Event: Larry Smith Heartland Open All-Age
Result: Pony Express Field Trial Club

Location: Gentry, Missouri

Post Date: Apr 17, 2024

Submitted By: Steve Auxier

The Pony Express field trial club members came together and hosted a successful event! This year's event was not only highlighted by amazing performances but also maintained the camaraderie that everyone looks forward to each spring! With the recent passing of Larry Smith, the Heartland Open All-Age was renamed to the Larry Smith Heartland Open All-Age! With Larry and Linda Smith's vision the club was honored to carry on the tradition and standard that Larry envisioned for Smith Farms! Larry was an amazing sportsman, great friend, and mentor to so many in the world of field of field trialing. Larry truly wanted what was best for field trials! Larry will be missed by so many.

We would like to thank in advance all the bird dog breeders, owners, handlers and all of the sponsors for this National Qualifying event!! Without their support this event would not be possible!! Sponsors for this year's event include Purina Pro Plan, SportDOG, The Saddle Guy, Gun Dog Supply, Rogue Pet, Smart Earth Pet Supply And Good Life Fitness.

The Heartland Open All-Age commenced on March 13th over the rolling north Missouri countryside known as Smith Farms west of Gentry, Missouri. The field trial venue owned by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Smith has been laid out with 3 continuing 1hour courses to show case all age dogs. The grounds include horse corrals and dog kennels that are available on site for all participants.

For all spectators and owners present a Polaris ATV was provided for those in attendance that did not want to ride a horse to view the field trial. The Pony Express Field Trial club provided horse hay and all meals for participants and spectators. We would like to thank Bill Westfall for bringing his Polaris and assisting the dog wagon will transporting dogs to areas that were a challenge for the dog wagon.

Smith Farms has a quail program with habitat designed to sustain wild quail and pheasants PLUS birds are released every day prior to the days running where every entry could have ample opportunity to find game.

The judges for the Larry Smith Open All-Age were Sean Hauser of Whigham, Georgia, and Sheldon Rogers of Asquith, Saskatchewan. The judges for the Open Derby were Tommy Smith of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Jerry Alden of Masonville, Iowa. The Pony Express Field Trial Club is truly honored to have these fine gentleman in the judging seats. The judges had many great performances with multiple pieces of bird work and good races. The judges noted they enjoyed the field trial, grounds, nice dogs, hospitality from the Pony Express Field Trial Club and multiple bird contacts by all dogs.

Heartland Open Derby

This year's derbies was an exciting stake to watch when many solid performances. All of the derbies have had a very success derby season which made an exciting stake. We would like to thank our judges. First place was credited to Shaw's Money Mabel handled by Matt Cochran. This nice setter female showed her speed/class on the ground with several all age cast showing her future potential! Second place was Blackhawk Lucky Charm handled by Allen Vincent. This young dog do a nice job with several all age performance. Third place was Wild Covey Sundial handled by Andy Daugherty put on a nice performance with a nice stylish find to secure her in the top 3.

Gentry, Mo., March 13
Judges: Jerry Alden and Tommy Smith
OPEN DERBY - 5 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-SHAWS MONEY MABEL, 1701750, setter female, by Shamrock's Hidden Cash-Shamrock's Hidden Bristol. C owner; Matt Cochran, handler.
2d-BLACKHAWK LUCKY CHARM, 1703965, pointer female, by Blackhawk Jet-Hard Rock Archer City. Jim Mill, Steve Lightle & Natalie McDonald, owners; Allen Vincent, handler.
3d-WILD COVEY SUNDIAL, 1701529, pointer male, by Miller's Speed Dial-Wild Covey Jackie. Tony King, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.

Larry Smith Heartland Open All-Age

The Winners

Westfall's Wheels Up handled by Andy Daugherty, scouted by Ryan Westfall ran in the 7th brace. Wheels Up ran a nice forward all age race and was credited with several finds with his last find entered Garvin's gulch. Wheels Up was seen at time with a strong forward finish showing his endurance and stamina!

Westfall's True Grit handled by Ryan Westfall and scouted by Steve Auxier in brace 3. True Grit started off strong with a find at 12 next to the cedar tree on the fence line. He was credited with multiple finds showing his strong desire to find bird and all age stamina/endurance with his performance.

Texas Wild Rex handled by Allen Vincent, scouted by Andy Daugherty was turned loose in brace 1. Rex had several nice finds at 8 with nice style and intensity. He was turned loose and found on point at 15 along the fence. "Rex" continued to push the front on the fence lines showing his independence on several nice casts. Rex finished the hour strong to lock in her 3rd place performance.

Judges: Sean Hauser and Sheldon Rogers
OPEN DERBY - 5 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-WESTFALL'S WHEELS UP, 1680653, pointer male, by Westfall's Black Ace-Westfall's Quick Trick. Bill Westfall, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.
2d-WESTFALL'S TRUE GRIT, 1663635, pointer male, by Erin's Brave Heart-Westfall's Irish Bell. Ryan Westfall, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.
3d-TEXAS WILD REX, 1685409, pointer male, by Whippoorwill Forever Wild-Washita River Wild. Aaron Bolli, owner; Allen Vincent, handler.