GROVESPRING, MO. — The National Vizsla Association Amateur Championship kicked off on March 10 under cloudy skies, a light clearing fog, and 40° temperature, perfect for running dogs!
By late afternoon on the first day the temperatures had reached a mere 54° and the sun had peaked out of the clouds.
A smaller than normal group was in attendance but a total of 24 dogs were set to run in this historic event. Judges Jon Small of Pleasant Hill, Mo., and Gailen Cooper of Liberty, Mo., kindly took the time to sit in the saddle and watch the dogs.
The continued support of Purina and Garmin is greatly appreciated; they generously donated food and collars for the winners.
National Amateur Championship
National Amateur Championship Winners. Front (l-r): Allison Bell with Kick Em Up Kimber and Justin Hess with Meyer’s Bella. Standing: Natalie Howard, Sean Anderson, Jaclyn Anderson, Jarrett Bell, Bill Stapleton, Judge Gailen Cooper, Charles Chadwell, Nancy Browne, Judge Jon Small, Forrest McPherson, Karen Concilio, Todd Meyer, Paul Howard, Ray Cooper, Mike Northwood, Kager Ochs and Rob Tomczak.
NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Hillbillie’s High Noon (Cowboy/ Bonita Austin) and Cali’s Wiki Mai Tai at Sunset (Mia/Chad Chadwell) were loosed at 8:00 a. m. on Tuesday following a rain delay on Monday. Both dogs broke away strong on course No. 1 and made their way toward the first creek crossing. After working her way forward to the road crossing, Mia stopped on the forward line just before entering Davis bottoms with her first find at 22. Mia continued on through Davis bottoms. Cowboy was not seen after the first creek crossing, even with the scout engaged, and Bonita pulled the retrieval unit at 22. Mia worked the right side treeline coming out of Davis bottoms toward the second creek crossing and stopped on point at 31. Chad produced a bird and Mia continued forward toward the island field. Mia’s final find came as she worked the left side heading toward horse killer hill. She pointed at 47; Chad was able to produce a bird. Mia finished the hour.
Another Mai Tai Please (Ty/Chadwell) and C K Post Route Scout (Jim Gingrich) took off forward through little vine loop. Ty pointed for the first time at 16 in the right side treeline by the deer stand. Chad was unable to produce a bird, an unproductiv here. Ty worked the right side line coming into sycamore bottoms and pointed at 24. Chad produced a bird and Ty continued forward through sycamore bottoms. Scout was not seen through little vine loop and Jim pulled the retrieval unit at 28. At 30 Ty pointed on the right side of the hill by the road coming out of sycamore bottoms. Chad relocated Ty several times, was unable to produce a bird, a second unproductive and Ty was picked up.
Pele’s Wiki Aloha Spirit (Shaka/ Chadwell) and Fortius Wrigs (Sean Anderson) broke away on the top of the hill heading toward the twin barns. Both worked the left side after the breakaway. At 5 Shaka was found standing with Wrigs backing along the brush pile on the left. A bird was produced by Chad and Wrigs was picked up due to a breach of manners. Shaka continued on along the left side past the twin barns and along the pond. At 17 Chad elected to pick up.
Ramblin Rivers Rolling Stone (Bill Stapleton) and B G K’s Blinged Up Rossi (Jarrett Bell) were up first after lunch at 12:30 p. m. Both dogs broke away going forward on course No. 1. Rossi was found standing at 12 at the buffet line. Jarrett was unable to produce a bird and took an unproductive. Rossi continued on through the second creek crossing working the right side line. Stone was found standing at 23 on the right side coming out of Davis bottoms with a bird produced. Heading toward horse killer hill, dogs simultaneously worked opposite lines. At 38 both dogs stopped on point. Bill produced a bird. Jarrett was unable to produce a bird and took an unproductive. Both dogs went forward working their way toward horse killer hill. At 40 Stone pointed on the right just before the hill. Bill produced the bird and Stone continued forward up the hill. After working up horse killer hill, Rossi worked the fenceline on the left heading toward the lookout tower. Rossi had her final find at 47 just beyond the lookout tower, a bird produced on the find after a creative fence dismount by Jarrett to flush the bird. Both dogs finished coming into little vine loop.
Hunting with a Lil Swagger (Bell) and Briar in My Boot (Justin Hess) broke away from the backside of little vine loop, both going forward toward the creek. Briar pointed at 3 along the backside of the creek bed. Justin produced a bird, Briar standing kindly through the flush. Briar took off to catch the front after the find and entered into sycamore bottoms. Head wind in their favor, both dogs worked the right line coming into sycamore bottoms. At 8 Briar pointed but was picked up for a breach of manners. Swagger switched to the left side line through sycamore bottoms and had her first find at 9. Jarrett produced a bird and Swagger continued down the left treeline. Swagger pointed on the left edge in sycamore bottoms for a second time at 12 and Jarrett produced a bird. At 15 after going to the right side after the creek, Swagger wisely dug up her third find, the bird flushing as Jarrett dismounted. Swagger made her way up the hill heading toward the twin barns, disappearing to the left. Scout was dispatche, resulting in the scout calling “standing”. This was her fourth find, at 28, deeply buried in a brush pile to the left before the twin barns. Jarrett produced a bird. Swagger then worked down along the edge toward the pond. At 35 she pointed for a fifth time. After relocating her several times, she wasunable to re-establish point and Jarrett took an unproductive. Swagger was found standing again at 51 on the right hand side coming out of the bull pasture. Swagger finished the hour forward.
Sugar Cane Express (Ray/Chadwell) and Ramblin Rivers Fire Woman (Cinde/Stapleton) took off on course No. 3 heading up the hill opposite the twin barns. Both dogs made their way around the loop and headed back up the hill toward the twin barns. As Ray and Cinder made their way down into the valley after the twin barns, Ray worked the left side line and Cinder worked the right through the entire valley. Together they crossed the road at 30, continuing forward toward the cemetery. At 37 both dogs were picked up, Ray due to a breach of manners, Bill electing to pick Cinder up at that time for performance.
Thunder and lightning delayed the morning braces of day No. 2 until 9:30. a.m. Rain clouds gave way to sunshine, blue skies, and a comfortable 60°. With a damp course and high creek crossings, dogs were often collected and carried in the saddle across creeks up to the horses’ bellies.
Burr Oaks Bam Bam (J. Gingrich) and Poquito’s Maracas De Riata (Mara/ Karen Concilio) began at 9:40 a.m. Both dogs broke away down the right line on course No. 1. Bam Bam worked the right treeline coming through Davis bottoms and carded a point at 28 at the very end of the line. Jim worked hard to produce a bird down in the brush but Bam Bam was picked up by the judges after a large turn to mark the bird after it was flushed. Karen elected to pick up at 38 in the island field with no bird work.
C V’s Kentucky Boy (Charlie/Paul Howard) and Nova (Stapleton) were away from little vine loop. Charlie took the right side line with vigor all the way through little vine loop with Nova hunting her way to the cut. Both dogs took opposite treelines coming up the hill from little vine loop. Charlie followed the right side line down the hill, took a wrong turn back toward the breakaway and the handler requested his retrieval unit at 25. From atop the hill, working down the right edge, Nova made her way toward the tree stand and into sycamore bottoms. Not seeing the performance he desired, Bill elected to pick Nova up at the road crossing at 25.
B G K’s White Lightening (Smudge/ Bell) and Fortius Nights a Blazin (Imre/Anderson) began from the road heading up the hill coming out of sycamore bottoms. Smudge made a huge cast out of sight. Imre was found standing at 11 just inside the fence on the right side cut after the twin barns. Sean produced a bird. Smudge failed to back on that find and was picked up for her breach of manners. After his first find Imre worked the left side along the pond and was found standing on the left fenceline at 16; a bird was produced from the brush. Sean elected to pick Imre up at 41 at the parking lot loop.
Sunny skies and 72° made for warm running conditions for the final braces of the Amateur Championship. The course was still damp but creek crossings had gone down some.
B G K’s Savage Arms (Bell) and Alpine’s Mischief Managed (Arya/ Karen Concilio) were away at 1:30 p. m. on Wednesday on course No. 1. Both dogs took off strongly to the front, each dog smartly using the field and the wind direction, making their way toward the first road crossing. Arya worked the left side coming out of the second creek crossing and stopped on point at 10. Karen produced a bird, collared Arya and cast her off to catch the front. Savage made his way through the first road crossing. Both dogs made gain and worked forward through Davis bottoms. Savage had his first find at 18 on the right side in Davis bottoms with Arya backing. Jarrett produced the bird and both dogs were staunch for the flush. They continued on through Davis bottoms with power. At 25 Arya pointed on the very end of the right side edge leaving Davis bottoms and Savage went on point on the left side up by the road. Neither handler was able to produce a bird; both dogs took unproductives. Arya and Savage both continued forward toward the island field and made nice big moves along the left side of the island field. Arya had her final find at 40 with Savage backing on the right treeline just before heading up horse killer hill. Karen produced a bird. Both dogs continued forward up the hill. Both dogs ended the brace with power, heading into little vine loop. Arya was awarded honorable mention for her performance.
Rockwoods Little Nutsy (Skippy/ Mike Northwood) and Mia’s Hour of Kalua (Cal/Chadwell) were away on course No. 2 going up the hill from little vine loop. Both dogs made their way forward through little vine loop and into sycamore bottoms. At 15 Cal pointed on the left just into sycamore bottoms. Chad had to relocate Cal and he re-established point farther down on the left side. A bird was produced. Both dogs continued on through sycamore bottoms and up the hill heading toward the twin barns. At 30 Cal pointed on the left fenceline just after the pond. Chad was able to produce a bird on the find but Cal self-released after the shot and was picked up. Skippy continued on heading toward the bull pasture and working the left side of the hill. At 39 Skippy had a stop to flush and worked it cleanly; he continued on through the bull pasture. Skippy did not have further bird work and finished the hour.
With temperatures the warmest for the event so far, almost 75° and only a slight wind, handlers soaked down dogs at the breakaway. At eleven years of age, Kick Em Up Kimber had been through this pre-run ritual many times, politely laying on her back to help Jarrett saturate her belly as both handlers poured water on their dogs. The last brace of the 2020 NVA National Amateur Championship was then off and running.
The final brace produced the winner, Kick Em Up Kimber (Bell), and the runner-up, Meyer’s Bella (Todd Meyer).
They brace were off at 3:55 p. m. heading up the hill opposite the twin barns during the warmest weather of the entire stake. Both dogs worked their way up the hill, Bella on the left and Kimber on the right. Bella had her first find at 10 on top of the hill by the pond. Todd produced a bird and Bella worked to catch the front heading around the loop. As Kimber made her way up the hill toward the twin barns, Bella had her second find at 16 in the left side treeline just before heading up the hill toward the twin barns. Todd produced a bird and Bella worked hard to catch the front up the hill after the find. At 22 Kimber had her first find on the right sidehill in the valley. Jarrett produced a bird and Kimber flawlessly stood for the flush like the seasoned champion she is. Kimber was cast off again where she continued on through the valley with vigor to catch the front. At 27 Kimber pointed for a second time in the right side treeline in the valley with Bella backing. Jarrett produced a bird, both dogs standing flawlessly with style. Dogs were watered and again doused with water on the head. Upon cast off both dogs continued forward with power and ease, working opposite sides toward the road crossing. At 30 Bella had her third and final find on the left side coming out of the valley just before the road crossing. Todd produced a bird as Bella again stood staunchly. Bella continued on across the road to catch the front. At 32 Kimber had her final find along the right treeline on the back side of course No. 1 just beyond the road crossing. Bella came in from catching the front and stopped on a back. Jarrett produced a bird and both dogs continued going forward toward the cemetery. At the base of the hill beginning the back side of course No. 1, dogs were collected and again watered and saturated with the last of the water handlers had available to prepare for the long climb ahead for the last few minutes. Both dogs worked hard in the heat of the day, effortlessly powering up the long, steep final hill on course No. 3, making the full loop of the hill to end the brace shooting into the valley toward course No. 1 when time was called.
Grovespring, Mo., March 10
Judges: Gailen Cooper and Jon Small
NATIONAL VIZSLA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] — 24 Vizslas
Winner—KICK EM UP KIMBER, 1617822, female, by Sam I Am—Ck Penny. Jarrett Bell, owner and handler.
Runner-Up—MEYER’S BELLA, 1661768, female, by Shiloh’s Matrix—Shiloh’s Sss. Todd Meyer, owner and handler.
National Derby Classic
Derby Classic Winners. Front (l-r): Natalie Howard with Hess Farms Pyromaniac, Mike Northwood with Shilohs Roscoe and Bill Stapleton with S T’s Locked N Loaded. Standing: Sean Anderson, Justin Hess, Nancy Browne, Michelle Hess, Jaclyn Anderson, Rob Tomczak, Jarrett Bell, Judge Dave Capstick, Charles Chadwell, Ray Cooper, Brian Gingrich, Dustin Ochs, Allison Bell, Judge Jon Small and Bud Moore.
NATIONAL DERBY CLASSIC
The 2020 NVA Derby Classic kicked off under cloudy skies and a brief unexpected downpour during the third brace. The rain moved out as quickly as it came and gave way to a warm 65° that climbed to a challenging 77° day and clear skies. The warmer temperatures were hard on these young dogs, especially the ones that ran later in the day. Also enduring warmer than seasonal temperatures were judges Jon Small and Dave Capstick of Jonesburg, Mo.
Cooper (Rob Tomczak) and Sunset Trails Case Hardened Resilience (Rue/ Brian Gingrich) were loosed at 8:00 a. m. on Thursday morning. Cooper and Rue both took off down the right edge charging hard to the forward treeline toward the cemetery. Turning to the right together coming out of the cemetery, holding the right edge heading toward the road. Cooper was the first to the road crossing with Rue close behind. Both dogs worked their way through sycamore bottoms. At 18 Rue carded his first find midway into the field, on the right edge of sycamore bottoms. Both Rue and Cooper made their way out of sycamore bottoms and along the creek. At 25 they both pointed on the right of the creek bed; both handlers stepped off their horses to fire their guns as the dogs flushed the bird. Both dogs ended the brace going forward through little vine loop.
Burr Oaks Betty (B. Gingrich) and Lacy (Tomczak) broke away along the right side, taking the right treeline through to the fence crossing. Coming into sycamore bottoms, Lacy took the right side through sycamore bottoms and down through the creek crossing. As she was exiting sycamore bottoms, Betty pointed a bird at 16 on the left edge just before the creek crossing. The bird popped in front of the young dog and Brian dismounted and fired his gun. Betty and Lacy both finished the brace forward on the left shrub line leaving the cemetery and headed toward the breakaway. Lacy did not have bird work during the brace.
Hess Farms Pyromaniac (Pyro/Justin Hess) and S T’s Locked and Loaded (Remi/B. Gingrich). This edge of your saddle brace produced this years’ Derby winner Pyro and third place Remi. Remi and Pyro both broke away with power running along the right edge of the breakaway field heading toward the forward treeline. Catching scent, Remi pointed her first bird at 2 along the right end of the forward treeline. Brian dismounted and fired his gun. Coming into the next field both dogs took the left side heading toward the cemetery. In the field just beyond cemetery, Pyro had his first find at 7 with Remi backing. Pyro was standing stylish and staunch for his young age. Justin dismounted and flushed the bird. Both dogs continued on along the left edge. Just one minute later, Pyro had his second find at 8 around the corner. Again with maturity of a future great dog Pyro stood through the flush, as Justin dismounted and produced a covey. Pyro and Remi both made the road crossing. Upon entering the field, Remi took the left and Pyro took the right edge. Smartly working the wind and the cover, holding his right edge, at 13 Pyro had his third find at the corner of the valley. Remi powered on through the creek crossing and into sycamore bottoms. At 17 Remi had her second find halfway down the left side treeline in sycamore bottoms. Both dogs went forward out of sycamore bottoms taking the right edge along the creek. Continuing to work the creek line, Pyro pointed his fourth find at 24 midway before its end. Both dogs finished the brace strong and going forward into little vine loop. Time was called and handlers took off to collect their dogs.
Burr Oaks Emmy Lou (B. Gingrich) and Hess Farms Arrow (Hess) were away from little vine loop. Wind direction provided a strong and challenging tail wind for these young dogs. The dogs cast off together entering little vine loop with less gusto than the brace before came out of little vine loop with. The dogs continued forward, struggling to become acquainted with the fields and their edges. Neither dog was found standing nor were birds produced on this brace.
C V Rebel (Tomczak) and C K Guy’s Light My Fire (Flame/B. Gingrich) broke away hard and forward toward the first treeline. After the cemetery Rebel took the left side of the course and Flame ran the right, both making nice forward moves heading toward the road crossing. At 11 Flame pointed for the first time on the left side just before the road crossing. Collected up together, both dogs took the left edge through sycamore bottoms. Flame had her second find at 18 at the very end of the left treeline coming out of sycamore bottoms. The brace finished heading into little vine loop. Rebel had a nice run but did not have bird work on course.
Reve’s Royal Hawaiian Express (Aly/Chadwell) and Rockwoods Home Grown (Lefty/Mike Northwood) began from little vine loop. Both dogs broke away to the right treeline. Lefty went on point right off the breakaway in the line. Aly continued on along the right edge from the breakaway powering effortlessly all the way to the fence crossing. Aly went along the creek and showed back to the front along the left side treeline coming into sycamore bottoms. Aly had her first find at 15 in the left treeline just past the creek crossing in sycamore bottoms. After her first find Aly continued to travel the left edge and at 17 pointed for her second find in the left side treeline. After her find Aly caught the front and the dogs began running the road beyond the road crossing until both handlers were able to get them back on course and on the right field edge heading toward the cemetery. Both dogs finished the brace charging forward along the left brush line.
Shiloh’s Mechanics (Hank/Tomczak) and Hillbillies Peacemaker (Colt/ Austin) began at 1:30 from course No. 1. The dogs broke away to the right side after the breakaway, crossed the field back to the left edge cutting toward the breakaway. Scouts engaged and struggled to collect either dog. Handlers stepped in and continued to struggle to collect them. After a tense few minutes handlers had success and began moving forward with their dogs; however, at 10 Rob elected to pick Hank up just before the cemetery. Bonita made forward movement with Colt through the cemetery but elected to pick up at 16 just past it before the road crossing.
Shilohs Roscoe (Tomczak) and B G K’s Bolt Action (Bell). This brace produced second place Roscoe. They were down on course No. 1 during the warmest weather of the stake. Roscoe and Bolt both broke away to the right side line and took that line past the cemetery and over the hill along the road. After crossing the road, Roscoe had his first find at 17 in the left line at the entrance to sycamore bottoms. Rob was able to go in and flush in front of Roscoe. Following his first find, Roscoe continued on down the left edge and carded a second find in the left treeline at 19. He continued to make gain down the left edge after his charging forward to catch the front. At 23 Bolt and Roscoe both went on point at the very end of the left side treeline coming out of sycamore bottoms. Both handlers fired their guns after the flush and continued on toward the creek crossing. Roscoe had his fourth find on the left hand side just beyond the creek crossing at 25. At 29 Roscoe and Bolt had their final find in the forward treeline heading into little vine loop. The brace ended with both dogs going forward through little vine loop.
Shiloh’s Honey (Tomczak) and Drycreek’s Lickety Split (Kori/Bell) both took the right side line after the breakaway. After coming through the creek crossing, Honey had her first find at 7 on the left side. Kori had not been seen since entering sycamore bottoms but she showed forward on the left treeline just beyond the creek crossing. She crossed over across sycamore bottoms and made a nice forward move down the right edge. Kori held the edge all the way down to the road and stopped on point at 16. She flushed the bird and Jarrett dismounted and fired his gun. Kori continued on past the road crossing and ran the left side along the road forward toward the cemetery. Honey made the road crossing and ran the right side heading toward the cemetery. Both dogs finished the brace going forward along the top brush line following the road.
B G K’s Lone Gunman (Wyatt/Bell) and Hess Farms Orange Blaze (Hess). After the cemetery Wyatt made a forward move down the left side treeline heading toward the road crossing. Both dogs made the road crossing at 9 headed into sycamore bottoms. Wyatt and Blaze both entered into sycamore bottoms and stayed along the left edge through the first creek crossing. After coming through the second creek crossing Wyatt crossed over to the right side and had his first find at 19. Time was called as both dogs entered into little vine loop.
C K’s Guys Angel (Tess/B. Gingrich) was down as a bye. Tess had her first find at 7 on the left hand side just after the first creek crossing in sycamore bottoms. She continued down the left treeline through sycamore bottoms and crossed the road at 15. After crossing the road she worked down the left side treeline. At 23 she had her final find on the left side treeline just before the cemetery. Brian elected to pick up at 25.
Judges: Dave Capstick and Jon Small
NATIONAL VIZSLA DERBY CLASSIC — 21 Vizslas
1st—HESS FARMS PYROMANIAC, 1680213, male, by Kick Em Up Bullet—Spreading Like Wild Fire. Justin Hess, owner and handler.
2d—SHILOHS ROSCOE, 1682739, male, by Bangert’s Red Baron—Shiloh’s Blazing Saddles. Ryan Martin, owner; Rob Tomczak, handler.
3d—S T’S LOCKED N LOADED, 1686059, female, by C K Touchdown Guy—Midnight Run’s Probable Cause. Julie Zenas, owner; Brian Gingrich, handler.
National Open Championship
National Amateur Championship Winners. Front (l-r): Allison Bell with Kick Em Up Kimber and Justin Hess with Meyer’s Bella. Standing: Natalie Howard, Sean Anderson, Jaclyn Anderson, Jarrett Bell, Bill Stapleton, Judge Gailen Cooper, Charles Chadwell, Nancy Browne, Judge Jon Small, Forrest McPherson, Karen Concilio, Todd Meyer, Paul Howard, Ray Cooper, Mike Northwood, Kager Ochs and Rob Tomczak.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2020 NVA National Championship started on March 13 with chilly temperatures in the low 40s under cloudy skies. Perfect for running dogs as the participants bundled up for the day of running. Bud Moore of Toronto, Kan., and Dave Capstick were the judges in the saddle watching the dogs and riding out the stormy weather conditions.
Burr Oaks Born Again (Toby/B. Gingrich) and P F Indy Blaze (Tomczak) broke away at 8:00 a. m. on Friday morning under cold and damp conditions. Toby made a strong forward move down course No. 1 to start the brace but was not seen again after the breakaway. Brian pulled the retrieval unit at the road crossing. After making his way to the road crossing and through Davis bottoms, Blaze’s first find came at 25 on the right side line just before the creek crossing; a bird was produced. After his first find Blaze made his way along the left edge through the island field and had his second find at 33 with a bird produced. Coming out of the island field Blaze took the right side along the creek and headed toward horse killer hill. His third find came at 42 in the creek bottom on the right side with a bird produced. Blaze continued along the right side after that find and had his fourth and final find at 46 just before heading up the hill. Time was called as Blaze headed into little vine loop.
The draw for the second brace set dame and puppy together. A cool, damp 40° was perfect for these dogs. This brace produced the 2020 National Champion Ramblin Rivers Fire Woman which used the cold temperatures to her advantage, with one find and a strong and consistent forward race.
Ramblin Rivers Fire Woman (Cinder/ Stapleton) and Kick Em Up Kimber (Bell). The brace took off at 9:10 a. m. going up the hill from little vine loop. Both dogs simultaneously worked the right side of the hill going around the loop. As they made their way into sycamore bottoms Cinder worked the high side of the hill on the right side going forward through the bottoms. At 15 Kimber had her first find on the left side of sycamore bottoms with a bird produced. Coming out of sycamore bottoms, Cinder made a strong forward move up the hill toward the twin barns on the right side with Kimber behind her on the left side. At 30 Kimber was found standing for her second find on the left side just before the twin barns with Cinder backing. Jarrett flushed a wild covey. After working past the twin barns Cinder made a strong move down the right side treeline, past the gate and headed into the bull pasture. Cinder had her first find at 50 coming out of the bull pasture at the big tree. She was buried deep in the brush on the right edge. Bill worked hard in the thick brush and was able to produce a bird. Cinder was collared out of the brush and again cast off when she charged forward and caught the front. At 55 Kimber went on point on the right side on top of the hill opposite the twin barns. Jarrett relocated Kimber after not being able to produce a bird. She did not re-establish point giving her an unproductive. Both dogs finished the hour headed toward the clubhouse loop.
Burr Oaks Bam Bam (B. Gingrich) and Fortius Wrigs (Anderson) headed up the hill through the clubhouse loop. Wrigs took a turn off the start and was not seen after the breakaway. The scout worked hard to find the dog but Sean requested his retrieval unit from the judge at 15. Bam Bam worked around the clubhouse loop and up the hill on the right side heading toward the twin barns. Bam Bam was found standing for the first time at 24 on the right side halfway down the first valley. Brian flushed a covey with Bam Bam standing staunch. At 29 Bam Bam had her second find just after the road crossing on the right side treeline before the fence crossing, with a bird produced. Bam Bam continued forward along the right side line up the hill headed toward the cemetery. Bam Bam’s third find was at 32 on the right side. Brian had to relocate Bam Bam, then a point was re-established and a bird produced. Bam Bam’s final find was at 49 on the left side of the hill as she worked hard to endure the final hill on the back of course No. 3, with bird produced on the find. Bam Bam finished the hour coming down the hill back toward the breakaway on course No. 1.
During the lunch break it was decided that four braces were to run in the afternoon in consideration for the forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rain. The cool 40° temperature and clouds from the morning remained consistent into the afternoon.
C K Post Route Scout (B. Gingrich) and C V’s Kentucky Boy (Charlie/Paul Howard) started at 1:30 p. m. after lunch on Friday. Scout and Charlie both made strong forward moves right off the breakaway headed toward the creek crossing. Charlie showed back up at the first creek crossing and continued forward toward the second creek crossing. At 13, after not being seen since the breakaway, Scout was found standing in the treeline just before the second creek crossing. Brian produced a bird on the find. Charlie was picked up due to a breach of manners. Scout continued forward toward the road crossing. He made his way around the cemetery and down the edge on the left side coming into Davis bottoms. Scout had a strong forward race through the island field. At 43 he was found standing on the left side as the gallery entered the field heading toward horse killer hill. Brian was able to produce a bird, collared Scout and recast him. Scout continued forward toward the hill, switching to the right side treeline after his last find. At 45 he went on point for the third time on the right side at the base of horse killer hill, with a bird produced on the find. Scout worked up the hill and took the left side fenceline forward past the look out tower and toward little vine loop. Scout finished the brace going forward through little vine loop.
Hunting with a Lil Swagger (Bell) and Sugar Cane Express (Ray/Chadwell) headed up the hill in little vine loop. Both Swagger and Ray worked the right side of the hill after the breakaway. Swagger’s choice to stay on the right edge paid off as she had her first find at 9 on top of the hill going around little vine loop. Jarrett produced the bird and all was in order. At 13 Ray showed himself to the front and headed down the left edge opposite the creek, with both dogs smartly working the wind direction. Swagger also took the left. At 14 Swagger stopped on point at the end of the field just before the creek crossing heading into sycamore bottoms; a bird was again produced. Once into sycamore bottoms, Swagger opted to take the right side of the field. She had her final find at 17 on the right edge of sycamore bottoms. Chad chose to pick Ray up for a bird infraction that he witnessed at 20 in sycamore bottoms. Jarrett elected to pick Swagger up at 20 at the road crossing.
Bangert’s Red Baron (B. Gingrich) and Another Mai Tai Please (Ty/Chadwell) headed up the hill coming out of sycamore bottoms. Red broke away to the right, heading toward the road. After much effort Brian was unable to get him back on course and opted to pick him up in order to recover him. Ty powerfully broke away forward up the hill and worked the left side headed toward the twin barns. Passing the twin barns he immediately turned right just beyond the fence crossing. He was found standing at 12 with a bird produced by Chad. Collared and re-released, Ty broke away to the left and ran along the pond hunting the cover. After passing the pond, Ty disappeared on course and the scout worked hard to find him but was unable to bring him back before the retrieval unit was requested from the judge. The brace ended after only 25 minutes.
The final brace of the day was run as the fourth brace for the afternoon in caution of the expected weather; cool and cloudy conditions prevailed all day.
C V Redheaded Flying Dutchman (Dutch/B. Gingrich) and B G K’s White Lightening (Smudge/Bell). The brace took off at 3:50 p. m. from the bull pasture under continued cold and cloudy skies. Dutch went on point on the right side just before the clubhouse loop at 15. He was picked up for a breach of manners at the flush. Smudge effortlessly made her way up the hill, running the right edge. At 22 she carded her first find, still to the right edge, halfway around the loop. A small covey was produced on the find. All was in order. She was collared and moved forward to be released and continue on. Smudge continued working along the right side up the hill toward the twin barns and was found standing for her second time at 31 along the right fenceline across from the barn. Jarrett was able to produce the bird. She continued on beyond the twin barns and into the valley. Her third find came at 40 on the left side of the valley. Smudge stood staunchly. Jarrett produced a covey of 10-12 birds on the find. Smudge went on point for a fourth time at 42 on the left side halfway down the second valley. Jarrett was unable to produce a bird and took an unproductive. As she was headed toward the road crossing Smudge came to a sudden stop on the right side of the valley. Just ahead of her a group of 5-6 birds were walking across the valley toward the right side line. Jarrett waited for all the birds to finish their afternoon stroll and was told by the judge to dismount and to fire his gun. At 50 she went on point on the right side after the road crossing. No bird was produced with feathers found on the ground. The judge acknowledged the feathers and it was considered a nonevent. At 59 Smudge had her final find on the left side just before the cemetery with a bird produced on the find. She finished the brace heading toward the parking lot.
Early in the morning storms rolled in dumping buckets of rain, producing lighting and flooding the creeks. Even with a delay and a re-evaluation of the weather it was decided to postpone for the day. The creeks were dangerously high and impassable. Everyone seemed happy to have the day off to do chores, run to town, and relax.
Running resumed on March 15. It was a cold and damp morning with a wet course making for a rough morning for the final five braces of the National Championship.
Nova (Stapleton) and B G K Savage Arms (Bell) broke away strong from course No. 1 at 8:00 a. m. Savage was seen running the top line after the first creek crossing. Jarrett found Savage standing at the top of the buffet line with Nova backing at 12. A bird was produced, all was in order and both dogs were turned loose. Breaking away fast the dogs raced to the front and crossed the road. At 22 Savage was seen under a bird just after the road crossing. Nova took the right edge down Davis bottoms but was also seen under a bird at 24, ending the brace.
Ramblin Rivers Rolling Stone (Stapleton) and Fortius Nights a Blazin (Irme/Anderson) were loosed at the entrance to the island field. Stone took the right edge and was off to the races. As the gallery topped the hill Stone was seen going up horse killer hill. Irme had a stylish find at the bottom of horse killer. Two birds were produced and all was in order. Both dogs worked the cover hard as we passed apple tree hill. Stone was last seen taking a right at the bottom of apple tree. Neither the scout nor the handler could locate Stone and Bill requested his retrieval unit from the judge. Sean elected to pick up at 25 just before the normal course No. 2 breakaway.
Briar in My Boot (Hess) and Meyer’s Bella (Tomczak) were away at the start of course No. 2 on little vine loop. Both dogs powered hard to the front. Briar was found standing just after the turn. As Justin was dismounting a covey of three birds lifted and Briar went with them to end his brace at 4. At the same time that Briar was being picked up, Rob called point on Bella. As Rob rode up the birds left and Bella took a few steps. Rob elected to pick up.
B G K’s Blinged Up Rossi (Bell) and Mia’s Hour of Kalua (Cal/Chadwell) were loosed at the end of little vine in the bottoms. Cal was seen making game at 1 to the right. As the birds flew Cal was in hot pursuit ending the day for this young dog. Rossi was seen rimming the right side just before coming to a stop at sycamore bottoms. Jarrett dismounted and attempted to flush before relocating Rossi. After he relocated her, and no produced bird, Jarrett picked up at 5.
Cali’s Wiki Mai Tai at Sunset (Chadwell) was in season and ran as a bye brace. She broke away strong to the front at the double gates going up the hill. As she neared the twin barns she was seen moving to the front. Chad’s scout called point just past the fenceline to the left of the barns at 10. All was in order and Mia was turned loose. Upon entering bull pasture Mia took the left edge and rimmed it all the way to Climbers. Mia was found standing at the dead tree. Birds were produced and Chad sent her on. Heading toward the clubhouse Mia took the right edge on top of the hill showing to the front as we entered the clubhouse loop. Mia worked the cover like the seasoned veteran she is. As Chad topped the hill at the twin barns he called point to the left edge. A woodcock was produced at 56 with exceptional manners. At time Mia was found standing to the right side of the chute. Chad produced a bird and time was called. Her performance earned her runner-up.
Judges: Dave Capstick and Bud Moore
NATIONAL VIZSLA CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] — 23 Vizslas
Winner—RAMBLIN RIVERS FIRE WOMAN, 1665249, female, by Kick Em Up Bullet—Kick Em Up Kimber. Bill Stapleton, owner and handler.
Runner-Up—CALI’S WIKI MAI TAI AT SUNSET, 1626328, female, by Boot Scootin Boogie—Lundy’s Fiddlin With Fire. Chad Chadwell & Nancy Browne, owners; Chad Chadwell, handler.
Ladies Foot Race
This year’s Ladies Foot Race was a success! This year’s race winner was Jaclyn Dixon Anderson and the costume winner was Michelle Hess.
Thank you, Jon Small, for being a good sport and being our honorable judge for our annual race!!