2024 – 2025 Season
All-Aged Field Trial – New Coates Farm, Carlton Monday 11th November 2024
Judges: Larry Wilks and Ruth Webster
By kind permission of Mr David Leek.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd Results
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Glynhdyn North Asteria (HV) | John Bennet |
| Miadsc Make A Wish at Lassanayi (HWV) | Devaki Belassie-Page | |
| Guns Award | Miadsc Make A Wish at Lassanayi (HWV) | Devaki Belassie-Page |
Critiques:
Date:
Monday 11th November 2024
Weather conditions:
The weather was mild, bright and clear there was very little wind when we started but it did improve as the trial progressed.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The ground was stewardship/bird food varying from ankle to knee height. Quarry: Pheasants and partridge, there were hare on the ground but no ground game was shot.
Judges Critique:
We saw 3 German Shorthaired Pointers, 2 German Wirehaired Pointers, 2 Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas, 1 Large Munsterlander and 1 Hungarian Vizsla. It was not an easy day scent wise and residual scent seemed to linger with some of the less experienced dogs struggling to get on the birds which were running on. Despite taking some dogs on for a third run, we were only able to able to make two awards.
Certificate of Merit – Glynhedyn North Asteria (HV B) handled by John Bennett – On its first run the dog had a slight cheek wind hunting methodically it rode in on some birds which lifted before they could be pointed one of which was shot, the dog was steady to flush and shot and retrieved the bird to hand. When called up for it’s second run the wind conditions had improved somewhat, the dog was cast off and soon came upon a cock pheasant which was pointed and the dog flushed it when asked, the bird was not shot. The dog carried on hunting was steady to a hare on it’s beat, a partridge got up on the right hand flank, this was shot and the dog was sent for the retrieve, with minimal handling the bird was tenderly brought back to hand with its head up.
Certificate of Merit – Miadsc Make a Wish at Lassanayi (HWV B) handled by Devaki Belassie-Page – This dog was cast off to run a strong cheek wind, it hunted with drive and enthusiasm and as a result soon got on to a pheasant which gave the dog the run around but it eventually lifted and was shot, the dog was steady to flush and shot and when asked brought the bird back smartly to hand. On this dog’s second run it had a back wind which it managed well covering it’s beat nicely, it had a staunch point on a partridge which lifted but was not shot. The dog was steady to a hare which was on its beat.
Guns Award: Miadsc Make a Wish at Lassanayi (HWV B) handled by Devaki Belassie-Page.
I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for the invitation to judge, my co Judge Mr Larry Wilks for sharing his wealth of experience with me, Mr David Leek and The Carlton Shoot for the use of their ground, the guns Mr David Leek, Mr Nathan Clayton and Mr Carl Issitt, Mr Ian Halbert as Chief Steward, Mr Roger Mann as Red Flag and last but no means least the Ladies of the committee for their fantastic hospitality.
Ruth Webster
2023 – 2024 Season
Novice Field Trial – Drumochter Tuesday 24th August 2023
Judges: Mick Canham and Rory Major
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Not Awarded | |
| Guns Award | Islasbraw Ash (GSP) | Darryl Elliot |
Critiques:
To follow
Open Field Trial – Burncastle, Berwickshire Friday 3rd November 2023
Judges: Allan Hender and Geoff Saint
By kind permission of The Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Ch Raycris The Temptress (LM) | Christine Ogle & Robert Suchett-Kaye (Handled by Rory Major) |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Not Awarded | |
| Guns Award | Sutchest Isla | Jim Bird |
Critiques:
Date:
Friday 3rd November 2023
Weather conditions:
The weather was dry with a slight breeze and quite cold.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The ground was a mix of white grass, bracken and lower moorland heather.
Judges Critique:
This Open Stake was contested by a good variety of HPR breeds 8 GSP, 2 GWP, 1 HV, 1 LM. 3rd place Ch Raycriss the Temptress. Owned by C Ogle & R Suchett-Kaye. Handled By Rory Major This dog ran number 1 in the card. Its beat was a steep bracken banking which was dense in places. The dog hunted well working through the dense bracken it indicated a bird which was moving in the bracken, the cock bird flushed and was shot the dog was asked to retrieve it went to the area and located the bird which moved on, the dog relocated and was commanded to retrieve the bird.
The dogs second run was on dense bracken, the dog hunted carefully locating a bird at the end of the bracken strip. It was pointed and flushed on command; the retrieve was over a slight hill so out of sight. The dog returned with a hen bird.
The ground lent itself to great HPR work, It was a really enjoyable day and I would like to thank Allen Hender for his support during the day, Fleur Fillingham and the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for the opportunity to judge this event, The Duke of Northumberland for the invitation to Burncastle, the keeper and steward of the beat for their support throughout the day and the guns from the estate who all shot really well.
Geoff Saint
All-Aged Field Trial – Anley, Settle Thursday 9th November 2023
Judges: Phil Pearson and Ruth Webster
By Kind Permission of the Anley Shoot Syndicate.
Sponsored by Roger Skinner Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Handler |
| 1st | Goosepoint Gambler (GSP) | Emily Hinchlif |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Fennslane Guiding Star (GWP) | Jayne Herbert |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
Thursday 9th November 2023
Judges Report:
We saw twelve dogs: two German Wirehaired Pointers, five German Shorthaired Pointers, two Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas, two Large Munsterlanders and one Italian Spinone.
There was a wet start day, scent on the whole tended to be poor with the birds were sitting tight, resulting in most game being pointed close rather than at distance. The wind was variable and where possible the dogs were hunted into the wind. The terrain was undulating, mainly white grass edge with some open bottom woodland and areas of bracken, brambles and fallen trees. There was sufficient ground and most dogs had birds on their runs, but some handlers did not make the most of the ground and opportunities available. After the 1st runs the judges took through 9 dogs for second runs.
There were two dogs in the awards:
1st Place. Goosepoint Gambler – GSP bitch handled by Emily Hinchcliff. She set off on flat woodland with dense patches of undergrowth and fallen trees, the dog worked methodically opening up and shutting down as the conditions permitted, she then moved to a slope again covered with undergrowth and fallen trees her she really covered the area with purpose and drive with little input from the handler unfortunately this run was blank.
For her second run the dog was on white grass with stone walls on all sides there was a head wind and she covered the ground well, she came on scent in the middle of beat and worked snipe and pointed a snipe The dog worked on and a pheasant lifted on the right-hand flank not far from the dog, the bird was shot, the dog was steady to fall and the bird was retrieved smartly to hand.
3rd Place. Fennslane Guiding Star – GWP bitch handled by Jayne Herbert. The dog started its run-on open ground with a back wind there as a stone wall along one side with sedge grass and some pine trees, the dog worked methodically taking in the wall, a bird lifted was shot and retrieved to hand.
For her second run she ran in woodland opening up and shutting down as she covered the ground in her search for birds, it paid off and she came on point on a pheasant, which was flushed on command, the dog was steady to flush.
I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for inviting me to judge and also my co judge Phil Pearson for his support and sharing his extensive knowledge, the handlers for running their dogs for us, we saw some good dog work and it was a shame we could not have taken more dogs through. Ruth Webster
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolph Wednesday 31st January 2024
Judges: Annie Jones and Howard Kirby
By Kind Permission of Phil Pearson.
Sponsored by Roger Skinner Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Raycris The Temptress (LM) | Christine Ogle & Robert Suchett-Kaye. Handled by Rory Major |
| 4th | Glenquin Artemis for Gerstenfeld (GWP) | Tom Warner |
| Guns Award | Radipole Coco (KG) | Mark Spearing |
Critiques:
Date:
Wednesday 31st January 2024
Weather Conditions:
An overcast day with temperatures slowly warming to 10 degrees. Wind conditions were light and consistent throughout the trial. Scenting conditions were good, improving slightly as the air temperature warmed throughout the day.
Type of ground and species of game:
The ground offered a variety of woodland, cover crops, white grass, ditches, and hedgerows. Pheasant, partridge, woodcock, hare and snipe.
Judges Report:
3rd Place – Raycris the Temptress (LM). Owned by C. Ogle & R. Sutchett-Kaye. Handled by Rory Major.
First Run. Coming into line at No. 11, the dog was asked to run a cheek wind, on stubble. The dog worked hard to find game. As she turned back into the wind a partridge and a woodcock lifted simultaneously from the same place. The dog stopped nicely to flush. The partridge flew over the adjacent hedge and was shot. The dog was sent and she made an excellent retrieve, delivering cleanly to hand.
She was then asked to work a deep, steep sided ditch. Undeterred by the water and heavy cover, she made easy work of a very difficult ditch. A flash point and flush, saw a strong cockbird power its way out of the ditch, this was shot about 40 yards out on the open stubble and retrieved nicely to hand.
Second Run. A run, this time on a bracken and bramble woodland floor, allowed this dog and handler to demonstrate their experience. Well targeted and thorough work, again fearless in cover. A ‘loose’ Woodcock lifted some distance from the dog but was not shot. No further game was seen.
Third Run. Working a field of white grass bordering woodland, the dog worked thoroughly. No game was seen on this run.
4th Place – Glenquin Artemis for Getstenfeld (GWP). OIwned by T Warner & S Jenkins. Handled by Tom Warner.
First Run. Starting its first run in woodland, this dog showed nice power and pace whilst maintaining a good pattern. A hare, jumped, and was shot, but continued to move on. The dog was sent to make the retrieve. She took a strong line but unfortunately was unable to find the hare. A second dog was tried and finally the Judges went out to look. The Picker- Up was sent. When asked to hunt on, she worked hard and methodically until the end of this very impressive piece of hunting. No further game was found.
Second Run. The Dog was brought in, to make a retrieve. A cock bird had been shot across a deep ditch. A suitable crossing place was found, she was directed over the ditch, asked to stop and then pushed about twenty yards along the top edge of the field. A cock bird was picked cleanly and delivered nicely to hand.
Third Run. This time hunting a paddock of white grass, the dog worked a nice pattern between her guns. She sat nicely to a shot that was fired at a loose bird, coming from the field edge. No further game was found on this run.
Fourth Run. Working a piece of open water meadow, the dog pointed a bird in a bramble hedgerow, the bird was flushed but unfortunately it was not shot. She was hunted on and once again pointed another bird. The dog was a little sticky to flush and the bird moved, flushing some thirty yards back along the hedge. This completed her run.
A superbly organised trial with thanks to Field Trial Secretary Fleur Fillingham for all of her hard work and organisation. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to Mr. William Esse and Nigel Davies (Keeper and Steward of the Beat) for allowing us to use this superb trialling ground.
A quality team of experienced guns ensured the plentiful supply of game was accounted for. Their skill, experience and knowledge contributed significantly to the efficiency and very successful outcome of this trial. Thank also to Keith for picking up and to Sophie for carrying the red flag. May I also take the opportunity to thank my senior judge, Mrs. Annie Jones for her encouragement and mentoring, making this judging appointment a real pleasure. The opportunity to learn from such an experienced Judge was invaluable.
I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this extremely successful days. rough shooting.
Finally, I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club and committee for offering me this judging appointment . Judges Mrs. A. Jones (A Panel),
Mr. H. Kirby (B Panel)
2022 – 2023 Season
Novice Field Trial – Drumochter Tuesday 30th August 2022
Judges: Phil Pearson (A) 2160 and Jane Harley
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Tystie (GSP) | Mick Canham |
| 2nd | Goosepoint Gambler (GSP) | Emily Hinchliff |
| 3rd | Kinlochmhor Rowen Berry (GSP) | Stuart Symmers |
| 4th | Aytee Oceania (GSP) | Lucie Hustler |
| Guns Award | Stubblemere Tystie |
Critiques:
To follow
Open Field Trial – Burncastle, Berwickshire Thursday 3rd November 2022
Judges: Steve Kimberley and Paul Nixon
By kind permission of The Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Bonario Fagiana (BI) | Alan Parr |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Raycris The Tempress (LM) | Rory Major |
| 4th | Moorrunner Isla at Gillyfield (GWP) | Louise Holmes |
| CoM | Ipor van der Wrangelsburg at Culdrein (HWV) | Ronnie Buchan |
| CoM | Stubblemere Fulmar (GSP) | Phil Pearson |
| Guns Award | Bonario Fagiana |
Critiques:
Date:
Thursday 3rd November 2023
Judges Report:
We ran a full card of 12 dogs comprising of 4 German Shorthaired Pointers, 3 German Wirehaired Pointers, 2 Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas, 1 Bracco Italiano, 1 Large Munsterlander and 1 German Longhaired Pointer. On the first round the ground was open white grass with some patches of bracken and dogs 1 to 5 had a head wind as we turned to take the second beat dogs 6-12 had back wind. There was very little game out in the grass, which was a result of the appalling weather the day before. On the second round we moved to a different part of the estate and the ground was again open ground with a mixture of white grass, thistles, and small silver birch trees.
1st – Bonario Fagiana, BI, handled by Alan Parr running number 6. This Bracco had a wide piece of ground going uphill in white grass with a back wind. The guns were spread wide. This dog set off with great purpose with a lovely high head carriage covering the guns, whilst working an immaculate back wind pattern, with no interference from the handler. It was a joy to watch. Unfortunately, there was no game to reward the dog on this run. On its second run again, it was called up with a back wind. Again, the dog executed a great pattern hunting with pace and purpose, but again no game on its beat. On the third run the dog had a head wind running in white grass with small silver birch trees dotted around. The dog had a lovely point through a wire fence. Guns were put into position and the handler instructed the dog to produce the bird. With that the dog jumped the fence almost landing on the cock pheasant. The dog sat to flush and shot and made a quick clean retrieve. The handler was extremely quiet on the whistle throughout all his runs. There is clear teamwork between the handler and dog and was a privilege to judge. This pairing also took the guns award.
3rd – Raycris the Tempress, LM, handled by Rory Major running number 8. This dog on its first run had white grass and a back wind. The dog ran steadily with the handler, ensuring the dog covered the ground correctly. This was apparent on all its runs. Certainly not as free running as the first place dog. The dog ran well, but had a blank first run. On the second run, the dog again had a back wind and the handler ensured the dog covered its beat, ensuring not to miss any ground. It was rewarded with a point on a cock pheasant, which was shot over a fence, but was a strong runner. The dog hesitated at the fence, which allowed the bird time to escape. Whilst the dog made a great effort to retrieve the bird it was never found. On its third run the dog had a head wind and quickly came on point and produced another pheasant, which was shot. The dog over marked the bird, but made the retrieve.
4th – Moorrunner Isla at Gilleyfield, GWP, handled by Louise Holmes running number 11. This dog had a back/cheek wind in white grass with patches of bracken. The dog hunted carefully and steadily. It came on point and a single partridge jumped. The guns shot, but unfortunately missed the bird. On its second run again worked steadily and was working a pheasant, which jumped and was shot. The dog was steady and made a good quick clean retrieve.
CoM – Ipor von der Wrangelsburg, HWV handled by Ronnie Buchan running 9. This dog had a back wind on its first run. The dog was cast left and almost immediately a bird lifted on the right, which was not the dog’s fault as it had only just been cast off. The bird was shot, the dog was steady and made a good quick clean retrieve. The dog was cast off again and while on its out run quickly swung round and a pheasant jumped. This bird was also shot and the dog again was steady and made a quick clean retrieve. On its second run the dog had a cheek wind, which the dog worked well, but no game was found. On its third run the dog was working thick thistles and came on point. The dog produced a hen pheasant, which was shot over two fences. The dog was helped over the fences and made the retrieve.
CoM – Stubblemere Fulmar, GSP handled by Phil Pearson running 7. This dog had a back wind in wide open ground in white grass. This dog covered the ground well, running wide. The handler had to handle the dog to keep in contact with it. The first run was blank. On it second run the dog again had a back wind and didn’t really get to grips with the amount of scent and several times had to be stopped from tracking birds. The dog responded to the handler. On the third run the dog had a head wind and again covered the ground well coming on point and producing a pheasant. The dog was steady, and the retrieve was made.
Overall, we had a great day judging the dogs and there were some excellent dogs on show. Some dogs were just unlucky. The first round was difficult as game was scarce due to the high winds and rain the previous 24 hours. A big thank you must go to Craig Dickman, keeper and gun’ for guiding us round the estate and getting us into game for the second round. Steve and I would like to thank The Duke of Northumberland for allowing us on the estate. The ground is absolutely perfect for testing our HPR dogs and we are privileged to be allowed on such grounds. Thank you to the guns, Craig Dickman, Tim Pressey, Ian Hayden, and Stuart Symmers for shooting so well, it does make the judges life much easier. Thanks, to Fleur and the GSPC for organising the trial and inviting us to judge. A final thank you from me to Steve, it was a great privilege to judge with you at my first open trial. I will take a lot away from this trial. The management of the trial by Steve is something I will certainly take on board.
Paul Nixon
Novice Field Trial – Ford Friday 4th November 2022
Judges: Maureen Nixon and Dawn Elrington
By kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Islasbraw Ash (GSP) | Darryl Elliot |
| 3rd | Cadanbyrig Marin (GLP) | Frances Smart |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| Guns Award | Culdrein Breac (HWV) | Ronnie Buchan |
Critiques:
Date:
Friday 4th November 2022
Weather conditions:
A bright sunny but cold day with a little frost to start but this soon cleared. A fresh breeze was present throughout the day Type of ground, quantity and species of game: Scenting conditions seemed good although game was scarce the first round. The ground was open white grass with ferns and gorse bushes. We moved grounds in the afternoon to a river bank and adjoining cover crop. Wind direction was variable throughout the day.
Judges Report
11 dogs were taken forward for a second run.
2 dogs were taken forward for a third run.
We had a full card consisting of GSP, GLP, HWV and LM.
2nd – Islasbraw Ash (GSP). Handled by D Elliot. This dogs first run was on white grass and fern, bordering a pond continuing into an open coppice. The dog ran with style and at pace, covering its ground well and at one with its handler. A loose woodcock was shot, and fell out of sight down a bank, the dog was steady. The bird was unmarked by the dog and was taken down the banking to complete the retrieve, which was done efficiently with minimal handling.
The second run was along a river bank with adjoining cover crop. The dog again ran with pace, covering its ground methodically, coming onto scent with a stylish point on a pair of ducks, which lifted but again, were not shot, the dog was steady.
3rd – Cadanbyrig Marin (GLP). Handled by F Smart. First run was in open white grass. The dog was pacey working the wind well. The dog came on point a fair distance away and held the point well until handler and guns arrived, flushed on command but was not shot.
Her second run was through gorse bushes and ferns. Again, the dog ran with style and pace covering the ground, ensuring no ground or game was missed.
A third run was in cover crop, initially a head wind, but we turned and were on a back wind. The dog was working a bird which lifted and was shot. The dog marked the bird down and was sent for the retrieve. There was a barbed wire fence where the bird landed so the handler was brought forward to assist the dog and a short retrieve was duly completed.
Many thanks to the host Lord Joicey, the guns, the GSPC for the invitation to judge and my co judge Mrs M Nixon for her guidance and sharing of her knowledge throughout the trial.
Dawn Elrington
2021 – 2022 Season
Novice Field Trial – Drumochter Wednesday 18th August 2021
Judges: Mr P Bakewell and Mr S Robson
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
Wednesday 18th August 2021
Results:
No Awards given
Summary:
The ground was made up of heather moorland & white grass, the weather conditions were warm
A full card with various HPR breeds, GWP, HWV, HV, Weimaraner, Brittany, and GSPs were worked on the moor, with only pointed birds to be shot on the trial.
The judges saw some fine dog work, the scenting conditions were obviously good but sadly misdemeanour’s crept in, which meant that they were unable to make any awards on the day.
My thanks go to all those handlers who supported the field trial, the guns that produced birds for the retrieves, the beat keeper, picking up dog and red flag.
Fleur Fillingham
Open Field Trial – Burncastle, Berwickshire Thursday 4th November 2021
Judges: Mr G Card and Mr S Pleasance
By kind permission of The Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Ipor von der Wrangelsburg (HWV) | Ronnie Buchan |
| 2nd | Moorrunner Isla at Gilleyfield (GWP) | Louise Holmes |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
To follow
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland Friday 5th November 2021
Judges: Mr G Card and Mr J Hudson
By kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Ipor von der Wrangelsburg (HWV) | Ronnie Buchan |
| 2nd | Moorrunner Isla at Gilleyfield (GWP) | Louise Holmes |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
To follow
2019 – 2020 Season
Novice Field Trial – Drumochter Wednesday 14th August 2019
Judges: Mr P Howard and Mr W Muircroft
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Ipor von der Wrangelsburg (HWV) | Ronnie Buchan |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Culdrein Annys (HWV) | Ronnie Buchan |
Critiques:
Date:
Wednesday 14th August 2019
Weather and scenting conditions:
Bright with a moderate wind and the scenting conditions were good. Type of ground and game: The ground was typical for a high ground Scottish grouse moor with both grouse and hare being present. We did stress to all competitors at the start of the day how fortunate we were to be allowed on the moor during this period of Grouse preservation. The guns were instructed, quite rightly, to shoot adult birds only, and handlers must not expect birds to be shot off their dogs point unless the guns were certain young birds would not be shot in the process. It turned out that the guns were accurately selective and retrieves were sufficient to create a competitive staple for all entrants.
Judges Critique:
The withdrawal of number 4 would leave 11 dogs in the stake. Ronnie Buchan Ronnie Buchan
Ample game was there to provide a good first round, unfortunately three of these were eliminated for failing to retrieve a live grouse from a burn and four more were eliminated for missing game, running in or damaging game.
Four dogs would continue to the second round where two were eliminated, one for failing to retrieve and the other for damaging a bird. Numbers 7 and 10 would go forward to the water test
Both these dogs completed the test without fault with number 10 being the bolder and more competent of the two.
The following awards were given;
Ipor Vd Wrangelsburg. Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla. Very well handled by Ronnie Buchan. First Run was blank with birds away before the dog could point, no birds shot. On the bitches second run, using a cheek wind coming off the hill perfectly she come onto birds, pointing staunchly and producing on command, thoroughly steady and producing correctly for the guns to put a bird down which was quickly retrieved to hand.
Water was efficient
Culdrein Annys. Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla. Also handled by Ronnie Buchan. This dog found a single bird which was not shot in the first round then went on to point a covey of young birds where once again, due to the restrictions on shooting, the adult birds could not safely be picked out by the guns. A bird which was not pointed was shot in the second round for the dog to complete his card.
Water was efficient.
Overall this was an excellent stake run in good scenting and weather conditions with a good standard of dog work and handling. Many thanks to the GSPC for the invitation to judge, To Alasdair Lyon, head keeper for accepting us on a preservation basis, and his assistants, Chief Steward Una Russell, Margaret Hunter for providing excellent food and drinks and of course the hosts Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Findlay for allowing us to use their excellent moor for the betterment of our dogs and finally, to all those who helped to organise it.
Peter Howard – 2172 (A Panel) and Bill Muircroft – 3610 B Panel
Open Field Trial – Burncastle, Berwickshire. Thursday 31st October 2019
Judges: Mr P Bakewell (2568) and Mr R Cullen
By kind permission of The Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Jaguar Du Domaine St Hubert at Bryantscroft (HWV) | Rory Major |
Critiques:
Date:
Thursday 31st October 2019
Weather conditions:
The weather held up well, with sunshine and a light breeze, however scenting conditions were challenging. Type of ground, quantity and species of game: The ground was open Moorland ideal for our HPR breeds. Quarry available consisted of grouse, partridge, pheasant, snipe, and hare.
Judges Critique
I had the pleasure of judging this trial along with my co judge Roy Cullen
The trial is situated near the Scottish Borders and is an amazing part of the country.
At the end of the day we were left with one competitor, Rory Major’s HWV Jaguar du Domain St Hubert at Bryantscroft who received a certificate of merit.
Our sincere thanks to the host, the duke and duchess of Northumberland.
Pete Bakewell
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. Friday 1st November 2019
Judges: Mr P Bakewell (2568) and Mr T Major
By kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Indijazz Beautiful (GSP) | P Parker |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Stubblemere Abbess (GSP) | C Kenney |
Critiques:
Date:
Friday 1st November 2019
Type of ground, quantity and species of game: A large ditch with rough grass and standing oats on either side. The game was Pheasant and Hare.
General Standard of work and handling: A lot of the dogs were overwhelmed with the volume of game in front of them and failed to get in contact with the birds running ahead of them. We lost most of the dogs through various demeanours and at the end of the day were able to award a first and a CoM.
Judges Critique:
Indijazz Beautiful GSP bitch handled by Phil Parker
On her first run she worked a hedge down into the ditch with drive and enthusiasm and was asked to make a long retrieve on a hare shot out of sight down the hill which she completed well.
On her second run she started in a field of oats before dropping down to the ditch. She worked the side wind well trying to get ahead of running birds until pointing, but the bird lifted, was shot over the ditch half way across the field out of sight of the dog, The bird on landing ran to the far hedge and the dog was handled to the fall and took a good line to the hedge but could not get through due to sheep netting she was recalled and then asked to continue to hunt on down the ditch culminating in a point, positive flush and retrieve.
She completed her water retrieve.
Stubblemere Abbess GSP bitch handled by Caroline Kenney On her first run she hunted the ditch with pace trying to catch up with the birds but could not get round them. A hare was shot over the ditch and the dog made an unsighted retrieve.
On her second run she hunted in the edge of the ditch finally catching up with a bird which was flushed. She made a difficult retrieve and completed her water retrieve.
Thanks go to our generous host Lord Joicey and to Gareth the keeper who goes out of his way to ensure a successful day.
Pete Bakewell & Rory Major
Novice Field Trial – Jary’s Farm, Acle, Norfolk Wednesday 13th November 2019
Judges: Sheila Kuban and Steve Pleasance
By kind permission of Craig Adams.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
To follow
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. Tuesday 28th January 2020
Judges: Jean Robertson and Lee Loveridge
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Ellapas New Moon (GWP) | C. Grewcock |
| CoM | Deepthatch Rocket (GSP) | Mr & Mrs Webster |
Critiques:
Date:
Tuesday 28th January 2020
Judges:
Jean Robertson and Lee Loveridge
Weather Conditions:
Cold, Light Winds and some sunshine
Scenting Conditions:
Appeared poor with no solid points achieved in the open ground.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The trial was run in the morning on large areas of white grass, perfect for our group, edged with ditches. After the first round we moved to meadows with areas of bramble and ditches and game cover strips. Game was plentiful giving every dog opportunity including Pheasants, Woodcock, and Hare.
Judges Critique:
Ellapas New Moon GWP (b) GSP (d) Owned and handled by C. Grewcock Owned by Mr & Mrs S Webster, handled by Ruth Webster Dogs first run was in white grass with a back/cheek wind. Hunted nicely albeit hampered by its handler not letting the dog use the whole of its beat. Second run was brought up for a blind retrieve of a cock pheasant which was completed very well. Hunted on she covered two banks of bramble on her left and right. Continuing on to a bank she came on point into a large area of bramble. Asked to f lush she ran around to the side and the pheasant eventually flushed and was shot blind to the dog. Making hard work of the retrieve she picked it and brought tenderly to hand. Completed the water retrieve.
Deepthatch Rocket Dogs first run was in white grass working into wind towards a ditch, the dog entered the ditch and came on point towards the end, f lushing on command he produced a cock pheasant, remaining on point flushing again produced a hen pheasant. The cock was shot which landed over the field and over a ditch blind to the handler. With some delay for the handler to get out of ditch the dog was not successful in finding the bird neither was the next dog in line. We walked forward and could not find it in the area so the picking up dog was put on this bird. With some loose birds being shot on the second round this dog was brought up for a blind retrieve. Completing this well she was sent back in line whilst the previous dog completed its run. Brought up for its second run the dog hunted a bank with patches of bramble on either side hampered by its handler it wasn’t allowed to hunt freely. Completed the water retrieve.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped organise it and in particular to our hosts Lady Rose Hare and The Stow Estate Trust. Nigel the ever helpful Keeper who year after year provides the ground and game necessary to the HPR breeds. The Guns David, Bambos and Andy. Thanks, must go to Janice the clubs hardworking Field Trial Secretary who Stewarded the trial so efficiently.
My thanks to the GSP club for inviting us to judge this trial and the competitors who gave us the opportunity to watch and judge their dogs.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all dogs.
2018 – 2019 Season
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – DRUMOCHTER. Wednesday 15th August 2018
Judges: Mr C Gray and Mr D Elliot
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
There were no awards or CoMs
Critiques:
Date:
Wednesday 15th August 2018
Weather Conditions:
Mainly dry with a gusty breeze
Scenting Conditions:
Appeared difficult for some dogs but other managed well enough
Type of ground, quarry and species of game:
Open hill, Red Grouse and Snipe
The general standard of work and handling:
Moderate, dogs went out for basic mistakes and faults.
Critique:
Firstly, a huge thank you to Lady Eira Nickson, Mr A. Findlay and headkeeper Alisdair Lyon for supporting the GSPC with what is simply perfect ground. Underkeeper Rourridh directed us to an area of moor where grouse were at an ideal density for the trial, so many thanks to him for that. Also many thanks to the guns who shot superbly.
There were no awards given on the day but Chris and myself did see some good work from both dogs and handlers.
The majority of the dogs were tripped up by acknowledging scent in the head wind, drawing forward on it to then bump the birds up, this would have been a mixture of conditions and inexperience on the dogs part. We will never know everything about scent and it continues to be something our dogs never stop learning about. Also a few of the dogs had the opportunity of a retrieve but found the warm game difficult to bring back to hand tidily. These young dogs just need a little more exposure in the field and with the right guidance which I am sure will perfect this. When areas of our dog work don’t go the way we hoped it’s a great way of highlighting the bits we need to work on. We saw some promising young dogs that in the future will I am sure progress very well.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all dogs.
It was a pleasure to judge alongside Chis and learn from his wealth of experience.
Thank you to the GSPC for the invitation to judge this trial, to Margaret for keeping us all under control and as always everyone involved with the after-trial food and refreshments, a very enjoyable day.
Our thanks for success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to the Head Keeper Alisdair Lyon, Steward of the Beat Rourridh Matheson, Chief Steward Margaret Hamilton and of course the hosts Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Findlay
OPEN FIELD TRIAL – BURNCASTLE, LAUDER. Thursday 1st November 2018
Judges: Pete Bakewell and Jim Bird
by kind permission of the Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | FT Ch Kerride Henry (HWV) | Adrian Blackledge |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Ellapas New Moon (GWP)Wamilanghaar Djynn (GLP) | Rob Gould |
| CoM | Ch Barleyarch Beetle at Tequesta (GSP) | Dawn Elrington |
Critiques:
Date:
Thursday 1st November
Weather:
Fine, sunny at times with a very light breeze
Scenting conditions:
Very Poor
Type of ground, quality and species of game:
Pheasant, Grouse and Hare
Burncastle is a perfectly suited and exquisite HPR ground to hunt our dogs on. Hilly open ground of bracken, grass and heather with spectacular views across the moors.
It was clear after running the first few dogs that the scenting conditions were very poor with none managing to hold a point on birds only indicating possible scent in the early part of this trial. When the sun went in the temperature dropped dramatically but becoming warmer in the afternoon it looked as if scent improved moderately and we started getting a few points.
Apart from one unlucky dog all dogs had a chance at game.
General standard of work and handling:
The only real fault and a worrying trend is for dogs, having been cast away to hunt, stopping on every flank and looking back for direction. This will become less tolerated by myself, dogs must take ground and wind, and keep in contact with handlers and not stop and constantly look back.
Judges Critique:
FT Ch Kerride Henry
On his first cast this dog came almost instantly into game pointing a cock pheasant, steady to flush and executed a perfect retrieve. We ran him on. This dog does hunt very nicely but can check back a little too often. That said his performance was that of a professional, he covers his ground well and can be turned on a sixpence to any place you need him, and when asked to retrieve two hares in the afternoon, one being a strong runner, he completed both perfectly. It’s pleasing to see this FTCH who is consistent in his performance and an ambassador for his breed.
Water: Excellent.
There were no other awards.
COM Barleyarch Beetle at Tequesta & Wamilanghaar Djynn
I would like to thank the GSP Club far asking me to judge on this superb ground, my co judge Mr P Bakewell who helped make the day both informative and very enjoyable indeed, Craig the ‘keeper and crack shot and his team.
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. 2nd November 2018
Judges: Mr P Bakewell (2568) & Mr J Bird (3501)
by kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| Guns Award | Floh v d Wielervelden (KG) | J Hudson |
Critiques:
Date:
2nd November 2018
Weather conditions:
Warm, fine and sunny
Scenting conditions:
Good
Ground and game:
Open grass land, heather, scrub land. Pheasant, snipe, hare (and a fox).
Judges Critique:
As indicated the ground was very well suited to our breeds of dogs. On the whole dogs covered the ground well. Birds were thin on the ground so there was little or no tolerance for dogs that missed or bumped game.
We lost several dogs in the trial through eye wipes, which was mainly due to lack of control, rather than poor scenting conditions. Unfortunately, none of the competing dogs managed to hold a point which was disappointing. Although there were no awards the weather had been very kind and this part of the country in autumn is stunning.
I would like to thank the GSPC for asking me to judge, my fellow co-judge Pete Bakewell, the ‘keeper and all the helpers who make these days happen.
Jim Bird
Novice Field Trial – Glemham Hall, Suffolk. Tuesday 6th November 2018
Judges: Mr M Firmin (2788) & Mr B Charalambous (3612)
by kind permission of Mr Mark Howard.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Eleppas New Moon (GWP) | C Grewcock |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
Critiques:
Date:
Tuesday 6th November 2018
Weather conditions:
A mild sunny day with a light breeze.
Scenting conditions:
Fair
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Sugar beet in the morning and scrub with a narrow belt of trees to one side in the afternoon. Pheasant, Partridge, Hare.
General Standard of work and handling:
We saw some potentially good dogs for the future but handlers, whilst keeping their dogs under control, should allow them to show their natural ability and not overhandle them.
Judges Critique
Eleppas New Moon
The dog came to a staunch point on a hare immediately after being cast off. She flushed on command and was steady to shot. Unfortunately, the hare was not hit. Working on she came to a second point on a hair which the gun could not take a safe shot at. There was no other game on this run. The dog handled very well on her second run in thick cover but there was no game. On her third run she came on point to a pheasant which was flushed, shot and retrieved on command. Her water work was very good.
I would like to thank the GSPC for inviting me to judge at this trial.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to those who helped to organise it and particularly to the host Mr Mark Howard, the keeper and his team of guns and the Chief steward and FT Secretary Janice Hawkes.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all dogs.
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. Tuesday 29th January 2019
Judges: Nigel Cox (A) and Stephen Robson (B)
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Berriedale Vista of Riffmuir (GSP) | A Learmonth |
| 2nd | Wamilanghaar Djynn (GLP) | R Gould |
| 3rd | Quintana Hollie Berry (GSP) | M Nixon |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Trubon Grafyte Treve (WEI) | S Burton |
Critiques:
Date:
Tuesday 29th January 2019
Type of ground:
Open woodland with bracken beds, open white grass, set aside
Game:
Pheasant & Woodcock
Weather:
Bright sunny but cool, with a good breeze
Judges Critique:
We ran the day with twelve dogs, with a good range of HPR breeds represented in the card for this trial, on a superb Open trial ground, which the keeper had been saving especially for this event, something we all should be thankful for. Dogs running included, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, German Longhaired Pointer, Korthals Griffon, Weimaraner, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla.
Berriedale Vista of Riffmuir:
This dog was running number seven in the card, the first run being in the open woodland with a cheek wind, using the track as the centre of its beat the dog worked both left and right hand sides of this track. With nice quiet handling the dog worked with correct pace for the ground presented and eventually came onto a very staunch point into heavy cover on the left hand side of its beat. Asked to produce, the dog flushed a cock bird and was steady. Unfortunately the bird was not shot, working on the dog covering all of the ground available to it.
Brought in for a second run, this time on the open white grass, this dog with pace and style worked a very wide beat working the wind correctly, which was proving to be changeable. Wide on the right hand side of its beat it started to indicate scent, drawing onto game the handler and guns approached the dog, moving slightly to the right, relocating the bird, coming onto a staunch point. Asked to flush, the dog produced the bird which was shot and retrieved straight back to hand.
The water retrieve was a blind across the corner of a small manmade lake with a testing entry for both dog and handler! But this was an open stake and the retrieve was carried out very well.
Wamilanghaar Djynn:
Running number five, the first run was in the open woodland, (We were fortunate to be able to run all twelve dogs in the first round in the same woodland, making for a level playing field) again working with a cheek wind this dog soon came onto point into an area of bracken and old fallen trees on the left side of its beat. As we approached a cock bird could be seen to be moving away, remaining on point, asked to flush a hen bird lifted, was shot at but unfortunately missed, the vagaries of shooting in woodland is not always easy. Working on the dog completed its allotted time working its entire beat.
The second run started in some tall reeds we then moved onto the open white grass, again with a changeable wind which the dog coped with very well, after an extended run with no birds we picked the dog up.
We decided that we would like to see this dog for a third time, with ground being available near to where we were to do the water.
Working some very low sparse strip of cover crop the dog was soon indicating scent, coming onto point, asked to flush, duly obliging flushing its bird which was shot and quickly returned back to hand. Working on, very quickly pointing on another bird, this was produced, but flew away low not offering the guns an opportunity to shoot. Finishing off working this area to the right the dog came on point again, flushing when requested, this time the gun was able to shoot the bird, a smart retrieve to hand was completed.
The water retrieve was completed after some distraction with the pink buoy in the middle of the small lake.
Quintana Hollie Berry:
Running number one, starting off in the open woodland with a cheek wind, (which proved to be consistent for all dogs working this piece of ground) working both sides of her beat, with the track as the centre, a cock bird lifted way out to the left on ground the dog had not covered as yet. Working on the right the dog came on point in a denser area of bracken and trees. Two cock birds were produced, both of them being expertly shot, but out of the dog’s sight. Two very good blind retrieves were executed out of dense bracken cover, back to hand.
A second run was on the open white grass into wind, but that soon changed and kept changing as we went through the dogs run.
Covering a good beat unfortunately there were no birds on this run.
The water retrieve was completed satisfactorily.
Trubon Grafyte Treve
The last dog to run in the first round, with the dog’s first task to retrieve a bird shot from the previous dogs run, the hen bird was picked and returned to hand after some controlled handling.
Hunting on towards the end of the woodland which became more open, the dog indicated a bird in some dense cover of bracken, the bird lifted and could not be shot, and this concluded the dogs first round run.
The second run started in some tall grasses through the entrance to the field, with the dog indicating a bird in front and to the left straight away, pushed on the bird lifted, providing a difficult shot for the gun who was unable to connect. Working on into more open ground this dog indicated and came onto a staunch point towards the base of a tree, asked to produce the bird a woodcock was produced, lightly pricked the bird flew on into the distance and was latterly gathered in by the picking up dog. Asked to come forward for a retrieve on a woodcock that had been shot previously, on being sent to the indicated fall, to everyone’s surprise, dog handler and especially the gun, the bird got up and flew away. Being the last dog in the second round we worked on to the end of the field with no more birds to be found.
The water retrieve was completed very well.
A small word on the water, controversial as it might be, we saw today, why I think that it is very important for us to keep the water at the end of a field trial testing a dog’s character and temperament.
Chief Steward – Janice Hawkes
FT Secretary – Janice Hawkes
Keeper & Steward of the beat – Nigel Davis
Guns – Andy Chatfield, David Winser, Bambos Charalambous
I would like to thank Janice and the GSPC for inviting me to judge this trial, Nigel for pointing us in the right direction around the ground. The guns who were all experienced in shooting over the dogs, an important part of a successful day, and to my co judge Nigel Cox who it was a pleasure to judge with again and learn more from his vast experience. Lastly a big thankyou to the competitors for allowing us to judge your dogs and taking our decisions with good grace, we saw some very promising dogs on the day who with more luck could have been in the awards, for all those not in the awards keep trying.
2017 – 2018 Season
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – DRUMOCHTER. Wednesday 16th August 2017
Judges: Mrs A Johnson and Mr D Elliot
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Rollenwood Magheralin of Riffmuir (GLP) | A Learmonth |
| 2nd | Tournesol Jinja (BRIT) | M Hirst |
| 3rd | Culdrein Annys (HWV) | R Buchan |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
Wednesday 16th August 2017
Weather conditions:
Weather conditions were overcast, breezy with occasional showers and chilly.
Scenting conditions:
The scenting conditions were good.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The trial was run on open heather moorland and there was the perfect amount of game for a novice trial.
General standard of work and handling:
The general standard of work was at a good level.
It is always difficult to achieve the right balance of allowing your dog’s natural ability to shine without suppressing it or indeed over encouraging it. I felt that some dogs were held back when the ground and scenting conditions allowed them to be more free running while others covered a little too much ground in the search for game.
Judges Critique:
Rollenwood Magheralin of Riffmuir
First Run – Before this dog was cast off a covey of grouse lifted forward and to the left of the waiting handler. Moments later the dog was cast off on a cheek wind but soon returned to the area where the first covey of the day lifted and came on point, the handler continued and was rewarded with a few birds remaining in the area from the previous covey. A single bird was shot, the dog was steady and made a good job of marking and delivering the bird to hand. The dog was asked to hunt on again which it did with pace and kept tabs on the handler with regular glances during the remainder of the run, the dog demonstrated its steadiness again by very nicely honouring a single bird that lifted from a flash point.
Second Run – This dog handled the half cheek wind well on its second run and quickly came on point initially out of sight of the handler and guns. The dog remained steady while the handler and guns approached, flushed on command, the covey lifted slightly to the left of the dog but this enthusiastic flushing dog remained steady while a bird was shot which was again collected swiftly and delivered to hand.
A workman like performance giving the dog a well-deserved 1st place.
Water test: Very good
Tournesol Jinja
First Run – This dog took a minute or so to settle down to a nice pattern on a cheek wind then soon drew onto scent where a bird lifted through no fault of the dog and he was run on. This dog’s confidence grew as each minute passed and began running well, the remainder of the run was blank.
Second Run – We decided to walk forward onto fresh ground before starting this dogs run. On our short walk out the dog indicated it potentially had birds while on the lead, we carried on a further 50 yards to start the dogs run where after a short hunt it returned to the previously indicated area and was rewarded with a point on a single bird which was flushed and shot, the dog was steady and found the bird after a short hunt which it delivered very nicely to hand. The dog was hunted on and came on point in a patch of rank heather when a moment later the covey lifted through no fault of the dog. The dog and handler very carefully worked out the remaining rank heather but no further birds were lifted by the dog. This dog opened up and covered it’s ground well when away from the hot scent but the remainder of the run was free from any game.
Water test: Good
Culdrein Annys
This young dog was run on a cheek wind and demonstrated a sensitive nose, soon drawing onto scent, the dog glanced back several times to check that the handler and guns were following on, the dog then roaded in for a considerable distance and was rewarded with a covey lifting and a single bird was shot. The dog did need some handler input to locate the bird which was delivered to hand very nicely. During the remainder of this dogs first and second run it demonstrated style and pace when away from the hot scent left by birds that had previously lifted ahead of the progressing trial. A talented sensitive young dog.
Water test: Very enthusiastic performance
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to our hosts Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay for their continuing support, the gamekeepering team for understanding what is required for a novice HPR field trial and getting it absolutely perfect. Also thank you to the guns for their impressive accuracy and their kind words after the trial expressing how much they had enjoyed their day shooting over HPRs for the first time. Phil Ross for keeping us all under control and Anne Johnson for freely passing on her wealth of knowledge to the competitors and myself, and we always appreciate the after trial food and refreshments.
OPEN FIELD TRIAL – BURNCASTLE, LAUDER. 2nd November 2017
Judges: Mrs S Allerton and Mr S Robson
by kind permission of the Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Tournesol Heriot at Bryantscroft (BRIT) | Handled by Mr Rory Major |
| 2nd | Not awarded | |
| 3rd | Stubblemere Evanesco (GSP) | Handled by Mr Mick Canham |
| 4th | Ribble Amber (HWV) | Handled by Mr Adrian Blackledge |
| CoM | Redsky Rambler (HWV) | Handled by Mr Lorne Bunn |
| CoM | Hourra du Domain St Hubert (HWV) | Handled by Mr Geoff Saint |
Critiques:
Date:
2nd November 2017
Weather Conditions:
Dry and breezy
Scenting Conditions:
Good
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
White grass, rashes and heather, with grouse, pheasant and partridge.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Very good.
Judges Critique
Tournesol Heriot at Bryantscroft
This dog started its run on the hill, quartering the head wind with style and pace, soon indicating scent and drawing on to a staunch point. Asked to produce, grouse lifted but were missed. Working on, the dog hunted through sieves on the left of the beat and, in the difficult terrain, managed to locate and hold a cock pheasant. Produced for the waiting guns it was duly shot and retrieved tenderly to hand.
His second run was on a back wind in sieves and white grasses. A pheasant lifted that was not able to have been pointed way out on the left flank. The dog was steady to the bird, which was shot by one of the right hand guns, making for a 150+ yard retrieve, made all the more difficult as the bird had landed in a narrow water-filled drain. Both dog and handler persisted to successfully find the bird, once again delivered soundly to hand. Water work was satisfactory.
Stubblemere Evanesco
Hunting white grasses/sieves up a small valley, working on the right hand side the dog took us up and over the bank to indicate, point and then flush on command 2 pheasants, that were not shot.
Her second run was on a back wind on bracken banks, white grasses/sieves. She hunted wide with good pace, indicating scent and drawing on to a bird that was on the move. This took us a long way to eventually hold on point. The was steady to shot after the flush of a cock pheasant, and completed a nice retrieve to hand. Water work was satisfactory.
Ribble Amber
The first run was on a back wind on white grasses/sieves/rashes, deep enough at times not to be able to see the dog. Handled very quietly, she went on to indicate a bird, a cock pheasant lifted, was shot and pricked. Sent for the retrieve, the dog took a line out from the point of fall to some 200 yards away, to locate and finally pluck out of the air one very lively pheasant. A great retrieve.
On the dog’s second run, again on a back wind on white grass, she was indicating scent but not able to pin the hen pheasant on point.
The bird lifted, was shot and a nice retrieve was completed.
A third run, into wind this time on a bank side, saw the dog quartering the ground nicely, to come on point in the middle of the beat on a cock pheasant. Producing on command, the bird was shot and a competent retrieve carried out. Water work was satisfactory.
Redsky Rambler
The dog worked into a head wind on its first run, on white grasses and sieves with birds running on in front, resulting in unproductive points. He was finally able to point and hold a cock pheasant and completed a simple retrieve to hand. In the second round, working a back/cheek wind in sieves, he eventually came on point towards the corner of the field. A pheasant was produced but unfortunately wasn’t shot. Water work was satisfactory.
Hourra du Domain St Hubert
The dog’s first run was with a back wind in long sieves, but there were no birds on her beat. Her second run took place on white grasses/sieves, again on a back wind, where she pointed and held partridge. She flushed on command, was steady and carried out a nice retrieve on a lively bird. Water work was satisfactory.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it, particularly to The Duke of Northumberland, the Head Keeper Craig Dickman, Chief Steward Janice Hawkes, and the guns, Peter, Stuart and Sean.
Steve Robson
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. 3rd November 2017
Judges: Mrs S Allerton and Mr S Robson
by kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not awarded | |
| 2nd | Jaguar du Domaine St Hubert (HWV) | Handled by Mr Rory Major |
| 3rd | Merle Haggard (GWP) | Handled by Mr Geoff Saint |
| 4th | Not awarded | |
| CoM | Parhelis Irulan (WEI) | Handled by Mr Adrian Morgan |
| Gun’s Award | Floh von der Wielervelden |
Critiques:
Date:
3rd November 2017
Weather Conditions:
Fine, with a good breeze.
Scenting Conditions:
Good.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Bracken banks, birch scrub, heather, gorse and open boggy ground, holding snipe and pheasant.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Variable. Some potentially good dogs let down by not retrieving to hand.
Judges Critique:
Jaguar du Domaine St Hubert
This dog started its run at the back of a pond on an elevated piece of ground with open birch woodland and bracken. A pheasant lifted on the edge of its beat and was shot, landing a long way back down the track near to where the gallery were waiting. The dog was handled back to the point of fall and the lively cock bird retrieved to hand. Working on, the dog soon came on point. When asked to flush a hen bird lifted, was shot and subsequently retrieved soundly to hand.
The dog’s second run was on challenging terrain with gorse and bracken beds. Pointing into a thick clump of gorse, when asked to produce, two hen pheasants flushed and were both shot. A good retrieve was executed high up in the gorse banking on a lively hen bird. Water work was satisfactory.
Merle Haggard
The dog’s first run was on a very bitty piece of ground with white grasses, bracken and gorse, but the dog worked the ground well. A cock pheasant lifted from the wire fence side, not giving the dog the opportunity to point. He was steady to the flush and shot but there was no retrieve, unfortunately.
His second run was on open white grass interspersed with clumps of gorse. The dog worked the back wind with pace and good ground coverage. Although indicating residual scent on several occasions there were no birds on his beat.
A third run in open rashes and thistle proved more fruitful. Working well with birds running on in front, he eventually produced a bird that was shot and landed out in the open, completing a nice retrieve to hand. Asked to work on, he soon came onto staunch point, producing the bird on command and was steady to shot. This bird landed the other side of a high barbed wire fence. We deemed the retrieve not to be safe and instructed the picking up dog to retrieve the bird afterwards. Water work was satisfactory.
Parhelis Irulan
Her first run was in open boggy white grass that held plenty of snipe. Working a cheek wind, the dog had a tendency to pull towards the far left of her beat. Although indicating where snipe had lifted from, nothing more was found on this run.
The second run was along the river bank in some rough cover. Towards the end of her run the dog pointed through the fence into a large clump of nettles. A positive flush on a cock bird resulted in an excellent shot from the gun, with the bird landing in the river. A very competent retrieve to hand completed the dog’s run. Ironically, the water retrieve at the end of the day was not done with as much confidence as the retrieve from the same river earlier, nevertheless it was completed to our satisfaction.
The Michael Joicey Memorial Trophy (The guns’ choice) was awarded to Jason Hudson’s Korthaals Griffon, Floh von der Wielervelden.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it, and particularly to the host, Lord Joicey, his ‘Keeper Gareth, the Field Trial Secretary and Chief Steward Janice Hawkes, and the guns Mick Canham and Peter O’Driscoll.
Steve Robson
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – BREWLANDS ESTATE. Saturday 18th November 2017
Judges: Mr G Card and Dr J Hay
by kind permission of The Ivory Family.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not awarded | |
| 2nd | Not awarded | |
| 3rd | Not awarded | |
| 4th | Not awarded | |
| CoM | Culdrein Annys (HWV) | R Buchan |
| CoM | Ipor von der Wrangelsburg (HWV) | R Buchan |
Critiques:
To follow
ALL-AGED FIELD TRIAL – DELAMORE ESTATE. Tuesday 21st November 2017
Judges: Mr S Chant and Mr M Spearing
by kind permission of Mr Snowy Parker.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Trial Cancelled
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – ASHINTULLY CASTLE. Monday 27th November 2017
Judges: Mr C Gray and Mrs L Janniche
by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Steel and Mr & Mrs Holland Bosworth.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
No Awards Given
Critiques:
Date:
Monday 27th November 2017
Weather Conditions:
Overcast with sunny spells.
Scenting conditions:
Moderate.
Type of ground and species:
Grassy hills with patches of open woodland.
General standard of work and handling:
Mixed
Judges Critique
The ground at Ashintully is every HPR handler’s dream and very kindly made available for our trial by Mrs and Mr Holland Bosworth. The ground is interesting and it held just exactly the right amount of game for a day’s shooting over HPRs. With game ‘keeper, Bob Connolly’s guidance we started out at the meeting point on a grassy field with a few trees. There was no guiding wind to start with, but during the day it built up to a back/cheek wind, which is of course challenging at a novice trial. About half the dogs struggled with these conditions, but half the dogs made a really good and natural job out of the conditions, working out and back in to their handler. It was a real pleasure to see the keen dogs searching and finding game producing good, solid points.
Sadly, despite impressive dog work, each of the competitors eliminated themselves on various faults and without having “over-run” any of the dogs, we ended up with no dogs going to the water.
Mr C Gray & Mrs L Janniche
Novice Field Trial – Glemham Hall, Suffolk. 5th December 2017
Judges: Mr F Alcock and Mr T Bennett
by kind permission of Mr Mark Howard.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not awarded | |
| 2nd | Not awarded | |
| 3rd | Sovargo’s Franch Fancy (HV) | B Austin |
| 4th | Not awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
5th December 2017
Weather:
A chilly day with a moderate breeze, staying dry all day.
Scent:
Poor
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
White grass and rape fields. Pheasant, Partridge, woodcock, Hare and rabbit.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
All dogs had there first run in the white grass where we saw some good work from some of the dogs that got out and showed some good natural hunting ability. The game was a little sparse here so those that got through to the second round was run in rape where there was plenty of game but with poor scenting conditions most dogs struggled to locate the birds. A few of the handlers seemed unable to handle their dogs on a cheek wind and consequently missed game.
Judges Critique:
During the first run the dog covered the ground nicely staying in touch with its handler came on point quickly but lost touch with a running bird and failed to produce so moved on. Another bird lifted to the side of his beat witch was shot and retrieved nicely.
The second run in the Rape field the dog held point for the guns to get in place but the hen pheasant flushed before the command was given and the dog was steady. The bird was shot but ran and the dog made a good retrieve. The water test was completed satisfactorily I would like to thank the GSPC for inviting me to judge at this suburb ground and well run trial, I had a great day judging alongside Fred.
Mr T Bennett
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. 30th January 2018
Judges: Mrs E Winser and Mr J Bird
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Hjortlands Ekko at Bryantscroft (GWP) | Mr R Major |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Tournesol Inox (BRIT) | Mr P Bennett |
Critiques:
Date:
30th January 2018
Weather conditions:
Dry, crisp and sunny, changeable wind direction.
Scenting conditions:
Good dropping to poor after lunch.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Sugar beet, white grass, woodland, pheasant, partridge and woodcock.
General standard of work and handling:
Stow Bardolph continues to be a superb Open ground to finish the season off with. Acres of open white grass lands and sugar beet fields. We just about managed to give every dog a run into wind giving them every chance to show off their Hunting prowess. The majority of game was found in the beet fields this year but while some felt game was thin on the ground I wasn’t perturbed feeling that our dogs are bred for just these situations having to hunt open ground and working the wind methodically in the knowledge that once birds were encountered the real test would be how the game was going to be produced for the guns.
Surprisingly for an Open stake I felt some dogs failed to even make or show any skill in working a head wind, failure to quarter, failure to turn into wind all of which equals poor ground treatment and loss of game.
However there was some excellent dog work enjoyed by both myself and co Judge Eileen Winser. Pacey strong hunting dogs taking good ground and using wind to best advantage and only lost through the last part of the day when the scent dropped like a stone and the ever moving birds proved difficult to pin down to point.
Judges Critique:
Hjortlands Ekko at Bryantscroft
An eye catching GWP, often I think to myself if a dog looks well put together it’s going to look well on the move and this GWP didn’t disappoint. Brought into sugar beet for his first run he quickly and methodically worked a tight pattern into wind slowly starting to take more ground, a nice running style and head carriage typical for his breed and it wasn’t long before he came on point and produced a hen pheasant which was tenderly produced to hand .
On his second run in white grass, again into wind, he took good ground and worked well into wind before coming staunchly on point and producing a woodcock which unfortunately wasn’t hit by the guns. An extremely polished performance made to look easy.
Water Good
Tournesol Inox
Second dog to run on the day in a belt of woodland his work was steady and I felt I needed to see more from this game Brittany . His second run in white grass he again worked methodically but birds eluded him and at the end of the day we managed to give him the last run of the day in sugar beet where right at the end of the field a pheasant trapped and carefully worked out by the dog was held on point to be produced for the guns and then retrieved well to hand .
Water Very Good .
I would Like to thank the GSP club and my co Judge Eileen Winser for a very enjoyable day at Stow Bardolph .
Jim Bird
2016 – 2017 Season
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – DRUMOCHTER. 17th August 2016
Judges: Mrs A Johnson and Mrs L Janniche
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Evenesco (GSP) | M Canham |
| 2nd | Tournesol Indulgence (BRIT) | J Cottrell |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
17th August 2016
Weather conditions:
Warm, slightly overcast with a light wind.
Scenting Conditions:
Slightly below average.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Moorland with grassy patches, undulating, but not steep. Easy walking.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Unfortunately nine dogs were eliminated during the first round for a variety of reasons including missing birds on the beat, failure to point/bumping, failure to retrieve, out of control and chasing birds.
Judges Critique
Stubblemere Evanesco
Awarded first prize, handled by Mick Canham ran wide and fast with great ground treatment. This dog clearly knew what it was looking for. The dog established a good point almost immediately but though she stood staunch, the covey lifted well out and got away from the guns with just a feather taken out of one bird. We relocated our beat to try to find this bird but sadly it was not seen again. The dog came on point on the edge of its beat and one bird lifted, but the dog remained steadily on point till guns arrived. It then moved forward to locate the rest of the covey, flushed on command and retrieved two shot birds perfectly tenderly. On its second run the dog found a bird that was running on in deep heather, but she established a point well ahead of the party. By the time the guns had caught up, the birds lifted too far ahead to be shot, but the dog had handled the situation well. Slight hesitation on the water retrieve, but acceptable.
Tournesol Indulgence
Awarded second place, handled by John Cottrell ran with tremendous keenness looking for game. An obedient dog in tune with its handler. Got the opportunity to show steadiness to hare as well. When the dog came on point, two birds got up at the arrival of the guns, but the dog remained steady and performed a very good retrieve. At the water test this dog did everything to perfection and was awarded the prize for best water retrieve.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to Chief Steward Margaret Hamilton, Duncan, Steward of the beat and the guns, who shot so well.
Mrs L Janniche
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – BREWLANDS ESTATE. 29th October 2016
Judges: Mrs D Arrowsmith and Mr P Howard
by kind permission of The Ivory Family.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Zoldmali Arpa at Culdrein (HWV) | Buchan |
| 2nd | Ceannacroc Peel of Riffmuir (GSP) | Learmouth |
| 3rd | Tournesol Indulgence (BRIT) | Hirst |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | White Noise (GSP) | Graham |
| CoM | Robyns Caplich Crest (GSP) | Graham |
Critiques:
Date:
29th October 2016
After the initial introduction to the trial from Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, Mrs. D. Arrowsmith called for a few moments silence in memory of the late Mr. Cliff Simons who enjoyed and gave so much to the HPR field trial world. She thanked all for sharing the respect so many of us had for Cliff. He spent along with his wife Madge many days in the Northern part of the country and would have so enjoyed the trial and the surroundings we were about to enjoy.
Weather conditions:
Sunny with a slight breeze throughout this beautiful day.
Scenting Conditions:
Good throughout the trial.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Pheasant, snipe, woodcock. No ground game was shot.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Very quiet handling from nearly all competitors, some very smart, neat dog work in parts from most but the first three dogs were very good indeed.
Judges Critique
Zoldmali Arpa at Culdrein
First run: the dog was cast off from a stone wall and immediately into a bird pointing staunchly, flushing on command, being stead to flush, shot and fall. The dog completed a very efficient retrieve, deliberately going beyond the fall to use the wind in the heavy grassland for a quick location. The bird was delivered to hand.
Second run: was in heavy marsh grassland where the dog eventually located and pointed just short of the wood. Although the bird was still on the move, the dog produced and a hen bird flew to the wood unscathed. Water work was good to complete an excellent all round performance and a worthy winner.
Ceannacroc Peel of Riffmuir
First run: Again in the heavy moorland grass, the run was blank with the dog being very unlucky not to get a point slicing a cock pheasant on a back wind but steady to flush. The dog also impressed with good pace and style.
Second run: was in long grass again with a back wind where the dog held a good point producing on command off its nose and completed a quick, simple retrieve. Water work was good, very close up to the winner.
Tournesol Indulgence
First run: Steady paced Brittany who held a good point on his first run on back wind in the moorland marsh grass so typical of this area. The cock bird was shot over a deer fence presenting more problems for the handler than the dog who completed a blind retrieve in unfavourable conditions.
Second run: was largely uneventful except for being steady to hare. Water work was good.
White Noise
First run: Had a nice point on a back wind early on in the run producing on command but completed the card with a rather untidy retrieve.
Second run: failed to provide opportunity to improve the retrieving mark. Water was adequate.
Robyns Caplich Crest
First run: Had the benefit of both tail and head winds in its first time down and found no game but the ground was covered effectively.
Second run: in woodland strip saw several birds running on and flushing before a pheasant was eventually pointed and retrieved. The woodland beat could have been put to better use with more effective ground treatment. Water work was acceptable.
Today was my first appointment with Di after more than 30 years of judging which made the day even more enjoyable. The atmosphere and sportsmanship of the Scottish branch members gathering in the foothills of the Cairngorms led to a most enjoyable day. Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to: The Ivory family for granting us permission to hold the trial, Mr Craig Graham – our beat steward, Margaret Hamilton – our Chief Steward and the GSPC Scottish branch members for their hospitality, sportsmanship and excellent food afterwards.
Peter Howard
OPEN FIELD TRIAL – BURNCASTLE, LAUDER. 3rd November 2016
Judges: Mrs M Nixon and Mrs P Pickstone
by kind permission of the Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Wamilanghaar Tash (GLP) | Kirkby |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Ribble Amber (HWV) | Blackledge |
| 4th | Trubon Flysse Trevive WEI) | Burton |
Critiques:
Date:
3rd November 2016
Weather Conditions:
For the most part, a dull overcast day, temperature between 5° and 7° although not feeling cold, a very light wind (at times barely a breath) constantly shifting direction.
Scenting Conditions:
Mostly tight, often low to the ground
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
This is a fine HPR ground on the edge of moorland, with heather, reed beds, bracken beds, white grasses. It houses grouse (not to be shot on the day however), pheasant, snipe, hares. Game was plentiful, although it took some time to get into the better inhabited areas. Game behaved as one would expect on this type of ground, creeping among the roots and generally leaving little trace of themselves, or running among the bottom of the bracken beds and defying dogs’ efforts to pinpoint and hold them.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
We tend to say that these sorts of days are difficult because dogs cannot simply hunt the ground widely and freely but must demonstrate abilities above and beyond even before they get to the productive point and retrieve – good gamefinding (an absolute), exceptional care, managing game found, partnered by the handler being scrupulous in ensuring that all areas are covered and ground and game worked appropriately – for example, managing situations when dogs run into game, or cannot hold the game but simply track after it, without any thought to guns or ground or anything else. Those who failed in one or more of these respects, failed overall. HPR work is after all, complex and many faceted, and on this day and on this ground, all those facets needed to be brought into play.
Judges Critique
Wamilanghaar Tash
A clean, steady but free-flowing and wide hunting dog, missed little or no ground, was 100% true to the wind, quietly and confidently handled. No game on his first run, came onto a snipe in his second, the bird lifting as the dog came to it, no chance to point, snipe was shot and retrieved, and only came into game on his third, pointing and producing a pheasant at the end of a bracken bed, holding true as another bird bounced out of the same spot, the shot bird was then retrieved with care and gentleness. This dog exhibited all the characteristics described under standard above – a class piece of HPR work.
Ribble Amber
Dog’s first run was on rising ground with a fence at the top of the beat. Came quickly into game in reed beds, two solid and productive points, two quick retrieves. Had the opportunity to hunt more freely on the second run, although without result this time.
Trubon Flysse Trevive
Possibly a little too tight and steady in her hunting, this dog redeemed herself by an absolutely stonking retrieve on her second run. Being worked along a wall side, a bird lifted as she came to a clump of rushes, she then pointed its fellow sitting in exactly the same place, the bird was flushed and shot landing over the wall and then ran up the moor side and along a fence. The dog tracked the bird some 600-800 yards up over the moor, was sent back after one long effort, and this time came back with the bird. Brilliant piece of work.
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. Friday 4th November 2016
Judges: Mrs M Nixon and Mrs P Pickstone
by kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Sigourney Celeste (GSP) | Card |
| 2nd | Ivan du Domaine Saint Herbert (HWV) | Blackledge |
| 3rd | Witham Friary Detroit (GSP) | Hughes |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Claddagh’s No Hard and Fast Rules (GWP) | Russell |
| Guns Award | Claddagh’s No Hard and Fast Rules (GWP) |
Critiques:
Date:
Friday 4th November 2016
Weather Conditions:
Bright day, temperature about 6° all day, reasonable amount of wind.
Scenting Conditions:
Variable, low to the ground in the boggy areas, fairly tight overall.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Another superb HPR ground, wide and open but with marshy areas, extensive bracken and gorse beds, slopes and hillocks, and generally demanding great attention to detail. On this day, game was scarce, with snipe, and some pheasants, plus a single woodcock. There is a largish pond towards the top of the ground, with duck rising off it at the slightest excuse but these were no more than a distraction. The trial ended working hedges and a piece of ground cover to get dogs into game not evident on the main ground.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Was generally pretty good, with dogs hunting at a pace and distance appropriate to the ground, relatively quietly handled for the most part, and handlers taking the ground with caution, as it deserved. Some work on a back wind which was a pleasure to see. Some handlers however tended to send their dogs back into areas already worked, not the best strategy, others were clearly puzzled about how to take the ground to best effect. The scarcity of game meant that some did not get into the awards, a pity.
Judges Critique:
Sigourney Celeste
Left cheek wind on first run, took the ground apart, masterclass. Second run into wind, both runs blank. Ended running a hedge to get into pointable game, pheasant shot into wet rape, tidy and clean retrieve.
Ivan du Domaine Saint Herbert
Careful dog, had bracken beds and areas of significant cover on his first run, indications but no production, still running in cover on his second, found and pointed and then delivered the shot bird, all steadily done.
Witham Friary Detroit
Hard working dog, running bracken out at the top of the ground, cock pheasant shot and retrieved on first run, point and production on second. This dog had an area of fast moving birds but kept his head, maybe not as polished as some but good to watch.
Claddagh’s No Hard and Fast Rules
A problematic first run for this dog, in tall bracken above the pond, held a point for possibly 5 minutes deep in the bracken but without production. Second run was blank, 3rd run was along a well populated hedge and this dog finally showed something of his spirit as he hunted hard but tight, passed the bird, went back, point and production, with decent retrieve. This partnership will be interesting once it has gained experience and polish.
Novice Field Trial – Glemham Hall, Suffolk. Monday 7th November 2016
Judges: Mrs J Robertson and Mr J Bird
by kind permission of Mr Mark Howard.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Ivan Du Domaine Saint Hubert(HWV) | A Blackledge |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
Monday 7th November 2016
Weather:
Bright and breezy, pockets of rain
Scent:
Good
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Sugar Beat, Rap, Set aside and some Woodland. Pheasant and Partridge.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
A very enjoyable day and the opportunity to run all dogs into wind on open ground with the odd small belt of dense woodland. It would have been nice to complement some super open ground work with a few points to deserved dogs that worked very nicely in tandem with their handlers, but with a cold and wet start to the day the birds decided to hang close in woodland which in the main provided us with the points and retrieves for the day. A good general standard of work for the day with dogs eliminating themselves in the main for retrieving failures and poor ground coverage.
Judges Critique:
Ivan Du Domaine Saint Hubert
His first run in dense woodland proved difficult to see his work, but he remained steady and methodical and indicating scent to a moving bird that took flight. The bird initially hanged in a tall bush until it dropped on the ground and a the dog completed a nice retrieve. Again his second run in woodland and again quickly coming into contact with birds and pointing. His first 2 birds couldn’t be shot off point for safety reasons and a third loose bird away was brought down for a blind retrieve executed perfectly. The only thing left to see was some work in open ground and he didn’t disappoint covering his beat with pace, purpose and a pleasing high head carriage.
Water , Excellent
Summary:
My thanks go to my co Judge Jean Robertson, The German Shorthaired Pointer Club, Glemham Hall Shoot, steward and guns and all who contributed to the day. It was also pleasing to see all the competitors stay until the end of the day.
Jim Bird
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – ASHINTULLY CASTLE. 23rd November 2016
Judges: Mr P O’Driscoll (2132) and Mr C Gray (3223)
by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Steel and Mr & Mrs Holland Bosworth.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
No Awards Given
Critiques:
Date:
23rd November 2016
General:
The trial took place wholly in the open on unimproved hill ground, characterised by dead white grass and rushes. Some of the rushes and grass were still quite high making it a little difficult to spot the dogs (on occasion), but in general the ground was perfect. Weather on the day started very cold and frosty with a light North wind, whilst the wind did firm up slightly and the sun warmed us up a bit, the ground remained cold throughout the day. Every attempt was made to run dogs in to the wind and in this respect Mr ‘Bob’ Connelly our steward of the beat did an excellent job not only keeping us on good ground but also in game all day.
Scent appeared fair for the most part although it was obviously more tricky when the vegetation was taller, effectively killing the light wind.
Game was predominately pheasants though we did see several snipe and hares as well as two woodcock.
Whilst scent appeared reasonable it was still a difficult day with the ground being frozen hard and the wind light if predictable. Not easy for Novice dogs and unfortunately most went by the wayside including some very promising young dogs. The two dogs which did make it to the water showed true grit in facing what was a very cold river for a short but worthy retrieve.
Judges Critique
Tournesol Iolanthe
In her first run this bitch showed great skill and expertise in getting round some flighty skittish birds in very cold, clear and quiet conditions. She was very careful and this care was rewarded with a staunch point and production of a hen pheasant. The bird was subsequently shot with the dog steady throughout. The dog then made a reasonable job of the retrieve though the delivery was a little less than ideal. She hunted on and had a further point but failed to produce, the bird perhaps having made off.
Her second run whilst more expansive than the first was perhaps a little unconvincing, she had a couple of ‘empty’ situations and appeared distracted by scent left by a couple of roe deer that were present on her beat. Other than this the second run was blank. The water test was duly completed in good order.
White Noise
Conditions were similar as for No.1 and again this bitch handled them well with maybe a little more verve. She covered her ground well until we lost her in some high grass/rushes, a hare was viewed and at first we thought that the dog was pointing or had dropped to the hare. Further investigation however found the dog solid on point to a cock pheasant which was flushed and subsequently shot. The dog was steady and was sent for the retrieve which was completed adequately but not in an ideal fashion. She completed her run at a regular pace with good ground treatment.
Her second run was in more clement conditions with a steady breeze over open terrain. It was a pity but she never seemed to open up in this second run and did not find any further game other than a hare that she was steady to, though a little distracted at the recommencement of her run.
The water test was completed in a satisfactory fashion.
Conclusion
On behalf of Peter and myself I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for the opportunity to judge this trial on what was excellent ground for HPRs.
I should also like to thank Peter for his excellent company, we both thoroughly enjoyed our day immensely. We saw some very nice dogs and there is no doubt that on another day we may have seen a good few more dogs at the water.
Special thanks should also be given to ‘Bob’ the keeper who went out of his way to ensure the day went smoothly and rose to the challenge at the last when it looked like our ‘water test’ was going to be sabotaged by ice.
Good luck to all the competitors for the remainder of their season.
Chris Gray
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – HEADBOLT & HALSALL. Wednesday 14th December 2016
Judges: Mr P Pearson and Mr S Robson
by kind permission of Mr R Cullen.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Trial Cancelled
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. 31st January 2017
Judges: Mr P Bakewell and Mrs S Allerton
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Tournesol Inox (BRIT) | Mr Paul Bennett |
| 2nd | Zoldmali Szarka (HWV) | Mr Paul Bennett |
| 3rd | Jaudas Heartbeat (LM) | Mr & Mrs O’Connell, handled by Mr R Major |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
31st January 2017
Weather conditions:
Cold and cloudy with a stiff breeze
Scenting conditions:
Appeared to be good
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Flat fields of rough white grasses and bracken beds bordered by ditches, tracks and forestry strips. Plenty of pheasant and woodcock seen, although dogs had to work hard to find these in the open.
General standard of work and handling:
A high standard in general, most of the dogs that got a run had had sufficient experience and training to handle the conditions. However, some handlers struggled either to maintain control without noisy handling, or lacked awareness of the changing wind conditions.
Judges Critique:
Tournesol Inox
This dog’s first run took place in a rough area of bracken and gorse on the edge of a wood, with a tricky quartering back wind. The dog hit foot scent in the gorse and indicated strongly, but with the wind at the dog’s back the handler wisely decided to call him off to hunt the beat correctly. Nothing was produced. Crossing the forestry track into the edge of the wood, the dog came on point into wind at a pile of brambles, holding a cock pheasant and flushing it on a single command. Unfortunately, due to the position of the following gallery, the gun was unable to shoot the bird. Asked to run on, another bird was produced and the dog was steady to shot, but the bird flew on. His second run took place in a very productive field of white grasses with a strong head wind. He was brought up initially for a blind retrieve on a pheasant produced from the previous dog’s run. This was carried out with minimal commands and the dog brought the bird soundly to hand. Asked to run on the dog quartered with a good pace and style, finding and holding on point a pheasant in the open grasses. The flush, shot and subsequent retrieve were carried out without fuss. An all-round excellent performance, the dog totally in tune with his quiet and sympathetic handler.
Zoldmali Szarka
This dog was drawn 8th Reserve in the draw for the trial – it just shows you that even that far down the list you can get the chance to run. Her first run took place in dense white grasses that needed to be hunted with care in order not to miss birds tucked in. She worked well, hunting with drive and reacting to scent, initially having 2 unproductive points in the dense grass before drawing onto “hot” scent and pointing a hen pheasant sitting tight. This was shot and retrieved nicely to hand. On her 2nd run she was handled across a deep ditch to hunt a rough corner at the other side. She found a pheasant and held it on point until the guns got in position. The handler was able to get her to flush from the other side of the ditch, she was steady to the bird being shot and executed a matter of fact retrieve to hand. She was very close up to the winning dog in the standard of her work, the only difference being that the Brittany was able to show his skill on a blind retrieve, whilst both this dog’s retrieves had been marked off her points. Again, very quietly handled, a good partnership between handler and dog.
Jaudas Heartbeat
Her first run in dense white grasses showed really good drive and style. Responsive to the hander, he managed to get her to cover all areas of the beat, but she had a blank run. Her 2nd run started with a blind retrieve on a cock pheasant produced from the previous dog’s run. This was carried out skilfully. She was then asked to hunt on in wet, reedy rough ground that was holding a good few birds. She came on point, but was a bit “sticky” when asked to flush for the guns, needing a couple of commands to get her to move the hen bird. She was steady to shot and effected a good retrieve to hand.
The water retrieve: all of the final 3 dogs were asked to carry out a blind retrieve on a diagonal across the corner of a large lake. We awarded Best Water Retrieve to the 3rd placed Large Munsterlander.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all the dogs.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to the Stow Estate Gamekeeper Nigel Davis, the guns Andy Chatfield & David Winser, Keith Paige with his picking-up dog and the GSPC Field Trial Secretary Janice Hawkes.
Stevie Allerton
2015 – 2016 Season
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – DRUMOCHTER. 19th August 2015
Judges: Maureen Nixon and Bill Muircroft
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Strandkantens Gaia (GWP) | L. Janniche |
| 2nd | Trudvang Lola (GWP) | C. Gray |
| 3rd | Trudvang Lara (GWP) | A. Johnson |
| 4th | Stubblemere Accio (GWP) | J. Tunley |
Critiques:
Date:
19th August 2015
Weather conditions:
170 fair and sunny with a light to moderate S.W. wind.
Scenting Conditions:
Good.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Heather and wet heath. Grouse only being shot, other game on ground being left.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Overall handling and work of all dogs was very good. Any dog in the trial would be welcome in the “field”.
Judges Critique
Strandkantens Gaia
An excellent example of the breed with exceptional ground covering ability. Good nose and retrieving skill, needing very little handling whilst hunting with a purpose
Trudvang Lola
Hard hunting dog with good pace and pointing ability, retrieves well but at times needs firm handling.
Trudvang Lara
Steady dog, nice quartering skill, good nose and uses the wind well. Responds well to both hand and whistle commands but slightly sticky at the retrieve.
Stubblemere Accio
Good all round dog. Slight lack of pace when hunting and retrieving.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly the hosts, Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay, for such wonderful ground and the Chief Steward for the exceptionally well run trial.
Bill Muircroft
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – COTTESBROOKE. 22nd October 2015
Judges: Mr P Pearson and Mr S Pleasance
by kind permission of Mr A McDonald-Buchanan.
Sponsored by Roger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Rollenwood Magheralin of Riffmuir (GSP) | A Learmouth |
| CoM | Hunterstone Artemis (HV) | S Mattravers |
| CoM | Barleyarch Beetle at Tequesta (GSP) | D Elrington |
Critiques:
To follow
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – BREWLANDS ESTATE. 24th October 2015
Judges: Mr M Canham and Mr C Graham
by kind permission of The Ivory Family.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Accio (GSP) | J Tunley |
| 2nd | Trudvang Lara (GWP) | A Johnson |
| 3rd | Zoldmali Apra at Culdrein (HWV) | R Buchan |
| 4th | Monkey Business at Moorrunner (GWP) | J Hay |
| CoM | Claddagh’s No Hard and Fast Rules (GWP) | U Russell |
Critiques:
Date:
24th October 2015
Weather conditions:
Dull and cool.
Scenting Conditions:
Patchy.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Rushes, white grass, woodland, belts, re-stocked plantation, heath.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Some very good work especially within close woodland by some dogs. Handling was again best by the handlers that featured in the awards as these handlers helped their dogs by good handling relevant to the scent conditions and type of ground encountered.
Judges Critique
Stubblemere Accio
This bitch ran with pace and determination but despite this its first run had no game on the beat. Her 2nd run in woodland strips saw the dog repeatedly pointing and producing birds that the guns could either not shoot or missed! At last a bird was shot and the dog had to be brought round a fenced area to do the blind retrieve which it undertook well. We were very impressed with this bitches ground treatment and handling of game. A very good water retrieve despite the distraction of a live duck tucked in the side of the island. A worthy and clear winner
Trudvang Lara
This hard running bitch started its run in rushes and white grass and soon was indicating game, a pheasant flushed and was shot at but only wounded and flew over a deer fence into a wooded area. The dog knew the bird had gone into this area and the handler had to work hard to bring the dog back into the allocated bear. She ran on to have a point and retrieve on a hen pheasant. Later a nice point and retrieve on a runner was made in a woodland strip and a very good water retrieve followed.
Zoldmali Apra at Culdrein
This dog worked with determination and a style that was well suited to the scenting conditions and the dense woodland cover on its second run. It had a couple of HPR’s satisfactorily carried out but was slightly phased by the water retrieve to an island through some sparse water weed at the end of the day.
Monkey Business at Moorrunner
This bitch ran well on its first run getting a point in rushes on a single duck which was shot and retrieved. Later on its second run it indicated game ahead and moving in pointed staunchly. It did not produce its birds that had run on across a small track and the dog lost contact with its birds and drew on to find nothing. It did however redeem itself with a very good water retrieve.
Claddagh’s No Hard and Fast Rules
This dog worked adequately and did find and point and retrieve, however it struggled as did the 3rd placed dog with the water but managed the retrieve after slight encouragement from the handler.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all dogs.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to the host, Sir Brian Ivory, the guns and Chief Steward Margaret Hamilton
Mick Canham
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. Thursday 5th November 2015
Judges: Mr S. Kimberley and Mr C. Gray
by kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Nunki Sadira Onyx (GSP) | D Pitbladdo |
Critiques:
Date:
Thursday 5th November 2015
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
The trial was carried out on a mixture of unimproved grazing, lowland birch moss and moorland. Whilst the terrain was largely open there were quite a few areas of standing bracken and gorse. The weather was overcast but stayed dry until we were just about finished and the breeze was light to moderate from SW. The lay of the land here made it difficult to maintain a head wind for the whole trial but we did our best in the circumstances.
Game encountered on the day were largely pheasants, though there were a number of snipe and a single woodcock. Some of the retrieves were mallard shot opportunistically as we made our way around the beat. Game was at times sporadic but most, if not all dogs had adequate opportunities.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
Whilst it was a Novice Stake we did feel that a number of the dogs were underprepared for the trial and this was evident in the result.
Judges Critique:
Nunki Sadira Onyx
The dogs first run was in to a true cheek wind through rough grass interspersed with gorse, whilst the dog proved to be very obedient it was slightly over handled and not allowed to show any initiative. The first run was blank.
Her second run was into wind over open heather and white grass, her hunting was improved on this run and a little more expansive. She came on to a dead point but was unsure when asked to produce. Unfortunately this lack of confidence lead to the handler and guns not following the dog and the bird was produced blind of everyone behind a gorse bush. The bird was subsequently missed.
The dogs third and final run was again in to wind and again there was some nice hunting. The dog indicated there was game ahead in a wet hole and a mallard flushed which was missed. The dog was brought in for a retrieve on a snipe which it completed in good style.
The water test was completed satisfactorily.
This is a good young dog with some potential and there is no doubt that with more confidence and experience from both dog and handler she will feature in the awards again.
Summary:
On behalf of Steve and myself I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for this opportunity to judge. Ford, as a ground, never disappoints and has just the right mix of terrain to get the best out of the dogs. We were a little unfortunate this year in that the bracken was standing a lot better than normal, no doubt due to the lack of frost up until this time. We wish all the handlers all the best with their dogs for the future.
Chris Gray
OPEN FIELD TRIAL – BURNCASTLE, LAUDER. 6th November 2015
Judges: Mr F Alcock (2166) and Mr C Gray (3242)
by kind permission of the Duke of Northumberland.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Trudvang Lara (GWP) | A. Johnson |
| 2nd | Monkey Business at Moorrunner (GWP) | J Jay |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Esshesdown Elysium (GSP) | K Hamilton |
Critiques:
Date:
6th November 2015
General:
The trial ground was composed of two shallow valleys opening out onto a large flat boggy area, cover was largely white grass and rushes interspersed with bracken on the drier banks. Whilst the bracken was a little problematic, because of its height, the dogs were all generally given runs where they could be viewed clearly for nearly the entirety of the run. The wind was a moderate South Westerly breeze and every attempt was made to keep the dogs running into wind throughout the day. Game encountered was largely pheasants with an odd snipe for variety. Game was scarce enough that the dogs had to hunt for it but plentiful enough to ensure that all dogs had some contact during their runs. In short, the ground could not have been better and was a credit to the steward of the beat.
Judges Critique
Trudvang Lara
The dog was brought in first for a retrieve from the previous dog, a 50m blind into a bracken strip. This was completed in good style with minimal handling. We moved a little up the valley to get in to fresh ground for the start of the dogs run and in doing so changed our angle to a cheek wind. The dogs first cast to catch the wind took it directly into some heavy bracken from which she did not reappear. We followed the handler with a gun and carefully went in search of the dog which was found about 100m away on solid point at the edge of the bracken. The gun moved up to the dog and just as we were waiting for a second gun to get in to position a bird broke 10m forward and left of the dog. The bird was shot and fell dead in full view of the dog which remained staunchly on point. The handler indicated to us that the dog was pointing a different bird so we asked for a production. The dog flushed its bird, strongly, on command and it flew to a gun standing remote from proceedings and was shot but only winged and could be seen making off into a further bracken bank. The dog which was steady throughout was asked to retrieve the runner which it duly did, bypassing the dead bird in full view to get out to the mark of the second bird. The lively runner was expertly brought under control and delivered tenderly to hand.
The second run took place out on an open boggy area contained on one side by a dry stane dyke, it was a head come cheek wind. Here the dog had an opportunity to show off its ample power, speed and range cutting the ground nicely and making all the way to the dyke on the left. Several times at the dyke the dog indicated game ahead but was not unduly distracted making good its ground before she eventually slowed right down and started to indicate in a small tight patch of rushes adjacent to the dyke. Luckily a gun was on the ball and having noticed the dog’s demeanour was already in place when a sneaky cock pheasant jumped just behind the dog and straight up and over the dyke.
The bird was shot, blind of the dog but close. Given the presence of a barbed ‘scare’ wire on the top of the dyke the dog was not sent directly but taken 70m away to a gate for access. This actually improved the quality of the retrieve as it was longer, blind and with little chance of help from the handler. The dog showed good initiative and dealt with everything in good style again. The water test was completed with confidence. A commendable performance in both runs which showed off the dog’s natural aptitude, style and above all understanding of what was required.
Monkey Business at Moorrunner
The first run for this dog took place in a shallow rushie gully ending in a solid bracken bed, the dog benefited from an almost true head wind. The dog covered her ground well if a little flat, showing excellent obedience and attentiveness to her handler who in turn handled the dog quietly ensuring no ground was missed. She kept this up for most of her run before cautiously indicating, then disappearing, into a solid bracken bed where we found her staunchly on point. A smart production was followed by a clever touch when the dog stood on its back legs to ‘mark’ the fall of the shot bird in the high bracken. She was steady throughout and did not move from the spot. Her mark was perfect and the retrieve was completed in an efficient manner, the dog did ‘adjust’ her grip on the bird on the return but this was wholly spontaneous requiring no intervention on the part of the handler and was understandable given the thickness of the bracken. The delivery was also very good.
Her second run was out in the open with a dry stane dyke bordering her beat on the left and on this occasion she had a head/cheek wind. Again the dog showed us that she was very attentive to her handler’s wishes and again covered her ground well leaving no stone unturned, unfortunately her second run was blank despite the dog’s best efforts.
The water test was completed in excellent fashion. A very good performance in both runs showing her experience particularly in the work around and immediately after the shot.
Eshesdown Elysium
We started the day with this dog at the head of an open gully the bottom of which was full of thick rushes into a true head wind. Her first run was largely uneventful other than a rather convincing empty point on a recently vacated haunt. Her hunting was reasonably good though needed some direction from the handler in order to ensure the ground was covered adequately. She was however obedient to the handlers commands.
Her second run took place on a steep bracken covered bank where she was rewarded with a point at the top of the bank shortly after being slipped. She remained staunch whilst we all clambered up there and got ready, unfortunately the bird had moved on somewhat by this time and the dog had to draw forward to relocate. Whilst this was going on the pheasant could be seen running ahead of the dog and it flushed in the open and was subsequently shot. A straightforward retrieve was completed competently and without incident. We gave this dog a third run in order that we might see her hunting in an open environment and give her the opportunity to consolidate on the previous work. Whilst she tried hard unfortunately her third run was blank. This dog’s water test was also performed very well.
Conclusion
On behalf of Fred and myself I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for this opportunity to judge. We had a great day on ground that really allowed the dogs to shine and were delighted to be able to give out these three well deserved awards. We would also like to thank all of the competitors for attending, it was great to see so many good dogs and we wish everyone the best of luck for the remainder of the season.
Chris Gray
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – ASHINTULLY CASTLE. 2nd December 2015
Judges: Mr P O’Driscoll & Mr P Ross
by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Steel and Mr & Mrs Holland Bosworth.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
Unknown
Critiques:
To follow
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – BROCKET. 11th January 2016
Judges: Mrs S Kuban and Mr S Robson
by kind permission of Mr D Massey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
No Awards given
Critiques:
Date:
11th January 2016
Weather conditions:
Dry and sunny, wet underfoot.
Scenting Conditions:
Good
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
400 acres of new ground for this trial this year, called “The Dump”. Undulating re-claimed land with pockets of brambles and bracken banks. There were sufficient wily January pheasants and rabbits to test both dogs and handlers.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
A Novice trial with swirling wind conditions, some dogs having backwinds on both runs. With the exception of three or four dogs, the ground/ conditions seemed to hamper progress and they were never able to get in touch with their birds. We were able to give three dogs a third run, but to no avail.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to our keeper Saul Underwood, Chief Steward David Pilkington, my co judge Sheila Kuban (thanks for your help, advice and guidance) on the day, and not least to Janice Hawkes for all the hard and unseen work behind the scenes in organising this trial.
Disappointed we could not make any awards on the day, but it goes like that sometimes.
Stephen Robson
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. 26th January 2016
Judges: Mr A Russell and Mr R Gould
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Sanjon Crystal (GSP) | Tim Bennett |
| 2nd | Peersofdales Highlander (GSP) | Jayne Herbert |
| 3rd | Monkeybusiness at Moorrunner (GWP) | Jackie Hay |
| 4th | Sutchest Snipe (GSP) | Bob Steel |
| CoM | Quintana Quixotic (GSP) | Maureen Nixon |
The John Jones Memorial Trophy and The Derry Aire Troph Winner – Sanjon Crystal
Holland Island Rex Trophy for the Best Water Retrieve – Monkeybusiness at Moorrunner
Critiques:
Date:
26th January 2016
Weather:
A dry day, temperatures rising from 8 to 12 C with a fickle wind varying in speed and direction but mainly southerly.
Scenting Conditions:
Poor
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Mainly white grass in blocks of ground separated by ditches. Type of game was Pheasant, Woodcock, Snipe, Duck.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
A high standard of enthusiastic dog work with quiet but effective handling was demonstrated throughout the day in poor scenting conditions and where the wind would often veer through 180 degrees in the course of a single run.
Judges Critique:
Sanjon Crystal
With the benefit of a constant head wind this bitch quartered her first beat with pace and style in textbook fashion. At the end of her beat she produced a cock pheasant off her point and on command made a straightforward retrieve to hand
On her second run with a cheek wind she hunted a tricky piece of ground with enthusiasm without finding game Peersofdales Highlander
Initially she retrieved a hen pheasant shot over the previous dog then worked on, very carefully working through some tall vegetation where four pheasants had lifted previously she pointed a woodcock which was shot and fell out of her range of vision. She was handled to the point of fall and made a careful retrieve to hand.
On her second run she pointed a cock pheasant which flushed and was not shot. She then was handled blind to make a good retrieve on a snipe
Monkey Business at Moorrunner
This bitch hunted the cover along a drainage ditch indicating scent but finding no game before cutting in to carefully hunt an area of tall white grass. Here she pointed and produced two hen pheasants both of which were shot, another cock and hen lifted at the shots but she remained steady and retrieved a hen tenderly to hand on command.
On her second run she worked well and pointed a brace of snipe which were not shot Sutchest Snipe
This dog was quickly onto a running bird at the start of his first run and gamely followed this bird for some distance before achieving a staunch point on a cock pheasant which he produced and made a good retrieve.
On his second run he covered his ground well until he came across another running bird which he indicated strongly on several occasions but never caught up with and the bird eventually flushed some 40 yards away.
Quintana Quixotic
This bitch worked carefully from the start, she had a firm point then followed the scent of a cock and a hen pheasant both of which eventually flushed out of range.
On her second run she pointed a cock pheasant which proved difficult to flush out of the tangled grass, this was lightly shot and flew a long way and left for the picking up dog to find. She hunted on covering a wide beat, had a second stanch point, flushed the cock bird on command and made a good retrieve.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to Lady Rose Hare and The Stow Estate Trust for the use of this wonderful ground, to Nigel Davies (Head keeper) for his help in preparing the ground for the trial and for his guidance throughout the day, to Rodney the tractor driver who kept our energy levels up all day with his constant supply of sweets and chocolates, to the guns Mark Evans and David Winser who shot consistently well, to Red Flag Irmgard Alcock, to picking up dog handler Keith with his lovely young Labrador bitch and a special thank you to Field Trial Sec and Chief Steward Janice Hawkes who ran the trial admirably.
We would like to thank the GSPC for their invitation to judge this Open Trial and for their kind gifts. It was a pleasure to watch these talented dogs work this lovely Open ground and we hope that many of these dogs will grace the HPR Championship this year and the handlers consider entering them for selection for the World Championships in Denmark in October.
Tony Russell and Rob Gould
2014 – 2015 Season
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – DRUMOCHTER. 20th October 2014
Judges: Mr Peter Bakewell and Mr Phil Ross
By kind permission of Lady Eira Nickson and Mr A. Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Jhebron’s Crachin (GSP) | Daryll Elliot |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Fly to Tournesol (BRIT) | M Hirst |
| CoM | Trudvang Skuld (GWP) | P Burdess |
Critiques:
Date:
20th October 2014
A lovely day to be on a quality Scottish Grouse Moor, this venue provides our club with great opportunities to train and test our dogs throughout the year, an exceptional privilege to say the least.
Weather conditions:
A dry overcast day with moderate temperatures and a steady breeze which would occasionally turn on our backs, but generally a head or cheek wind was presented to all 12 dogs.
Scenting conditions:
A team of 4 guns from the dark side (spaniel & retriever trialers) did not disappoint, putting the birds on the ground without fail, resulting in a 10 brace bag for the day.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The ground for the trial was a well managed hill with ample area to be worked, Red Grouse, Snipe and Ground Game were available during the day. The guns were asked to shoot any game that presented a safe shot, be it from a point, a dog working a scent or game unexpectedly lifting. The game taken was entirely red grouse which was well spread across the hill and predominantly taken following flushes from points.
General Standard of work and handling:
Twelve dogs ran, with all having game on their beats, a lack of steadiness was the predominant downfall during the trial with 5 dogs running in, the runs concluded with 3 dogs being taken to water.
Judges Critique:
Jhebrons Crachin
This dog ran number 8 and was brought in to retrieve a bird remaining from the previous run. Without hesitation and following a perfect display of dog control the bird was collected and retrieved to hand. The dog worked on and gave a flawless demonstration of hunting, ranged well, covered the ground with pace and style, firmly responding to the minimum of handling when required. Whilst hunting on the right of the beat a solitary bird lifted from the extreme left and was shot. A mark to the handler and the dog was sent the full width of the beat and directly to the area indicated, a brief search followed by a perfect retrieve ensured this dog would be in front of us again. On the second run the dog repeated a display of excellence and secured a solid point which was well held while guns were positioned, despite two shots at a breaking bird the dog did not flinch from its point, a definite flush with immediate drop and steadiness was crowned with another quality retrieve.
A well executed water retrieve secured top honours for this dog, without doubt the best at the trial, and may I say, one to watch out for in the future.
Fly to Tournesol
Running number 5 and taking the ground at pace, this was a stylish Brittany and well handled. On the first run one bird lifted ahead, was shot and retrieved. The second run was predominantly on a cheek wind which the dog handled well, covering the ground with pace, eventually secured a point and flushed a covey, two birds were shot and both retrieved to hand. A good water retrieve completed the day and secured the 4th place awarded.
Trudvang Skuld
Running number 3 this dog was brought in to retrieve a bird from a previous run, a vague mark from the gun and it was sent for the retrieve. The dog secured a solid point beyond the indicated area, guns were brought in, a bird was flushed to command and shot, steady throughout with a retrieve to hand freed the dog to return to the original task and another clean retrieve. On the second run the dog made an immediate find, was steady to shot and fall before being sent for the retrieve. The dog opted to point the fallen bird and took several commands to encourage a pick and retrieve on what transpired to be a very alive bird. Completion of the water retrieve completed the day and resulted in a CoM.
My sincere thanks to The German Shorthaired Pointer Club for inviting me to Judge at this stake, a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding day from watching quality dog work and handling on quality ground with an ideal distribution of game.
Special thanks to the Hosts for supporting the trial, Team of Guns for excellent shooting, Steward of the Beat/Keeper Duncan for presenting us with quality ground, Margaret Hamilton for Stewarding , Leslie Shaw for taking on the task of RED FLAG, and not forgetting my co-judge Peter Bakewell.
A delightful day ended with the traditional Scottish Group hospitality, as always very much appreciated by all.
Phil Ross.(NP3420)
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – ATTLEBOROUGH, NORFOLK. 1st November 2014
Judges: Mr Nigel Cox and Chilli Chellembrun
by kind permission of Clover Game and Shooting.
Sponsored by Roger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Lathamside Amsel Of Mullenscote (GSP) | Mr H Kirby |
| 2nd | Questor Indi (GLP) | Mr S Farr |
| 3rd | Stubblemere Dunnottar (GSP) | Mrs J Hawkes |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Hunterstone Uno (HV) | Mr M Mattravers |
The Swifthouse Trophy: Lathamside Amsel Of Mullenscote
The Hillanhi Trophy: Lathamside Amsel Of Mullenscote
Critiques:
Date:
1st November 2014
Weather Conditions:
Am – Cold, dry with sufficient wind. Pm – Warmed up in the afternoon, with a brief shower and sufficient wind
Scenting Conditions:
Close first thing but good throughout
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Barley. Sufficient birds to test all the dogs. Pheasant; Partridge; Hare
General Standard of Work and Handling:
The overall standard of work was generally very good as was the handling.
Judges Critique:
Lathamside Amsel Of Mullenscote
First Run – This dog was our first dog to come into line. She worked a cheek wind and it was evident almost immediately that there were plenty of birds on her beat as she changed her pace to a careful manner. She was thorough throughout and quickly came into a classic point where she produced a hen pheasant when asked, to which she was steady to flush and shot. She was asked to make the retrieve to which she made a quick, efficient and clean retrieve returning with the bird to hand. Moving on, this careful bitch located another bird which was treated in the same manner and retrieved some 60 yards to the left of her beat on the edge of a nearby wood.
Second Run – For her second run we saw the dog open up a little more where she moved with purpose wanting to find her handler game and this is exactly what she did. Before long she came to point a cock pheasant which was flushed without hesitation upon command. When asked, the dog made a good retrieve quickly and efficiently to hand from the adjacent stubble. A biddable bitch with an aim to please attitude.
Questor Indi
First Run – This dog also came into line where he took his beat and wind with style. His head carriage just above the cover he soon feathered onto his quarry where he quickly dominated what was in front of him. Upon command he flushed a covey of approximately 20 Partridge that got up 15-20 yards ahead of him. None of the birds presented themselves to the guns so the dog was asked to work on. With a nice pace throughout it wasn’t long before the dog again indicated game ahead and worked up onto and pointed a cock pheasant. Upon request, the dog flushed the bird and retrieved to hand which concluded his run.
Second Run – On his second run, the dog initially worked a head wind which changed to a left to right cheek wind. He ran with pace and indicated birds ahead working them on until he came into his point. Upon request to produce, 5 pheasants got up with two coming down as very strong runners. The dog was sent but unfortunetly these two birds got the better of him and neither were found going forward. A committed game finder.
Stubblemere Dunnottar
First Run – This dog was asked into line to work a beat with his wind very much changing throughout. He worked the wind nicely throughout covering his ground quickly with purpose acknowledging the presence of game ahead. Before long he came onto point a hen bird that was flushed on command and returned to hand upon request but not at the same pace and style as his hunting prior.
Second Run – The dog again worked his beat with pace. He quickly realised the change in wind again having to cast out deep to make the most of a back wind. Almost at the furthest of his cast, a long way off from his handler he indicated he had birds ahead of him. His handler believed her dog and took us and the guns toward her dog. The dog was working his bird from a long way off his nose but he eventually pointed a cock pheasant. He produced the bird upon request and retrieved the bird to hand when asked. A willing and enthusiastic hunter.
Hunterstone Uno
First Run – This dog was called into line to work her beat into wind. She worked well with her quiet handler, although at times a little too reliant on him. She worked at a moderate pace indicating the presence of game but on this run never managed to catch up with.
Second Run – For her second run, the dog worked a right to left cheek wind. Again she worked with a moderate pace with her handler and before long she found her quarry drawing onto a bird resulting in a staunch point. When asked, she drove in with pace producing a cock pheasant that was shot, landing in an adjacent sugar beet field. She marked it excellently retrieving the bird to hand with speed and effiency when asked.
Water Tests – All dogs completed the water test to an adequate level.
Both Nigel and myself would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for the invitation to judge. Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped organise it and particularly our hosts Clover Game & Shooting Ltd.
May I also take this opportunity to thank my Co-Judge for lending me his knowledge and experience throughout the day.
Richard Chellumbrun & Nigel Cox
ALL-AGED FIELD TRIAL – BREWLANDS ESTATE. 1st November 2014
Judges: Rita Howard and Chris Gray
by kind permission of Sir Brian Ivory.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Cawdor (GSP) | Mr M Canham |
| 2nd | Jhebron’s Crachin (GSP) | Mr D Elliot |
| 3rd | Graham’s Mark One (GSP) | Mr C Graham |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
1st November 2014
Scenting conditions:
The trial was carried out on the periphery of the open hill with the usual mixture of heather, rushes and white grass interspersed with occasional willow bushes. The beat was worked to the instruction of the steward and all wind directions were encountered. Most dogs had the advantage of at least one run into the wind though unfortunately this was not possible for all dogs. Weather on the day was cool but pleasant with a gentle westerly breeze, remaining largely dry throughout. Scent appeared reasonably good until later in the afternoon when it dropped off appreciably.
Game:
The game encountered on the day was largely composed of pheasants though there were a number of red-legged partridges, a couple of hares and a solitary woodcock for variation.
Whilst sparse at times, this only added to the quality of the hunting required to get in to birds and if anything made the day even more enjoyable, virtually all dogs had the opportunity of a bird or two and the steward of the beat went out of his way to ensure this was the case.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
It would be fair to say that there was a wide variation of experience within the dogs on the card (as is normal for an All-Aged Stake) and this was reflected in the work we saw. Most, if not all dogs, went well when presented with a head wind and bare ground, but the same dogs faltered, (a little), when presented with a back wind and the copious ground scent from birds running ahead. In these conditions the more experienced dogs rose above the others and gave us three very deserving award winners.
The water test for the award winners was carried out across a narrow but fast flowing River Isla with a steep entry and was completed by all three dogs.
Judges Critique:
Stubblemere Cawdor
In the first part of her run this young bitch showed us her expertise in handling the light variable back wind on the open hill before dropping into some thinned conifers where, after a short time, she positively indicated game ahead. At this point the wind (which was now in our face) dropped for a second, but the dog was not to be denied and she quickly relocated the bird which turned out to be a woodcock. The bird flushed of its own accord and was unfortunately missed.
At this juncture we picked the dog up and after a short walk we started her in a new area composed of a felled shelter belt adjoining a triangular game cover strip. The shelter belt was blank but the dog directly came on point within the cover strip and was rewarded when five hen pheasants flushed straight ahead, the dog still solid on point! Luck was not with the guns on this occasion and nothing fell despite the excellent opportunity. The dog was picked up.
Her second run took place within the confines of a steep rocky gully, the base of which was covered in thick willows. Almost immediately after the dog descended a couple of cock pheasants flushed of their own accord but were missed, the dog remained steady and was asked to hunt on but she did not have to hunt for long before we could see her clearly on point below us. The handler went down to his dog whereupon a single hen pheasant flushed and was shot, falling on the far side of the gully and presenting the dog with a 30m blind retrieve up the very steep bank. The retrieve was completed with a little direction and the bird was brought tenderly to hand with little fuss.
A third run was called for, such was the difficulty in deciding a winner from the top two dogs!
This took place in a three quarter back wind out on the open heather. After some pragmatic hunting, (the scent was obviously deteriorating) the dog indicated a moving bird which was trapped between us and the dog. The bird, a hen pheasant, flushed and was shot and retrieved with pace from a straightforward mark. This ended the dogs third run.
Jhebron’s Crachin
Like the previous dog, the first run for this bitch took place over a variety of terrain with varying wind conditions. Starting with a head wind in a paddock of rough grass she quickly made good her ground and we progressed across a small road to a rather tight birch wood where the handler worked hard to keep his dog in hand. This opened out back on to the open hill, the dog finishing her run in a back wind in high rushes. The back wind work was superb and she was rewarded with a staunch point facing both guns and handler. The handler stood his ground and the dog flushed the bird, on command, directly towards the handler. The bird was shot, though not quite dead, and was retrieved promptly without incident.
Her second run took place in the same gully as described for the previous dog and, in a similar fashion, she quickly came to a point. The handler commanded the dog to flush from the top of the bank and she went in without hesitation a bird flushing shortly thereafter. The dog remained steady, though remote and unsighted from the handler, and the bird was shot. Unfortunately it was only winged and glided about 100yds down the gully before crash landing round a corner, blind to all of us. The dog was sent from where it sat with only the flight direction of the bird to guide it. We allowed the handler the grace of moving 50m down the gully to get a decent view of the dog and its work. She quickly located the winged bird, which had not travelled far on foot, and it was retrieved tenderly to hand.
The third run was on similar terrain and wind direction to the preceding dog and again ground treatment and style were impeccable. The third run was blank and the dog was picked up.
Graham’s Mark One
Running, with a back wind on open ground, this older dog was a wee bit slower than the other two, but what she lacked in speed she made up for in guile, using the wind and the cover on the ground to her absolute advantage. She needed little handling and almost looked like she knew her way about the hill such was the economy of her style.
It was not too long before she had a nice find 150m or so above us. We all marched up there and were not disappointed when both a hen and cock pheasant flushed from either side of the dog. The hen was shot, and whilst it dropped in view of the dog, the actual fall was unsighted to both dog and handler. This mattered little as the dog made an excellent unaided job of the retrieve.
Her second run was as per the previous two dogs, in the bottom of the rocky gully, and again it was not long until she was indicating game running ahead. Two cock birds flushed and were both, shot dead, flapping and rolling to the bottom of the gully in full view of the dog which remained steady, though remote from the handler who was still at the top of the bank. Both birds were retrieved tenderly to hand with minimal handling and this concluded the run.
She was not required for a third run. Her work showed measured experience that can only be found in a mature dog and her handler can be rightfully proud that she is still capable of work at this level.
Conclusion
On behalf of Rita and myself I would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for the opportunity to judge this trial on what was excellent ground for HPRs.
I should also like to thank Rita personally for putting up with me!
We thoroughly enjoyed our day which was made all the more interesting by the quality of the work on show. The three dogs in the awards were all top class making it very difficult to decide on an actual winner.
In terms of the other dogs, there were several that on another day, with a little more luck, may well have been within the awards and we wish all the handlers every success with their dogs in the future.
Christopher Gray
OPEN FIELD TRIAL – CORNHILL-ON-TWEED, NORTHUMBERLAND. 6th November 2014
Judges: Irmgard Alcock and Peter Howard
by kind permission of Mr G Jamieson.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Cawder (GSP) | Mr M Canham |
| 2nd | Warmilanghaar Tash of Mullenscote (GLP) | Mr H Kirby |
| 3rd | Sigourney Shakira (GSP) | Mr P Bakewell |
| 4th | Monkey Business of Moorrunner (GWP) | Mrs J Hay |
| CoM | Witham Friary Tullulah (GSP) | Ms G Pillinger |
| CoM | Essen Nazia Vorstehund (GSP) | Mr D Smith |
| CoM | Birkemosen’s Petra at Trudvang (GWP) | Mr C Gray |
Critiques:
Date:
6th November 2014
Weather Conditions:
The trial commenced with a full card of twelve runners. We had slight rain early on but ceased around 11am. Wind was slight but adequate for dog work. There on the weather remained overcast.
Scenting Conditions:
Good all day allowing the better dogs to stand off their birds and produce easy shots for the guns.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
There was a regular plentiful supply of game, which included Pheasant, Great Snipe and Woodcock. Early runs took place in grassy wetland followed by white grass in a plantation of Conifers. From then on the remainder of the trial was spent in Kale strips and the occasional connecting hedgerow.
General Standard of work and handling:
General standard of work was good, control in particular was precise from most competitors to cope with the narrow beats. Being able to finish with seven dogs in the awards is an indication of the standard and the quantity of game available.
Judges Critique:
Stubblemere Cawder
Impressive Black and White GSP Bitch, when in her first run displayed all the caution and steadiness in testing conditions in an open bottomed hedgerow with birds visibly running on, Initially was sent for a hen pheasant second dog down but couldn’t retrieve as the bird was suspended in the hedgerow and picked by hand.
The bitch’s second run in Kale cover crop (which needed a really good frost) was no more than 15 m wide. The adjacent maize strips were unworkable. Very quickly a bird was found, produced and retrieved on command but was shot fairly close. The bitch was put down again and within seconds found, pointed well off her bird and produced a cock pheasant which was shot after another copybook flush on command with the now customary steadiness to flush and fall. The bitch completed her run retrieving tenderly to hand. A very complete steady professional performance with the dog /handler team in front of the field
Warmilanghaar Tash of Mullenscote
A stylish hunter, always in control was given thick grassland and young conifers but unfortunately had a blank run. In his second run working a difficult kale patch again had a blank run. In his third run again in kale, a cock pheasant was pointed and produced to which he was steady to flush, shot and fall. On command the bird was retrieved quickly and tenderly, nice to watch.
Sigourney Shakira
Somewhat workmanlike bitch but thorough. Her first run was along a hedgerow where she was unfortunate in not making the most of a woodcock. She went on to point and was steady to a flush of three pheasants before the guns were in place and the command to flush was given. A second run was in an uphill Kale game strip where a hen pheasant was pointed, produced on command and shot landing over a stock fence in a wood. The bitch was steady to flush, shot and fall. A difficult retrieve was made to look easy as the dog worked out the best way round the fence.
Monkey Business of Moorrunner
A bird lifted immediately the bitch was cast off for her first run but sadly this was the only pheasant on her beat. Her running style could be a little more fluent but covered her ground.
Her second run was in a kale plantation on a hill where she pointed and held a cock pheasant, she produced on command was steady to flush, shot and fall but the bird fell behind a row of large circular straw bales. Eventually the dog completed the retrieve the long way round.
There were also three certificates of merit awarded to;
Witham Friary Tullulah – effective but lacked pace.
Essen Nazia Vorstehund – needs to maximise retrieving opportunities.
Birkemosen’s Petra at Trudvang – retrieving was adequate but not perfect.
Unfortunately the water was not accessible for handlers or dogs in the areas where the water was deep enough for the dogs to swim, we made the decision therefore to issue water certificates.
Our appreciation and thanks must go to Mr. Glynn Jamieson who worked tirelessly all day to find us game holding ground and was very good to work with. Also our thanks go to the GSP Club for inviting us to judge in this beautiful part of the world and finally to Janice Hawkes who stewarded efficiently over a very long day.
Mrs Irmgard Alcock & Mr Peter Howard
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. 7th December 2014
Judges: Fred Alcock and Craig Graham
by kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Dunnottar (GSP) | Janice Hawkes |
| 2nd | Ceannacroc Peel of Riffmuir (GSP) | Ally Learmouth |
| 3rd | Sigourney Celeste (GSP) | Godfrey Card |
| 4th | Sunbeam Seeker (GSP) | Michael Carre |
| CoM | Fly to Tournesol (BRIT) | Mark Hirst |
| CoM | Kinlochmore Lovat Luck (GSP) | Stewart Symmers |
Critiques:
Date:
7th December 2014
Weather conditions:
Dry, good wind
Judges Critique
Stubblemere Dunnottar:
This dog ran with purpose and vigour and indicated game on his first run. Unfortunately, the bird got up before the guns could get into positon. He ran well on his second run but there was no game on his beat. His third run was in a game crop with an abundance of game running in front. The dog pointed and a bird was flushed on command. The bird was shot and retrieved to hand on command. During the retrieve birds were flushing around the dog but he stuck to the task in hand. To finish was a good water retrieve.
This dog was very quietly handled. He ran with great vigour and was very polished on the day.
Ceannocroc Peel of Riffmuir:
This dog ran well through sparse silver birch and bracken. He pointed a cock pheasant which was shot and retrieved on command. His second run was in game crop with lots of birds running on. He pointed and flushed a bird which was shot but was distracted on the retrieve by other birds which hampered the retrieve. To finish was a good water retrieve.
This dog lacked a little control when there were other birds and scent in the same place.
Sigourney Celeste:
This dog ran well on its first run with good ground cover and treatment. A pheasant lifted away from the dog but too far away for the gun to shoot. The second run was in gamecrop with birds running on. The dog pointed, flushed on command and the bird was shot. When out for the retrieve the dog pointed another bird which was flushed on command but not shot. The dog then had a bit of trouble finding the original retrieve but managed it in the end. To finish was a good water retrieve.
This dog was similar to the 2nd placed dog in that it lacked a little control when there were other birds and scent in the same place.
Sunbeam Seeker:
This dog ran very well on its first run covering the ground with style and drive. He pointed and flushed a bird which was shot. When on the retrieve another bird flushed but the dog stuck to the task in hand. On his second and third runs no game was found. To finish was a good water retrieve.
This was a very stylish dog.
Our thanks go to Lord Joicey and to the guns who shot very well.
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – ASHINTULLY CASTLE. 6th December 2014
Judges: Eddie Kania and Jackie Hay
by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Steel and Mr & Mrs Holland Bosworth.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Trudvang Lola (GWP) | Chris Gray |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Enryb House Party at Clannliath (WEI) | Phil Ross |
Critiques:
Date:
6th December 2014
Weather conditions:
Cold with little wind which changed direction throughout the day. Scenting conditions appeared to be fine. The ground consisted of rushes and white grass with small areas of woodland.
Judges Critique:
Trudvang Lola
This bitch had her first run in an area of rushes on a back wind. She worked the ground with pace and pointed a snipe which lifted. On her second run in an area of white grass, a hen pheasant was shot on the side of her beat and was not picked. She was worked on and pointed a pheasant which was shot and retrieved to hand. She was run on for a third time in rushes. A pheasant was shot as she started her run which was retrieved. She was worked on and pointed. Two hen pheasants lifted and were shot. Both were retrieved to hand.
Enryb House Party at Clannliath
This dog was brought up for a retrieve on a running hen pheasant. He took the line with style and retrieved the bird to hand. The reminder of his run in white grass and rushes was blank. He was run for a second time in an area of white grass and pointed a pheasant which was shot and retrieved to hand. He was worked on in to an area of woodland and pointed a cock pheasant which was shot but flew on and landed across a gully. The bird was seen to run. The dog was sent and took the line but did not pick the bird. This dog was brought up for two further runs in white grass and rushes which were blank.
We would like to thank the GSPC for inviting us to judge and the hosts for allowing us to use the ground.
Eddie Kania & Jackie Hay
NOVICE STAKE – BROCKET. 20th January 2015
Judges: MJean Robertson & Steve Pleasance
by kind permission of Mr D Massey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Wamilanghaar Roy (GLP) | T Gould |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Ekkolander Tullibardine (LM) | K Saynor |
| 4th | Stubblemere Evanesco (GSP) | M Canham |
Critiques:
Date:
20th January 2015
Weather conditions:
The weather on the day was cold, southwesterly wind with rain later in the day.
Scenting Conditions:
Scenting conditions were very short.
Type Of Ground, Quantity and Species of Game:
Ground on the day was open woodland with bracken bottom. Game encountered was pheasant, hare, rabbit, deer and numerous woodcock.
General Standard of Work and Handling:
We were spoilt with a good card of various HPR hunting dogs. Most of the dogs hunted very well, but running pheasants got the better of some, and inexperience to scenting woodcock let the majority down.
Judges Critique
Wamilanghaar Roy
On his first run he ran with a head wind in bracken. He ran with drive and purpose and quickly located and pointed a cock pheasant on the edge of a wood. He held the bird as the guns moved in and he flushed on command he was steady to flush and fall and made easy work of the retrieve to hand.
Second run was in a large pen area. He ran cheek wind, wide with good pace covering all areas but to no avail. Blank run.
Water was good.
Ekkolander Tullibardine
Another good hunting dog, ran cheek to head wind in bracken. Covered ground well with good pace. Was careful on scent and came on point on a fallen tree. As the guns moved forward, a woodcock lifted but was not shot. Dog was steady to flush and shot. Hunted on but nothing else was found.
Second run, also ran in the pen area covering all areas thoroughly. Came on point on a fallen tree again and produced a hen bird which was shot but flew on.
Was run on a third time for a blank run.
Fourth run. A cock pheasant was shot on the flank, which was subsequently retrieved to hand.
Water was good.
Stubblemere Evanesco
First run cheek wind in open clear bottom woodland. Dog ran fast and very wide looking for moving birds. Came across bracken and pointed at the base of a tree as gun moved up, a hare flushed but the gun was unable to get a clear shot. Dog was steady to flush.
Second run in pen area, dog covered a large area of ground hunting very well to no avail but she found and retrieved the hen previously shot gently to hand. Carried on hunting but no further game was encountered. Water was good.
The day was hard going as far as nailing game, but the more experienced dogs took advantage of the opportunities presented. I would like to thank the GSP club for the invitation to judge and our host Mr D Massey, our steward of the beat, Saul, for showing us around, my co-judge Jean Robertson, chief steward D Pilkington, red flag and picking up dog. Not forgetting our guns David Winser and Bambos.
Steve Pleasance
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. 27th January 2015
Judges: Steve Kimberley & Dave Pilkington
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | FT Ch Aytee Isadora (GSP) | Lucie Hustler (subject to KC approval) |
| 2nd | Trubon Delta Truffe (WEI) | Suzi Burton |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Madcap Red Cardinal (GSP) | Fred Alcock |
| CoM | Tyspylaird Glencoe (GSP) | Lee Loveridge |
| CoM | Questor Fleurie (GSP) | Eileen Winser |
| CoM | Greenwire Lenci (HV) | Jean Robertson |
Best Water Retrieve and Guns’ Award, Aytee Isadora
Critiques:
Date:
27th January 2015.
Game:
Pheasant, Partridge, Woodcock & Hare.
Ground:
White Grass Fields, Plantations, Ditchlines, Brambles, Cut Woodland & Fields Of Sugar Beet.
Scenting:
Fair To Good
Judges Critique:
Aytee Isadora
On her first run she started to work a field of white grass and reeds to a cheek wind, this she did with perfection and minimal help from the handler. She turned into a head wind and worked on to indicate on residual scent, no game was produced. The second run started on a field of sugar beet to a back wind, she worked the ground with good pace and purpose. Two points were gained, she was steady to both flush and shot with retrieves made tenderly to hand. Her last run, once again in sugar beet to a backwind, the run started with a pheasant lifting from ground which was not yet worked close to the dog, she remained steady to flush, shot and fall. Another dog was brought forward for this retrieve. Both the dog and handler worked together with perfection. A blind retrieve from across water completed the day.
Trubon Delta Truffe
On her first run she started in a field on white grass with small areas of reeds working to a cheek wind. After investigating some residual scent she started to work with good pace. It was not long before she came on point, she held it well allowing the guns to come forward. She was steady to flush, unfortunately the pheasant was not shot. The second run was inside an area of woodland to a cheek wind, towards the edge of the wood she had an excellent point which produced a nice retrieve on a pheasant. The last run was in the sugar beet working a backwind, she worked the ground with good purpose in search of game. Throughout the day she was handled quietly and was very responsive. Unfortunately, no game was found. A blind retrieve across water completed the day.
Madcap Red Cardinal
His first run was in white grass and reeds to a head wind. Moving with style and pace he covered the ground nicely. He pointed then moved on in pursuit of a pheasant which was shot and retrieved with some help from the handler. The second run was within a block of woodland working to a head wind. A good point was held followed by a flush and a retrieve to hand. The last run was in sugar beet to a backwind, he came round sideways into a pheasant which lifted but was not shot. Moving on another point was gained on another pheasant. On this last run he did well as the wind had changed and came from all directions throughout. A blind retrieve across water completed the day.
Tyspylaird Glencoe
On his first run he worked a track with gorse bushes to the right hand flank, this was to a side wind. After a hundred yards the dog and handler swung left and started to work a head wind. Before long he had an excellent point on a covey of partridge which were moving on. The dog tracked forward, unfortunately the covey lifted before they could be held by the dog. Working on he had another point on a pheasant which lifted and was not shot. The second run was in a field of sugar beet working to a cheek wind, within a short distance he had a point which proved to be non productive. Hunting on he covered his ground nicely and with purpose. On the left hand side of the field he held a good point which produced a hare that was shot and retrieved to hand. The dog was brought forward for a third run once again in sugar beet to a back wind, he ran well but the run was a blank one. Lastly, he was brought forward during another dogs run to retrieve a pheasant to hand. A blind retrieve across water completed the day.
Questor Fleurie
Her first run started in a field of white grass working towards a tree lined ditch to a head wind. She worked with great pace, using the wind. On approaching the ditch she had an excellent point which, on command, produced a pheasant that was shot and retrieved to hand. The second run she worked to a cheek wind in sugar beet, she covered the ground with good pace. A hare got up from its form and was shot some 40 yards from the dog, she remained steady to the shot then she retrieved to hand tenderly. Her final run was also in sugar beet to a back wind, no game was found. A blind retrieve across water completed the day.
Greenwire Lenci
On her first run she worked the corner of a field of white grass to a cross wind. She moved with good pace in search of game, swinging left to work away from the corner she took a backwind and started to open her bites on the ground. Before long she had an excellent point in a patch of reeds. On command, she produced a pheasant, which was shot and retrieved to hand. Her second run was to a back wind in a field of sugar beet, she covered her ground nicely, unfortunately 3 pheasant flushed outside of her beat. A blind retrieve across water completed the day.
We would like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for asking us both to make judgement on the day, to Lady Rose Hare & the Stow Estate Trust, to Nigel our Keeper of the beat and Head Keeper for the Estate, our tractor driver & picking up dog. Our guns for the day, who provided the retrieves for the dogs and finally Janice Hawkes (FT Secretary) for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Club.
As always the day was made enjoyable by the good spirit of all of the competitors and all involved.
Steve Kimberley & Dave Pilkington
2013 – 2014 Season
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – DRUMOCHTER. 14th August 2013
Judges: Eileen Winser and Brian Botterman
By kind permission of Mr A. Finlay.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Stubblemere Cawdor GSP | Handler M Canham |
| 2nd | Tournesol Douce (BRIT) | Handler M Hirst |
| 3rd | Jhebron’s Crachin (GSP) | Handler D Elliot |
| 4th | Enryb House Party at Clannlaith (WEI) | Weimaraner Handler P Ross |
| CoM | Hosta Pride in Greyspirit (SLV RHP) | Handler L Hunter |
Critiques:
Date:
14th August 2013
Weather conditions:
Dry, sunny, with a light breeze
Scenting conditions:
Very good
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Moorland with heather and grass and rushes.
Game seen:
Plentiful grouse and snipe.
General standard of work and handling:
Very good, quite sensibly handled
Judges Critique:
Stubblemere Cawdor.
This young dog hunted with style and purpose. She quickly came on to a covey, the adult pair lifted and the dog pointed staunchly on a covey of cheepers at very close range. On command she stayed until the cheepers were safely lifted. She was again cast off and quickly pointed a single grouse that was shot. She was steady to shot and fall and made a good retrieve to hand.
On her second run she again covered the ground well. Made a very good point holding the birds for some time until the guns were in place. Produced the birds on command, steady to flush and shot. Made a smart marked retrieve on a live bird. An excellent all round performance
Tournesol Douce.
This dog hunted with great drive and purpose, but occasionally turned back on the wind. She came on point but the bird lifted before the guns could be in place, no fault of the dog and was steady to flush.
Second round. She was much improved covering her ground with great purpose. She had a very good point on a covey, holding the birds until the guns were in place. She was steady to shot and fall of two birds which she retrieved efficiently and tenderly to hand.
Jhebron’s Crachin.
This young dog hunted with style and pace. He pointed staunchly to a covey on the top of a bank, was steady to flush and shot. The bird fell as a runner some distance away down the bank, was sent to the area. When hunting the area she pointed another pair. From a distance the handler managed to quickly get the dog to flush the birds and continue to hunt for the runner. This she successfully achieved.
On her second run she again covered a great deal of ground. Unfortunately there was no game.
In her third round she quickly came on to point, was steady to shot and flush and made a smart marked retrieve.
Enryb House Party at Clannlaith.
He did not cover a great deal of ground but the area covered was hunted methodically. He came on to ground scent on a bank of heather; the birds had left the area and run on to some cover. The dog had a very good point was steady to shot and made a retrieve on a live bird to hand.
On his second run he again hunted with a low head carriage he tracked and eventually pointed a covey. A bird was shot and the retrieve took some time.
Hosta Pride in Greyspirit.
This dog was handled and hunted quietly, was slow to come on to game, due to his lower head carriage, pointed a covey, was steady to shot and made a good retrieve.
On his second run his ground treatment was a little erratic, he hunted out a single bird, mainly by ground scent; the bird lifted but was too far out to be shot.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this Trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to the Head Keeper, Alistair Lyon. Thanks also to the Steward Margaret Hamilton and the red flag; and to the Scottish Branch and the Highland Group for their hospitality and excellent catering.
We extend our thanks to the GSP Club for the opportunity to judge this most successful Trial, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The conditions were ideal, on the most perfect ground, on which every dog had birds. The Guns, Keeper Allen and Guest Gun, from America, Chris, were excellent and contributed to the success of the day; both shot particularly well and at all times were in tune with the handler and the dog. Thanks also to the competitors for their good sportsmanship and good humour throughout the day.
Eileen Winser and Brian Botterman
ALL-AGED FIELD TRIAL – BREWLANDS ESTATE. 12th October 2013
Judges: Mr R Cullen & Mr P O’Driscoll
by kind permission of Sir Brian Ivory.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Jhebron’s Crachin (GSP) | Daryll Elliot |
Critiques:
Date:
12th October 2013
Weather Conditions:
Bright, sunny after heavy frost. Wind light to none, variable.
Scenting conditions:
Very difficult early, improving pm
Type of ground, quality and species of game:
Rushy hillside, white grass. Good number of pheasant seen running forward, snipe seen.
General standard of work and handling:
Fair to good given the conditions
Judges Critique:
Jhebron’s Crachin
A smart young GSP bitch pointed when sent to retrieve a lightly shot pheasant, 3 pheasants departed including the bird sent for, all birds could be seen together on the ground prior to flush.
The dog hunted well on open hillside running with pace and style using the wind to full advantage. The handler called the dog to redirect, the dog flushed and acknowledged a bird it could not have pointed.
Second run. Birds were running forward, the dog had already pointed where birds had just departed. A second point proved successful after a relocation. The handler somewhat dominated the production. The bird was collected successfully.
A good water test followed.
Both judges felt with the minor blemishes on the performances that a CoM was correct. We both felt that the partnership had a good trialling future.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to the Chief Steward and Keeper Craig Graham.
P O’Driscoll
OPEN FIELD TRIAL – LAUDER. 7th November 2013
Judges:John Naylor & Chris Gray
by kind permission of Mr A Wilson Young and Eskdale Shooting Services.
Sponsored by Roger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | FT Ch Stubblemere Black Magic (GSP) | Mick Canham |
| 3rd | Wamilanghaar Gemini of Caldera (GLP) | Steve Kimberley |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Questor A'Choire Ghlais (GSP) | Eileen Winser |
| CoM | Sutchest Rosa (GSP) | Jim Bird |
Critiques:
Date:
7th November 2013
Weather conditions:
The day started cold and clear and remained dry, whilst it was reasonably warm in the middle of the day the cold started to bite again in the afternoon particularly on the exposed hillside where the wind was a gusting South Westerly.
Type of ground, quality and species of game:
The terrain varied from steep sided heather and bracken clad valleys to thicket staged broadleaved woodland and lastly open hill with white grass and beds of rashes and bracken. Whilst we did see/hear a number of grouse they were generally higher up than our allotted ground and it was predominately pheasants and a smattering of woodcock that figured on the day. Whilst game was not easy to come by, there was certainly enough to test the dogs and most dogs had several opportunities to show off their abilities.
General standard of work and handling:
The steep sided valleys coupled with variable winds and heavy bracken made the ground challenging for our handlers who generally made a good job of it. Scent appeared to vary throughout the day but did not appear to be particularly bad at any time. The better dogs on the day adapted instantly to changes in wind direction and handlers benefited enormously by simply trusting their dogs.
Judges Critique:
Stubblemere Black Magic
This dog’s first run commenced in a steep sided valley bottom. There was abundant game holding cover in the form of bracken beds interspersed with rushes. Wind was light and variable but predominately head on. The dog got into scent directly in some rushes adjacent to a small pond, a positive draw ended in a solid point and a cock pheasant was produced on command. The bird was brought down but was a runner. Unfortunately the dog failed on the retrieve, as did the second dog down and the picking up dog was called in to continue the search. The dogs run continued and she was rewarded again with a second find and did some good work flushing the bird, on command, at some distance from the handler. This bird was shot and retrieved with little fuss from either handler or dog.
The dog was brought in for a retrieve as ‘second dog down’ at the start of her second run.
A winged pheasant had been seen to run into a steep bracken bank at about 50m distance from the handler in a back/cheek wind. Whilst the dog initially drew in the wrong direction this proved to be from the scent of a hare, to which the dog was steady and after this distraction was dealt with she got down to business. She located the live bird in the bracken and after a determined effort captured the bird and brought it tenderly to hand. The dog’s run continued after this back up the bracken clad gulley and was rewarded with a further point on a rabbit. The rabbit flushed with some difficulty but was missed.
The water test was completed competently.
All told this was a commendable performance from an experienced dog on difficult ground.
Wamilanghaar Gemini of Caldera
The wind was highly variable in this dogs first run, varying in an instant from a light head wind to a full back wind all in an extremely steep bracken and heather clad gulley. The dog’s ground treatment had a steady pace but was impeccable throughout, constantly adapting to the changing conditions. After some time the dog indicated there was game ahead and drew forward out of sight of handler and judge, a flush of three pheasants ensued but none were shot. The dog indicated again making a point and draw but there was no production. Turning around we made to go back down the gulley and two birds flushed and were shot from ground yet to be covered by the dog. Both birds fell at some distance one directly downstream, the other across and above us on a very steep heathery bank. The dog was brought down and given the marks for both retrieves, which were completed in a competent manner with a minimal degree of handling.
The second run started in a flat bottomed steep sided gulley again with a good covering of bracken and rashes, the wind varied from head to cheek wind throughout the run. The dog started at reasonable pace and hunted well over what was at times difficult terrain with heavy bracken. Ground treatment was again good checking out all likely cover, eventually we climbed out of the gulley into some white grass and then we had a firm indication of birds moving ahead, the dog drew on to a solid point before moving forward on command along a rashie drain and producing a pair of cock pheasants flushing some way ahead. Both birds went away unshot. The dog was hunted on but despite odd birds rising wild in front (one of which was shot) he did not get another favourable situation. The dog was not required to make the retrieve. The water test was completed without difficulty.
This was a nice dog, obedient with good style and a pace commensurate to the terrain encountered, he was in contact with a number of birds which unfortunately seemed determined to run but if we had seen just one clean point and production he could easily have earned a higher place.
Questor of Corrie Ghlais
This dog’s first run commenced with an attempt at a retrieve on a bird which was seen to fall on the previous dog’s run. Despite a thorough search of the area by dog and judges the bird was not found and the picking up dog was instructed to continue the search. The dog was run on into a head/cheek wind through a young birch plantation with thick stands of willow herb which obscured much of the dog’s work. What we could see was that the dog hunted with pace and verve though at times did appear a little disconnected from the handler. Two woodcock and a pheasant flushed wild from the extremities of the beat but the nature of the ground made it impossible to determine where the dog was. After some searching we came across the dog in a solid point but despite a determined follow up from the dog we could not catch up to whatever had brought the dog to point in the first place.
The dog was hunted on and was eventually rewarded with a further point and fine production of a large cock pheasant. The bird was shot but appeared to come down as a runner and the dog was sent without delay. She made a smart recovery of the bird and was then picked up.
Her second run was in a flat bottomed valley with thick rushes, white grass and bracken into a head wind. Again the dog hunted with pace and style with high head carriage but despite her busy efforts she had a blank run. The water test was completed adequately.
Suchest Rosa
This dog’s first run commenced on a steep and slippy clear fell site with some heather and adjacent bracken and brash for cover. The high bracken often obscured the dog from view and no game was encountered in this initial area. We then progressed to a young birch plantation with heather, white grass and clumps of willow herb. There was a positive head wind and the area was much better to appreciate the dogs hunting which was energetic and covered a good front despite the steep terrain.
After some time the dog indicated game ahead and came to a ‘loose’ point in a clump of willow herb, the subsequent flush on command, whilst adequate, was somewhat disconnected to the actual bird which was subsequently missed.
Her second run was in a steep sided bracken filled gully with a variable cheek wind. A rabbit was flushed from the extremity of the beat and was subsequently shot, it could be seen to be dead and was left for the moment as the dog appeared to be getting into bird scent. This did not lead to anything so the dog was brought back and completed a 50m blind retrieve across the gully on the rabbit this ended the dogs second run.
The water test was completed in an exemplary fashion.
On behalf of everyone involved we would like to thank the keeper who adapted to our needs admirably at what was his first HPR Field Trial, our host Mr. Wilson Young for providing such wonderful ground and of course the guns, and particularly, the chief steward for their essential contribution on the day.
From a personal perspective I would like to thank my co-judge John for his patience in putting up with me and the club for the invitation to judge in the first place.
Chris Gray
Novice Field Trial – Ford, Northumberland. 8th November 2013
Judges: David Winser & Roger Mann
by kind permission of Lord Joicey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Tournesol Douce (BRIT) | M Hirst |
| 2nd | Lairs Low Flier of Hertzabruck (GSP) | J Tunley |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
The Michael Joicey Memorial Trophy (Guns award), was given to Stubblemere Mey handled by Caroline Kenney
Critiques:
Date:
8th November 2013
Weather conditions:
Fine and mild with a steady light breeze all day.
Scenting conditions.
Fair to start with but just before mid-day the temperature suddenly dropped. · Scenting conditions were immediately affected, to the detriment of four dogs which missed game during their second run.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Open, rushy ground with banks of bracken, some small stands of birch and gorse, white grass, boggy areas and short heather.
Game was plentiful – mainly pheasants with some woodcock, snipe and hares present. A total of 8 pheasants and 1 snipe were shot during the course of the trial.
General standard of work and handling:
Some handlers could have done more to optimise the chances of their dog. Some dogs worked well in the conditions.
Judges Critique
Birkemosens Petra at Trudvang
This dogs first run was in a large area of white grass with some rushes and a few gorse bushes. She had a tail wind. Immediately on being cast off she indicated scent on her left hand side, following a hard running bird along a hedged fence line towards a stone wall that was at right angles to it. The bird lifted but was not shot. The dog remained steady. She was cast off again and the handler allowed her to go well forward in the white grass to quarter back towards us methodically into the wind. Her ground treatment was excellent. Whilst she was on the left side of her beat a pheasant lifted far to the right. She was never downwind of it. Towards the end of her first run and whilst about two hundred yards distant a hare lifted in front of her as she quartered back to us. The dog dropped on seeing the hare and immediately returned to quartering back towards us when told to do so by the handler.
Her second run was with a left cheek wind along a bracken covered bank. Again, her ground treatment was excellent. She had a staunch point on a pheasant which she held whilst the Guns were positioned. The bird was flushed on command and the dog sat. The bird flew over some low bushes and tall bracken to fall into another area of bracken 80 yards away. This was unsighted for the dog but she did mark the line. On command and without any further help she worked the line and retrieved a live bird tenderly to hand.
The water test was completed satisfactorily.
Kinlochmore Lovat Luck
Whilst this dog has some trial experience, it was the first time her handler had entered. Her first run was into wind in an area to one side of the moor which had gorse bushes, heather and bracken. The dog went very slowly, often indicating the scent of birds running on. The run was unproductive.
The second run was in an area quite close by, but this time she had a right cheek wind and it was at a time when the scent had dropped completely away. Again going very slowly the dog worked her ground closely and staunchly pointed. Guns were positioned and the dog was ordered to flush. She moved forward purposefully for some 15 yards tracking a running snipe, which flushed and was shot to fall wounded in the heather. The dog remained steady and when told to do so, made a quick and tender retrieve to hand.
The water test was completed satisfactorily.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all dogs.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to Lord James Joicey for gifting this trial to the Club; to Steward of the Beat and Head Keeper Les Handwell; to the Chief Steward and Field Trial Secretary, Janice Hawkes; to Red Flag Beth Wright and the Guns, Les Handwell, Stuart Symmers and Mick Canham.
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – ASHINTULLY CASTLE. 7th December 2013
Judges: Anne Johnston & Phil Ross
by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Steel and Mr & Mrs Holland Bosworth.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Tournesol Douce (BRIT) | M Hirst |
| 2nd | Lairs Low Flier of Hertzabruck (GSP) | J Tunley |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
7th December 2013
Weather:
The day started with freezing conditions without a distinguishable breeze, a slight breeze could be detected in more open areas.
Temperatures lifted slightly as the day continued but overcast conditions kept any change to a minimum.
Scenting conditions:
Early – poor, improved later to fair.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The ground to be worked was a variety of wooded and open white grass areas, predominantly white grass which gave the ranging dogs every opportunity to show their style. Game to be shot on the day was agreed as any in season, with exception to any grouse or black game.
During the trial pheasants, woodcock and hare were encountered with only pheasants and a woodcock being shot, the game was well spread around the ground and gave all dogs’ positive contact and retrieving opportunities.
General standard of work and handling:
With the exception of 1st and 2nd, the majority failed on retrieving. Most dogs hunted well and were handled variably. Some handlers lacking game awareness
Judges Critique:
Twelve dogs ran in the trial, during the first run most had retrieves but 7 of the 12 did not complete them satisfactorily. The remaining 5 dogs were all given their second run on open white grass which gave each dog full HPR opportunities, only two dogs completed and were taken to the water, both were willing swimmers and completed the retrieve to hand.
Tournesol Douce
The first run was in a wooded area with pockets of cover, this Brittany covered her entire beat with pace, a cock bird was seen to land ahead and the area was clearly acknowledge by the dog, but despite a thorough work through no bird was produced.
The second run let this dog show us her full capabilities. A slight breeze was worked to perfection with phenomenal pace and style, only breaking from the hunt to secure near instant points. An initial pointed and flushed hare was acknowledged, the dog remained steady and hunting resumed. A subsequent full HPR completed the second run. Later we had an opportunity to test this dog further on a failed retrieve, the bird had been shot and ran, this dog was taken to the fall, tracked and retrieved the live runner. A good performance at the water completed the card and fully merited the 1st place awarded.
An exceptional performance from a small dog, with the minimal of handling.
Lairs Low Flier Of Hertzabruck
A first run in reeds and white grass was handled well, a steady hunt was interrupted by a gun shooting a breaking pheasant, the shot and fall were respected by the dog which went on to complete the retrieve. Continued hunting secured a point, a hen pheasant was flushed to command and shot, again steady to flush, shot and fall, the dog was quickly sent on as the bird was a runner. The dog wasted no time in tracking the bird and retrieving it tenderly to hand. A second run in white grass, a steady hunt and point produced a hare to which the dog was steady. A good performance at the water secured 2nd place.
My sincere thanks to The German Shorthaired Pointer Club for inviting me to Judge at this stake, a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding day from watching quality dog work and handling on good ground with an ideal distribution of game.
Special thanks for a very enjoyable day to the Hosts for supporting the trial, Steward of the Beat/Keeper Bob Connely for perfect HPR opportunities, the members of the Scottish Group for such exceptional hospitality, to Janice & Les for their commitment to the club and this field trial, Ronnie Kennedy for his stewardship on the day, the guns who shot so well, all the competitors for their sporting behaviour, and not forgetting my co-judge Anne Johnson.
Phil Ross
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – LAUNTON. 2nd December 2013
Judges: M Wakeham & Stevie Allerton
by kind permission of Mr & Mrs C Simons.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Sigourney Zammermoos (GSP) | I Martin |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Not Awarded |
Critiques:
Date:
2nd December 2013
Weather conditions:
Dry and mild
Scenting conditions:
Improving as the ground warmed up
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Wide hedgerows, game cover strips, small copses, areas of plantation. Pheasants were shot, some hares were also encountered.
General standard of work and handling:
Some dogs showed inexperience with regard to general skills and were perhaps not prepared enough to cope with the range of situations they found themselves in. Some were unlucky, worked well but made mistakes.
Judges Critique:
Sigourney Zammermoos
Our winner was out in front by a mile. A real pleasure to watch dog and handler work together and cope with everything the trial threw at them. This dog is an absolute asset to the shooting day and thoroughly deserved her 1st place.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to Mr Mrs Simons, the team of guns and the chief steward.
Stevie Allerton
ALL AGED FIELD TRIAL – BLETCHINGDON. 11th December 2013
Judges: S Chant & E Kania
by kind permission of Mr P Bagnall.
Sponsored by Rodger Skinner Ltd, Dog Food.
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Not Awarded | |
| 4th | Sigourney Zammermoos (GSP) | I Martin |
| Guns Award | Wamilanghaar Tash of Mullenscote (GLP) | Mr H. Kirby |
Critiques:
Date:
11th December 2013
Weather Conditions:
Very Foggy very light wind changeable in direction,. Around 4Úc in the morning. The temperature did seem to drop during the day.
Scenting Conditions:
Appeared to be very difficult
Type of Ground:
Young deciduous plantations in the main, some evidence of coppicing, with good ground cover of bramble white grass and other vegetation you would expect to find in set aside or on the edges of game cover. Some maize, hedges and set aside.
Species:
Pheasant, partridge, mallard, rabbit, and hares, All available to be shot, hares only to be shot if pointed.
General standard of work and handling:
Given the conditions on the day, which were very difficult, acceptable. Some handlers did miss ground on their beat. The changeable wind and lie of the land did make hunting efficiently difficult for some of the younger dogs. Birds were inclined to flush in front of the line.
Judges Critique:
Sigourney Zammermous
Brought into the line to retrieve a previously shot cock pheasant lying on a private road. On a left hand cheek wind, she made the retrieve after negotiating an open bottomed hedge, to hand. Continuing her run through this young plantation into a strip of maze the line turned so now on a head wind she indicated and drew into a point by a bramble. When asked to flush she did try however it proved to be none productive. The line turned again now with a back wind. A cock pheasant flushed some way in front of the line was not shot this ended her first run. Her second run in an area of some 30 -40 acres fenced all round by deer fencing, again a young deciduous plantation with good mixed ground cover, allowing handlers to see their dogs at all times, with cheek wind she hunted carefully with sufficient pace ensuring she covered her beat. She indicated and drew forward some way tracking a bird which eventually clamped allowing her to point staunchly, with the guns placed she flushed a cock pheasant on command, steady to flush, shot and fall the pheasant fell outside the deer fence. As the nearest gate was some way forward we elected to run the next dog. When appropriate we used the gate to try to retrieve the previously shot cock bird. This was not possible, the bird was not found. Her 3rd run still in this large fenced area with a back wind on rising ground working with pace. A hen pheasant flushed on the left hand side of her beat, steady to flush shot and fall, she was asked to retrieve the hen, having located and picked the hen two hen pheasants flushed some 15 yards further out to our left. She stopped and watched the hens away returning to her handler delivering the bird to hand.
Her water retrieve, with an added distraction of several Moscovie Ducks on the pond, was completed efficiently.
Our thanks particularly to: Mr Paul Bagnell for hosting this All aged Trial, Cliff Simons and Paul Bagnell for shooting accurately all day.
Picking up dog and handler John and red flag Elaine.
Also thanks to Janice Hawkes Chief Steward and the GSPC for their kind invitation to judge at Bletchingdon, not forgetting my co-Judge Steve Chant
Eddie Kania
NOVICE FIELD TRIAL – BROCKET. 13th January 2014
Judges: Irmgard Alcock and Jim Bird
by kind permission of Mr D Massey.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Sovargo French Fancy (HV) | |
| 4th | Not Awarded | |
| CoM | Gunalt Crystal Tipple (WEI) | |
| Guns Award | Bogeskovens Magnum |
Critiques:
Date:
13th January 2014
Weather conditions:
Dry and bright with a slight breeze
Scenting conditions:
Good
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
Open woodland opening to areas of open bracken
Game:
Pheasant, woodcock and rabbit
General Standard of work and handling:
Generally the standard of dog work was good for a Novice Trial. Any Trial run within a woodland environment presents many challenges for dog and handler. Some dogs used the slight wind correctly, covering their beat with drive and pace and more importantly working nicely with handler, with minimal handling. With that said only 2 dogs made it to the water, with perhaps the most exciting of the dogs making an eliminating fault that was as disappointing for the judges as it was the handlers.
Certified that there was sufficient game to test all birds.
Judges Critique:
Sovargo French Fancy:
The first of the dogs to run on the day. A young HV, pleasing to the eye, cast off into open woodland covering her beat at a steady pace, checking pockets of scent as she went. Handled quietly, she came into contact with scent and nicely onto point. A hen pheasant was produced well from thick cover and she made a very nice retrieve to hand. Her second run was in open bracken but no birds were found.
Gunalt Crystal Tipple:
A very novice dog with still plenty to learn. She hunted tentatively showing her best work from her third run in more open ground. She was steady throughout the day with a nice point on a pheasant that could have easily been missed and making a very nice retrieve on a live bird she remained focused and steady when other birds lifted around her.
Our thanks go to The GSPC for a well organised and enjoyable day. This was 39th Trial run at Brocket and long may it continue!
Jim Bird
Open Field Trial – Stow Bardolf. 28th January 2014
Judges: Steve Kimberley and Theo Gould
By kind permission of Lady Rose Hare of the Stow Estate.
Sponsored by Skinners Dog Food Ltd
Results:
| Place | Name of Dog & Breed | Owner/Handler |
| 1st | Not Awarded | |
| 2nd | Not Awarded | |
| 3rd | Bitternboom Alberto (GSP) | Mr & Mrs Pearson |
| 4th | Sutchest Rosa (GSP) | Mr J Bird |
Critiques:
Date:
28th January 2014
Weather conditions:
Dry and mild, with a gentle swirling breeze
Scenting conditions:
Good, though the breeze constantly changed direction which was challenging for dogs and handlers in the first round.
Type of ground, quantity and species of game:
The first round was in fields of white grass and reeds bordered by ditches and trees. The second round was mainly low sugar beet. There was an even distribution of pheasants with several woodcock and some partridge in the beet.
General standard of work and handling:
Good
Judges Critique:
Bitternboom Alberto.
The first run was in high reeds with a cheek wind. The dog hunted well with drive and pace. He very soon had a solid point on a hen bird which was shot but flew on a long way and was left to the picking up dog. Bitterboom Alberto quickly had another staunch point on a hen bird which was shot and efficiently retrieved. The dog hunted on nicely and acknowledged a woodcock that got up ahead from the ditch.
The second round was in low sugar beet with a head wind. The dog made a very straight forward blind retrieve on a hen bird shot over a previous dog. He went on to point a pheasant but made hard work of the flush. Again his retrieve was good.
The water retrieve was satisfactory and he was awarded the Holland Island Rex Trophy for the best water retrieve.
Sutchest Rosa.
This bitch had her first run on a back wind in white grass. Her hunting was systematic with lots of drive and style. She had a good point on a cock pheasant but needed to be handled onto what should have been a simple retrieve.
The second round was on a head wind in sugar beet. Again her hunting was stylish and regular. She had a lovely point and two pheasants were produced and one was shot. Again she had to be handled onto the bird, which was retrieved to hand.
The water retrieve was satisfactory.
Our thanks for the success and enjoyment of this Trial are due to all those who helped to organise it and particularly to our hosts, Lady Rose Hare and the Stow Estate Trust, the Steward of the beat Mr Nigel Davies, the Guns, Mr David Winser and Mr Andrew Chatfield and the Chief Steward, Mrs Janice Hawkes. We would also like to thank the German Shorthaired Pointer Club for inviting us to judge at this most enjoyable trial.
Theo Gould