2012 Stranger Creek FTC Trial News
The Stranger Creek FTC held our spring NBHA walking trial along the abnormally dry fields adjoining Stranger Creek the last weekend of April. Everything was green, crops were going in the ground and the scenting conditions were tough for the dogs. We had great weather Saturday for the Open Shooting Dog and Derby stakes but Sunday morning brought rain showers throughout. We delayed for about 45 minutes and then started during what proved to be a short break from the wet stuff.
Despite the Sunday conditions, we did manage to have a good time and see several good dogs run. John Hortin took first in the Open Shooting Dog with Jack with a nice race and solid broke bird work. John came back to take first with his Doc Susie in the Amateur as well so he had a real good weekend! Larry Carpenter brought Daisy around for first in the Derby and Brandon Biddle ran his powerful new pup, Titan (or as we like to call him -Tyson) to take the competitive puppy stake.
We had several newcomers join us including Jim Ogle, Dr. John Ruetschi, Mike Crick, Wes Carilla, Steve Preston and Jeff Alton. Wives, girlfriends and others were riding, walking or watching from the hill so it was a good crowd. Larry Carpenter had his two grandsons, Trenton and Bryant running puppies as well. I think they’ll be back after they made a good showing handling their dogs. Adjoining landowner Bob Kissinger and his grandson Zeke came by and rode the Mule to watch. Bob has more than once helped us out when a vehicle got stuck or some other chore needed to be done. This time, he brought a bubble to fill a flat tire. Thanks to all who came and made the trial a great social event.
The Club appreciates Billy Seiter for joining Barry Ward to judge the Derbies and to Brandon Biddle who assisted me with the Open Shooting Dog stake. Thanks especially to Bruce Huffman who handled dog wagon chores and bird planting and tolerated the rain pretty well without a windshield on the Mule. Grace Meyer grilled burgers and hot dogs for lunch on Saturday and came out with sandwiches on Sunday as we huddled in an outbuilding out of the weather. A group of us enjoyed a nice supper Saturday at our local steak house in Tonganoxie and listened to a comedian/musician “entertain” us. It was great to see everyone this weekend. We’re looking forward to hosting the NBHA National meeting in Kansas City in August. Please join us.
Stranger Creek Field Trial Club
By Doug Meyer
