Result: West Coast Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Hornito, California

Post Date: Jan 8, 2026

Submitted By: Tom Griffin

West Coast Open Shooting Dog Championship (front row): Tom Griffin with Pride N Joy and Terry Erickson with Horizon's Sage. (Back row): Cory Harrison (judge), Marc Cuneo, Kay Kelly, Ed Mayhew (judge), Sheldon Twer, Sean Kelly, Kara Kelly, and Julie Kelly.

The San Joaquin Valley English Setter Club hosted the West Coast Shooting Dog Championship on the J. Ichord Hornitos Ranch. The running kicked off on October 26 under near-perfect conditions-- overcast sky, 50 degrees, and a light breeze. These grounds, which have been well described in previous reports in the Field, were in excellent condition. There was ample cover, water in the creeks, and an absence of cattle. The breakaway for the Shooting Dog course was moved from the gate at the lower trailer parking area to cattle mineral tubs behind and above the trial headquarters at the red barn. The dogs now start the hour on an open expanse of rolling pasture with rock outcroppings and shallow gullies, travelling toward the main gate and creek at the bottom of the ranch. This change added substantial ground to the first course, allowing the traverse through the narrow gap from the "back" of the second course to the bowl behind the cowboy gate to be eliminated. The handlers agreed this change was a definite improvement.

The judges for the Championship were Ed Mayhew and Cory Harrison. Ed is a well-known and respected trialer. He has judged championship stakes throughout the Western Regions and successfully competes with his own dogs in both the shooting dog and all-age arenas. His partner, Cory Harrison from Napa, California, competes on the AKC Circuit. His judicial services are highly sought after in that circuit, as he is an astute judge of class bird dog performances. Their decision was well received. The Club is grateful and appreciative of these men's time and expertise.

Ten dogs were drawn for the championship. Several factors contributed to the low number of entries. Professional trainer Sheldon Twer's recent retirement from field trialing was one. Sean Kelly and Jim Rose were sidelined with injuries, and their entries were missed. Also missing was Bill Owen's string of top-notch dogs due to his decision to start his Southern foray earlier this year. Finally, the distances and increasing expenses make it increasingly difficult to draw entries from Regions 9 and 10.

This writer's 3-year-old male pointer, Pride N Joy ("Lite"), was named champion. Lite ran a far-reaching shooting dog race with purpose. He was rewarded with three stylish finds. At time, he was found on point well to the front beyond in the quarry rock waste piles. Terry Erickson's female setter, Horizon's Sage, took runner-up honors. Sage ran a smooth, consistent hour with four impeccable finds.

The Club greatly appreciates the support and participation of Jarry Walton, Marc Cunio, and Jared Tapero. Thank you, Sean and Kay Kelly. Your contributions from planning through conclusion were essential to the trial's success. Finally, a shout-out to Purina Pro Plan and Greg Blair for their support of this trial and all they do for the field trial community.

Hornitos, Cal., October 26
Judges: Ed Mayhew and Cory Harrison
WEST COAST OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 7 Pointers and 3 Setters
Winner-PRIDE N JOY, F1703602, pointer male, by Quickmarksman's Ace-Sweet Child O Mine. Tom Griffin, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-HORIZON'S SAGE, F1701690, setter female, by See Johny Run-Horizon's Americus. Terry Erickson, owner and handler.