Result: NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship

Location: Covington, Indiana

Post Date: Dec 30, 2024

Submitted By: Kevin Western

NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship (l-r): Jack Glover with Champion Glover's Pepper Shaker and Rob Warner with Runner-up Champion Sky Hawk's Little Rascal.

The NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship was held at Keith Wright's Redwood Farm near Covington, Indiana. The NBHA Invitational Championship invited 12 dogs based on their NBHA rankings in the Amateur Shooting Dog category to compete for this title. This trial started on Monday, November 18, with the dogs running to qualify for the chance to win on Tuesday.

This year, the AFTCA National Walking Shooting Dog Championship was held at the Redwood Farm with 36 dogs running Friday through Sunday. The NBHA Amateur Invitational Championship started the next day. As always, there are plenty of birds at Redwood Farms to evaluate each dog's ability to find and maintain proper manners on their birdwork. Redwood is the ideal place to evaluate a Walking Dog Championship with the rolling hills and fields with edges of native grass and soybean. A creek that trickles through the farm and several ponds allow plenty of water for dogs to stay hydrated. The Wright family always provides hospitality that is unmatched anywhere else. Facilities are first class; the field trial course was manicured like a professional sports field. Parking and horse stalls were available for all who participated.

This year's champion, Glover's Pepper Shaker, is owned and handled by Jack Glover from Shelbyville, Missouri. This is "Pepper's" first championship; she ran in the third brace of the callback, and her race was forward to the front. Pepper responded well to her handler as she navigated the course. Pepper finished with three finds all in order and style that made you sit up in the saddle.
Runner-up Champion Sky Hawk's Little Rascal is owned and handled by Rob Warner of Pittsfield, Illinois. Sky Hawk's Little Rascal ran in the first brace of the callback; he finished the hour with two clean finds. He was thorough in his application and was pleasant to watch.

We want to thank our judges for their time evaluating the performances of these fine canine athletes. Thanks again to Aaron McAfee of Clinton, Illinois, and JD Waters of Mechanicsburg, Illinois. Their decision was well received.

NBHA would like to thank our sponsors. To Purina, for the dog food that is provided for the winners and samples to all the participants. Garmin provided a Pro 500 and a TT25 collar to the winners. OnX Hunt and Gun Dog Supply gift certificates. Other NBHA sponsors, Gun Dog Central and Mule Brand Clothing are ongoing supporters of the organization throughout the year.

At the noon lunch on Monday, we had several honors to mention that made this trial a memory for those attending. First, the host club, North Missouri Field Trial Association, gave each entry a travel mug with the new NBHA logo and the script of the NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship 2024. Purina Pro Plan gave each owner a Purina Pro Plan reversible vest. NBHA recognized and presented Kenny DeLong, owner of K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot, a painting of last year's NBHA National Amateur Invitational winner. Big thanks to Kenny DeLong, who had a cake made to honor and wish good luck to all the participants at this year's championship.

Finally, the host club, North Missouri Field Trial Association, and the NBHA would like to thank the Wright family--Keith, Jessica, Jill, and John--for allowing us to use their facilities to hold this year's NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship event. Their help and assistance were greatly appreciated. And a special thanks to Kenny and CJ for assisting with the dog wagon duties.

The Running
Monday morning was the start of the qualifying run in the Invitational. With the rain setting in for the day, the first brace had The Need For Speed (ESM/Chris Kobs, owner/handler) running with Emert's Show Me Motu (ESM/Dave Emert, owner, and Cliff Monroe, handler). This was the first time that these two were running in the Invitational. "Speed" finished the hour and made some good moves but missed the opportunity in making the callback. "Motu" is a veteran dog, but on this day was not his to finish the hour.

The second brace had last year's winner, K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot (BRITM/Kenny DeLong, owner/handler), braced with Foxy Lady Sadie (ISF/ Mike Fox, owner/handler). Both of these dogs are running for their second time at this event. Foxy Lady Sadie was lost in her bid to run in the final hour. "Hotshot" ran a good race, having six finds earning his spot in the final hour.

The third brace had Erin's Gypsy Lady (PF/Matthew Puckett, owner/handler) running with Baker's Shining Star Duke (GSPM/Mike Baker, owner/handler). "Lady" wasn't pleasing her handler today and was up at the halfway point. "Duke" finished the hour, had multiple finds, and he stayed in check with his handler. Duke's performance earned him a spot in the callback series.

In the fourth brace, Glover's Pepper Shaker (ESF/Jack Glover, owner/handler) was up against Hirollins Gone and Doneit (PM/Warren Parrott, owner/handler). This was the first time that these two contestants ran in the Invitational. Both dogs navigated the course, had birdwork, and finished the hour making the callback.

In the fifth brace, Raintree Blue Moon (ISM/Cathy Lewis, owner/handler) was braced with Craig's Runin Roxie (PF/Craig Hiatt, owner, and handled by Tim Penn). This brace was unique, showcasing the most consistent NBHA Amateur-winning dogs in this trial. Raintree Blue Moon has been invited and ran in four consecutive NBHA Invitationals. Blue Moon was unable to finish the hour this year but the opportunity for him to repeat again for next year is still a possibility. While Craig's Runin Roxie is running in her five appearances, Roxie handled her way to the front with four finds and finished the hour to earn a run in the callback.

The sixth brace had two newcomers to this stake: Sky Hawk's Little Rascal (ESM/Rob Warner, owner/handler) running with Glover's Flintstone (ESM/Jack Glover, owner/handler). Both dogs broke away to earn the right to run again. "Flint" was secured by his handler midway through the brace, ending his bid to run in the final. Rascal hunted with a purpose showing good manners on his birdwork and finishing the hour to secure the opportunity to run again.

The callback had three braces running. The first brace had K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot vs. Sky Hawks Little Rascal. The second brace was Hirollins Gone and Doneit vs. Baker's Shining Star Duke. The third brace was Craig's Runin Roxie vs. Glover's Pepper Shaker.

After the dust settled, the clouds cleared, and the sun was shining, the announcement was made with the judges' decision. This year's NBHA National Amateur Invitational Champion is Glover's Pepper Shaker, and the runner-up champion is Sky Hawk's Little Rascal.

Convington, Ind., November 18
Judges: Aaron McAfee and J. D. Waters
NBHA NATIONAL AMATEUR INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals] - 12 Entries
Winner-GLOVER'S PEPPER SHAKER, F1695618, setter female, by Erin's Wild Atlantic Way-C C Erin O'Shamrock. Jack Glover, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-SKY HAWK'S LITTLE RASCAL, F1670670, setter male, by Hytest Palladin-Sky Hawk's Blues Traveler. Robert Warner, owner and handler.

Tammy and Kenny DeLong with a painting of last year's Invitational winner, K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot.