2014 Mid South Regional CH
The Alabama Region of the NBHA again hosted this event on Ken Tolbert's private training grounds in Murphee Valley near Altoona AL. We would like to thank Ken and his family for another opportunity to use and enjoy their property for the enjoyment we all derive from a field trial.
All of the active clubs in the Alabama Region function as one to put together and host this Championship. Terry Amberson was a multi-tasker during and before this trial started. Terry handled the drawing, got his daughter to make the programs with the running orders ,bagged birds ,saddled horses, scouted and marshaled ,then ran dogs in the Amateur for owners that could not be present. Terry also prepared lunch on Friday. Mike Otinger provided lodging for the Judges and furnished his horses
for our out of state participants to scout for each other. Mike loves the sport and is a firm supporter of the NBHA program and has been for many years and will be for many more. Brud Powell helped with anything that need done, especially scouting. Pat Whitt cooked and served lunch on Saturday, Teresa Green (Ken Tolbert's daughter) served cakes and banana pudding both days...VERY good.
The Judges were a father and daughter team, Brian and daughter Lindsey Spear from Lowndesboro, AL. Brian has done a lot of field trialing over some twenty plus years (Horseback ) and Lindsey has been riding , running dogs and scouting all her life. Both were very attentive and easy to talk to, they were so nice and we hope they will come back and see us again. Also Lindsey is a student at Auburn (War Eagle) yes! I forgot to mention that Marty Robinson (NBHA President) and Stanley McCain from Georgia Region was there to jump in where ever they were needed.
We would like to say how glad we were to see Mike Branscum, Jim Duncan, Ray Brown and Bret Francis come down from Kentucky to run in the Championship, we appreciate you fellows, and they put on class events at their Championships in Kentucky.
The Open Shooting Dog had fourteen dogs start. We had hoped for more, but there was a conflict with another trial, but it was my fault we had to change our date, because of unforeseen problems...I do apologize for my short comings.
The Champion (Sand Mountain Spirit) Myria appeared in the last brace of the Championship and ran her usual strong, classy ground race, with five broke finds and a strong race. Myria is no stranger to the winners circle, this was her third Championship and two Runner ups (one being RU Open National last season). Myria is owned by Mike Otinger of Horton AL. Runner up was Marty Robinson's Attitude's River Kate (Star). Star is also a multi Champion, this being her second RU to go with her three Championships. Star ran a nice race with good bird work, and Myria and Star are half sisters, both being sired by Attitude's High Finance.
The Amateur Shooting Dog saw eight dogs come to the line for this one hour stake. The winner emerged with Ray Brown's Starfire Supersport taking first with a smooth race and several nice finds. Sport also is no new comer to the winner's circle, having won the Amateur Invitational this year in Berea Kentucky and on these grounds last season. Attitude's River Kate won second for her proud owner, Marty Robinson. Sand Mountain Andy got the Third Place for his owner Dr. Stanley McCain with a nice ground race and several finds.
The Open Derby was a small, but exciting event. Sand Mountain Will, just turned one year old, ran a hard driving race with three exciting limb finds showing mature manners and class. Sand Mountain Icy also puppy aged female got the nod for second with a fancy ground race, and four finds, both are owned by Mike Otinger, who also owns the Champion Sand Mountain Spirit. This was a good trial for Mike. Third place went to Heritage Bama (Tye) fast quick young dog that runs classy and strong and had four broke finds...the world will hear more about these pups in the future.
A special thank you to our national sponsors Purina, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, and Christie Enterprises.
With my closing I would like to say to all the folks that put on field trials…it is a lot more fun to go to a field trial than put them on. I appreciate all that do......See yall down or up the road.
Submitted by Oscar Whitt
