do? Well not a lot to report really, as I went out in the first round but I'm chuffed to bits with my dog. We were number 10 (of 16), so it was a while before we were called into the holding area of the line, and then a while longer before we actually went into line. Our first retrieve was a mark in front. However, quite a few birds were shot in quick succession. In front, behind, and down the line. I was about to be sent, but then the left hand judges sent one of their competitors for a retrieve at that end, so we waited (what felt like an eternity... and I willed my dog with all my might to Not Move a Muscle!) So our turn. Out and back. Phew!! and relaaaaax. Must admit because a few birds had been shot and my mind was a blur, I didn't get a great mark on everything and I was just relieved we'd succeeded on our first retrieve. So the person next to me gets one of the other birds beyond where ours had been but failed to pick. So we had to have a go. You can imagine my panic because I didn't properly mark it and just had a (very) rough idea. Plus, there's not a lot to mark against when all there is is heather and hills with more heather. The area was over the crest of a hill. So I sent him and stood back and left him to it because I couldn't see anyway. If he popped up the other hill or out too far left or right, I was able to put him back in the area and hold him there. Unfortunately he didn't pick, but had been over it several times. Judges walked forward and found it, so that was us out.
I'm delighted though, as that could've happened to anyone and is just your luck on the day. I'm told by those who could see that Boots listened to the whistle and was under control and did everything he was asked, even when he couldn't see me too I guess. I can't ask for any more than that from him. As the trial progressed, quite a lot of dogs thoroughly hunted the area but found it difficult to pick. I don't know much about grouse, but I'm told when they're pricked and tuck in, there isn't a lot of scent comes off them and they can be tough to find.
Afterwards, one of the judges came to ask me what I'd learned and whether I enjoyed it. He told me the reason we failed on that bird was because I didn't have a good mark on it (and the dog mustn't have marked well either) and therefore sent him wrong side of the wind despite thinking/hoping I'd lined him right for wind. I'll try to do better next time and see if I can mark and line better when multiple birds come down. Onwards and hopefully upwards
Sooo, I think we might do it again sometime if we get any more runs.
For anybody who reads this and is maybe just starting out like me or thinking about giving gundog training a go, do it! I can't quite believe in 3 years I've gone from getting my first ever dog to ending up with 3 and starting to trial. If I can do it, anyone can
A massive pat on the back Mo. To do your first trial is one thing, but to do it on GROUSE first time out, and at the very beginning of the season is quite something else.
And to 'just' pick one is a huge achievement, and well worth the entry fee.
You are very lucky to have the opportunity to pick grouse up there, and also just to get a run!!!...
Well done you. And I look forward to hearing about your future trialling success. You must be dead chuffed. Sounds like Boots is going to go on and fulfill his potential (catching up with his brother now...... ) .
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Our first Field Trial..... survived to tell the tale :D
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