National Amateur Invitational CH
SOME GREAT FOLKS - written by Oscar Whitt of Attalla Alabama
I was blessed and privileged to attend the NBHA NATIONAL AMATEUR INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP this past month, conducted at the Dry Pond Plantation owned by Harvey and Angie Crosby located in Autaugaville, AL. The Crosbys treated all of us like we were relatives, and what a nice place to run a field trial.
The Central Alabama NBHA club did a great job of putting this together and might I add that an Invitational takes more work than a Championship because of all the paperwork involved and any trial takes dedicated crew to make it go. Dane Harris the Director of the Alabama Region (NBHA), Glenn Vines and Harold Boyett were busy, way before day light until after dark. Margret Harris (Dane's better half) did a masterful job with lunches and also road her horse in the gallery when time permitted.
I have read in the field about the accomplishments of Earl and Margret Drew, but never had the opportunity to meet and get to know them until this trial. Earl and Margret's rig was parked next to ours and they were so helpful to us and everyone else, when and where they could help anyone.
This being an Amateur trial I was confined to riding in the gallery and had to keep my mouth shut! I had a great time and I marveled at Margret�s ability to keep focused on each dog their location and direction they were headed, she is an expert scout and can ride with the best.
When Trooper's Money Boy, owned and handled by Dr. Stanley McCain, ran in the last brace, I thought he was getting things done. When he didn't show to the front Margret went to scout and found him pointed. All was well and Money was sent to the front where he went through the piney woods.
When Money wasn't seen, Marty Robinson found him on another limb find. After a ride to Marty's call we found him pointed close to a small thicket facing down a small slope. After Dr. McCain attempted to flush he sent Money in to relocate, he did and Dr. McCain flushed, and flushed again to no avail. Due to Margret's remarkable attention she saw the bird exit at the other side of the thicket and fly low down the slope and light close to a large pine tree, no one else saw it. Judge Dooley stated that he didn't see it and instructed Dr. McCain to send Money to relocate again and Money nailed it. At the flush I raised both hands and said "thank you Jesus� and turned to Margret and thanked her. Thanks again to all.
Psalms 37:4 DELIGHT YOUR SELF IN THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART.
