NBHA

2014 Rolling Hills FTC

The Rolling Hills Field Trial Club held its fall trial on the Dude Hoehns farm near Knoxville, Iowa on Saturday Sept 20th. Entries were light and all stakes were held on Saturday. Mild rain overnight left the course moist. Morning temps started out in the low 60�s, but rose to 83 by mid-afternoon. A moderate southwest breeze made the temperature bearable for the handlers and their charges.
As the name suggests, this is a single course trial run on the �rolling hills� of south central Iowa. The season�s crop of soybeans is still present on the hilltops. The side hills and bottom grounds are in CRP which has been mowed for the trial course. There�s a nice combination of occasional tight loops which require a dog to handle, but also some larger stretches of river bottom that allow for great views of wider running dogs. Wild birds are making a slight comeback in Iowa this year. Two coveys of wild quail and 3 wild pheasant were noted during the days running.
Advertised judge Chuck Davis had an unfortunate illness (from which he�s completely recovered) and was unable to fulfill his judicial duties. Kendal Brown of Knoxville, IA graciously filled in and judged the shooting dog stakes with the knowledgeable Kevin Western of Queen City, Mo. The derby stakes were judged by Penrosa Kennel founder Tim Penn of Edina, MO and successful German Shorthair breeder Jeff Wallace of Knoxville, IA. Many thanks to all of the judges for their time and attention to the dogs.
The Open Stakes were won by Greg Blair, friendly traveler from the Northern climes of Wisconsin. Greg won the Shooting Dog stake with Dale Creek Peanut. She had the most aggressive race of the stake along with three well-handled finds. Her bracemate, Love Biscuit was second with one find, two backs and a snappy, but shorter race. Third was Tim Penn�s champion setter, Penrosa Stoneyox.
Blair also won the Open Derby with his young setter Blair�s Wingman. Jet is a handsome dog moving and stood nicely on a bird with derby manners near the end of his 30 minutes. Sadie, setter female, placed second for handler Jim Ogle on her race.
The amateur shooting dog stake was won by this scribes pointer female, Love Biscuit. Cassie paired a nice forward race with 2 finds, one requiring her to show good manners in the face of bracemate interference for the win. Larry Carpenter�s two setter stylists, Southern Grace and Barker�s Leer Jet, placed second and third respectively.
The amateur derby was won by Kevin Western�s pointer female, Western�s Emma Sue. Last year�s NBHA amateur puppy of the year garnered first with a nice forward race coupled with two derby broke finds. Greg Blair�s setter Jet placed second.
Special thanks to Dude Hoehns for mowing the course and allowing us to run on his property. Lunch was prepared by my son, grill master Kyle Hoehns assisted by his wife Allison and my wife Kim. No one left hungry. We all enjoyed the presence of visitors Jim Giles and Rich Thorton. Special thanks to Maddie Blair, 12 year old assistant scout on her new mount �Blue�. Special thanks to Purina Pro Plan for sponsoring these trials. Thanks to Gun Dog Supply for gift certificates that were raffled off. Also thanks to NBHA sponsors Garmin and Christie Enterprises.
Brent Hoehns

Go Back