Cedar Valley NBHA Trial
The Cedar Valley Field Trial Club completed its second year of hosting NBHA field trials in what has traditionally been a horseback club. However, members of Cedar Valley FTC want to encourage growth in both walking and horseback trials, therefore we extend opportunities to competitors of each, to enjoy their bird dogs no matter if you are walking or riding.
First of all we want to recognize our judges who donated their time to look at each brace of dogs with undivided attention. Lavon King has been instrumental in judging NBHA trials in this area when his time is available from horseback competition. Lavon judged both the Amateur and Open stakes, and was joined by Oscar Whitt during the Amateur stakes, and Kolby Mercer during the Open stakes. Our judges were fair, honest and accurate with their decisions. Those who rode each brace agreed with the judicial decisions.
We want to thank our sponsors who continue to graciously donate product to the NBHA organization to assist clubs during their events. Purina, Gun Dog Supply, Garmin and Christy Enterprises are corporate sponsors who help keep this sport alive.
A large turnout was welcomed with picture perfect weather for the December running. Low temperatures in the 30�s and high�s in the upper 50�s provided ideal conditions with an abundance of birds peppered along the course. Cedar Valley FTC continues a long historical tradition by saturating the course with high bird counts assuring all dogs ample opportunity to score multiple finds.
The Amateur Derby kicked off our trial drawing six dogs to the line with youthfulness, exciting races, bright futures and much promise. Dr. Jim Crook�s, Outlaw Jefe (Boss) was in a hurry, hurry, hurry to the front and scored on three mature derby finds with snappy pleasing style, enough to secure first place. Pack�in A Punch (Buzz), handled by owner; Marty Robinson displayed a huge forward race and a find at pickup in the piney woods. Buzz is a very attractive, both moving and pointing with a great future. Today, his efforts granted Buzz a second place finish. Third is a beautiful black and white puppy aged pointer, Bruiser on Parole (Bruiser) who is owned by Terry Amberson and was handled by Bruce Mercer. Bruiser is a very big running pup who may not be able to compete successfully in NBHA due to his extreme range. Bruiser displayed great hunting abilities and was ran on a frost covered course making scenting conditions near impossible.
The Amateur Shooting Dog was a very competitive stake with outstanding braces that drew ten competitors. However, it was Sand Mountain Icy (Icy) who emerged as winner with a far reaching three find / one back performance who set a very high bar. Icy is very fast, very honest and extremely polished on her game. Bruce Mercer handled Icy for owner Mike Otinger. Enhancement Southern Belle (Annie) provided a huge, animated and blistering race, scoring two finds and a back for second place honors. Her second find found her pointed with her brace-mate backing that could be seen for almost three-quarters of a mile away. Both dogs remained polished until handlers, judges and gallery could arrive. Annie finished her bid with multiple casts far to the front with impeccable style. Annie was handled by new owner, Bruce Mercer. Third place was Stanley McCain�s, Troopers Money Boy (Money) who scored two finds with a forward classy race. Money is a very consistent dog with superior style.
The Open Derby was won by a very nice youngster in Tallapoosa River Kate (Kate). Kate was handled by owner Stanley McCain and scored a two find, far reaching, very stylish race. Kate is a dog we will hear much more about in the future. Kate�s littermate, Pack�in A Punch (Buzz) pushed owner and handler Marty Robinson with casts far, far to the front and was awarded with one find. Buzz, like Kate will also become a well-known name on the NBHA derby circuit. Bruiser On Parole (Bruiser) reached far limits that were almost impossible to see. This stylish puppy aged youngster has a bright future in field trials, if the course lends itself to far reaching objectives where visibility is available. Some of Bruiser�s casts were well beyond many horseback derby casts, however, he did return on his own when beckoned. Bruiser was handled by Oscar Whitt for owner Terry Amberson.
I want to thank to Jesse Brown, Dr. Jim Crook, Stanley McCain, Kolby Mercer and Marty Robinson for all their help they provided before, during and after the trial as well as assisting with lunch duties. This team of men gives endlessly to assure all duties are addressed and accomplished. I am grateful for their support and willingness to tackle any request.
By Bruce Mercer
