Result: National Vizsla Association National Championships

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Mar 7, 2021

Submitted By: Jarett Bell and Natalie Howard

2021 marks the 30th year the National Vizsla Association has conducted a National Field Trial event.

The National Vizsla Association was formed with the single purpose of "Promoting the Vizsla as a High Class Bird Dog" and it appears the past three decades have proven it to be a worthwhile endeavor.

After four National Classics the American Field/Field Dog Stud Book granted championship status to the event and since 1995 we've run a National Championship every year with 2021 being no exception even with the COVID-19 concerns. By using good safety and health practices we were able to showcase national caliber dogs while keeping everyone safe.

This year's event started with our annual Board of Directors meeting on Sunday, March 7, followed by the commencement of the National Amateur Championship breaking away at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, and running to conclusion of the National Open Championship on Friday, March 12, with the National Derby Classic sandwiched in between.

Entries were down a little this year with the pandemic looming but we still drew 62 dogs for the week for all three stakes and there was no shortage of excellent performances.

As with any event of this size and scope it is not possible without a lot of help and the support of our great sponsors -- Purina, Garmin, The Saddle Guy and Dog's Unlimited.

There was also significant help and support from the people in attendance with Natalie Howard doing the reporting, Todd Myer, Matt Rogers, Karen Concilio, Andrea Northwood and Ray Cooper pitched in to manage the dog wagon keeping the dogs ready to go and providing snacks for participants.

Bill Stapleton served as stake manager for the Amateur. Justin Hess and Paul Howard served as stake managers for the Derby and Open Championship, respectively. Ray Cooper and Justin Hess donated the saddle bags and scabbard for the winner and runner-up of the Derby Classic and a host of other people assisted where ever needed to make the week run smoothly.

You cannot have a first class Championship series without excellent judges and we sure had them this year. Jay Lewis of Columbia, Mo., teamed with Lou Qualtiere from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the Amateur Championship, while Dickie Sorrell from Hubbard, Tex., joined Charlie Collier from Corsicana, Tex., for the Derby Classic and the Open Championship. These four judges bring over 120 yeas of combined experience in the sport of field trials to adjudicate this national event. Our sincere appreciation goes to these men for the hours they spent in the saddle and the attention they dedicated to watching each dog perform.

AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Brace 1: (Aly) Reve's Royal Hawaiian with Chad Chadwell and (Skippy) Rockwood's Little Nutzy with Mike Northwood were away away at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 8. Aly took the left side to the cut and was found standing on the left woodsedge edge just before the creek crossing. After several relocations, no bird produced and the handler took an unproductive. Coming into Davis Bottoms, Skippy worked the left line and Aly ran the right. At 25 Aly pointed in the Buffett Line coming off the right side where she was rewarded with a covey. Skippy and Aly made their way down the hill coming out of Apple Tree Hill and Skippy was found standing on the left before the entrance of Little Vine Loop at 52 for his only find of the brace. Both dogs finished the hour going through Little Vine Loop.

(Pyro) Hess Farms Pyromaniac (Justin Hess) and (Wyatt) BGK's Lone Gunman (Jarrett Bell) broke away up the hill coming out of Little Vine Loop. Both dogs took opposite sides of the hill. At 15 they made their way to the creek crossing. As both dogs crossed the creek, Wyatt had a stop to flush and Pyro was picked up for breach of manners. Wyatt continued on through Sycamore Bottoms and at 25 was standing at the end of the line just before the road; Jarrett flushed two quail here. At 34 Jarrett elected to pick Wyatt up just before the twin barns.

Sonny, with Kirk Loftin and (Arya) Alpine's Mischief Managed (Karen Concilio) took off just before the twin barns. Both dogs had a strong breakaway. Sonny took a right at the twin barns and headed down the hill towards the Four Corners Crossing before being brought back on course by the scout as the handler entered the Bull Pasture. Arya continued along the left line and was found standing by the pond for her only. Both handlers elected to pick up after the Four Corners Crossing.

(Ember) Spreadin Like Wildfire (J. Hess) and (Hawk) Hatszel's Z Bullet Redhawk (Mark Coppola) were the final brace Monday morning and broke away from the bottom of clubhouse loop. At 16 Ember was found standing in the first chute after the twin barns; she was relocated several times but handler was unable to produce a bird. Hawk had not been seen after the twin barns; he came down the hill on the left hand side in the second chute and continued forward with Ember. After crossing the road Ember pointed at 30 but handler was only able to locate a pile of feathers. Both dogs headed toward the cemetery. At 45 Ember was found standing on the left treeline just before the creek crossing; after relocating, Justin was unable to produce a bird and elected to pick up. Hawk had his only find at 48 in the Buffet Line after the creek crossing. Hawk finished the hour.

(Rossi) B G K'S Blinged Up Rossi (Jarrett Bell) and (Wrigs) Fortius Wrigs (Sean Anderson) broke away after lunch on Monday. At 4 minutes, Rossi was standing on the left woodsedge just before the creek crossing; handler produced a bird here. Rossi's second find came at 19 after crossing the road just before entering Davis Bottoms; handler produced a 4-5 bird covey. Wrigs was not seen after the creek crossing and the Sean pulled the retrieval device at 20. After coming into Davis Bottoms, Rossi worked the right line and pointed in the Buffet Line at 25. Handler relocated but was unable to produce a bird and took an unproductive. Handler elected to pick up at 38 coming into the Island Field.

(Savage) BGK'S Savage Arms (J. Bell) and (Shaka) Pele's Wiki Aloha Spirit (Chad Chadwell) were away from the Island Field. They ran the right side along the creek headed toward Horse Killer hill. At 14 Shaka was found standing on the right side on the top of Horse Killer hill; handler was unable to produce a bird but did produce an armadillo. Neither dog had any further bird contact and both handlers elected to pick up at 25 in Little Vine Loop.

(Bam Bam) Burr Oak's Bam Bam (Jim Gingrich) and (Bolt) BGK'S Bolt Action (J. Bell) headed up the hill coming out of Little Vine Loop. Both dogs made the creek crossing and entered Sycamore Bottoms together. At 19 Bolt had his first find in the right side treeline just before the creek crossing coming out of Sycamore Bottoms, bird produced here. Both dogs made their way past the twin barns and worked the left side toward the pond. At 39 Bam Bam was found standing with Bolt backing along the left line just after the pond; Jim was able to produce a bird. Both dogs continued forward towards the Bull Pasture. Bam Bam had a second find at 51 coming out of the Bull Pasture with Bolt backing. Both dogs continued towards the four corners crossing. At 55 Bolt was standing on the right side just before the hill headed toward four corners. Both dogs finished the hour.

Brace No. 8 broke away at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning. (Stone) Ramblin Rivers Rollin Stone (B. Stapleton) and (Sawney) Millstar's Lion Rampant (Laura Miller) had a strong breakaway start. Sawney came out of the creek crossing and worked the right line toward the first Buffet Line where he was found standing at 13 with a bird produced here. As Laura was working her find, Stone pointed in the second Buffet Line at 14 with a bird produced on the find. Both dogs continued forward across the creek and headed towards the road crossing into Davis Bottoms. At 25 Sawney was found standing; handler produced a bird but Sawney was picked up due to breach of manners. Stone continued forward through the Island Field and had his second find at 40 just before Horse Killer Hill, handler was able to produce a bird but Stone was picked up due to breach of manners to end the brace.

No. 9 -- CK'S Touchdown Sassy (J. Gingrich) and (Ty) Another Mai Tai Please (C. Chadwell) -- produced the 2021 winner. The brace took off at the entrance into Apple Tree Hill. Ty broke away to the left and worked the fenceline; he had his first find at 2 just before the deer stand. Both dogs continued forward through Apple Tree Hill towards Little Vine Loop. Ty stopped at 9 in the left side treetine in Little Vine loop; after relocating, Chad produced a bird for his second find. Both dogs made their way up the hill coming out of Little Vine Loop. At 25 Ty was found standing just before the creek crossing headed to Sycamore Bottoms. After relocating several times, Chad produce a bird and Ty continued forward toward Sycamore Bottoms. Both dogs worked through Sycamore Bottoms. At 34 Sassy had her first find just before the hill headed out of Sycamore Bottoms with handler producing a 2-3 bird covey on the find. Ty and Sassy made their way toward the Twin Barns. At 45 Ty pointed on the left just after the twin barns for his fourth find while Sassy continued past the barns and headed toward the pond. At 48 Sassy had her second and final find just after the pond. Ty finished the hour running the left side coming into the Bull Pasture and at 54 had his fifth and final find in the trees coming into the Bull Pasture. Both dogs finished the hour with Ty being awarded National Amateur Champion for his run.

BGK'S Hawknest Sammie (Paul Howard) and (Cal) Mia's Hour of Kalua (C. Chadwell) broke away at the top of the hill headed towards the four corners crossing. Sammy broke away to the left and got off course before being brought back by the scout. Handler elected to pick Sammy up at 10. Cal continued forward up the hill leaving the four corners crossing. After being unable to locate Cal after the hill, handler called it at 20, ending the brace.

Briar In My Boot (J. Hess) and (Red) Bangert's Red Baron (B. Stapleton) broke away from the top of clubhouse loop as the last brace of the morning on Tuesday. Briar scored at 6 minutes on the left side at the four corners crossing just before the hill headed to the twin barns. Red continued up the hill toward the twin barns and had his first find at 8 on the top of the hill. Both dogs continued forward past the barns with Briar taking a left at the barns and running the top ridge and Red heading down into the chute. Red had his second find at 21 just after crossing the road and going through the double gates. Both dogs worked their way toward cemetery field. At 27 Briar pointed in the right side line of cemetery field, a three-bird covey produced here. Both dogs moved through the cemetery field and made their way back down along course No. 1 At 51 Briar was standing in the left side corner right after the entrance into Davis Bottoms; after several relocations, handler produced a bird deep in the cover of the treeline. Both dogs finished the hour.

(Oengus) Millstar's Satire (L. Miller) and (Nova) Ramblin Rivers Nova (B. Stapleton) broke away after lunch on Tuesday afternoon. Nova was picked prior to the creek crossing. Oengus crossed the creek and took the right side line down toward the Buffet Line and across the creek crossing. He continued along the right line in the field headed toward the road crossing. He had his first find at 25 in the Buffet Line in Davis Bottoms; he was picked up for breach of manners to end the brace..

(Cinder) Ramblin Rivers Fire Woman (B. Stapleton) and (Ray) Sugar Cane Express (C. Chadwell) were away in Davis Bottoms headed toward the Island Field. Both dogs worked the left side line coming around the Island Field and continued forward toward Horse Killer Hill. Cinder had her first find at 25 on the left side fenceline of Apple Tree Hill right in front of the deer stand, and they continued on towards Little Vine Loop. Ray was picked up in Little Vine Loop. Cinder pointed for a second time at 54 by the road before double gates but handler was unable to produce a bird and took an unproductive. Cinder finished the brace.

No. 14 -- (Smudge) BGK'S White Lightning (J. Bell) and (Mia) Cali's Wiki Mai Tai at Sunset (C. Chadwell -- produced the runner-up. They broke away just before the twin barns. At 5 both dogs were standing to the left across from the barns with birds produced by both handlers. Smudge and Mia worked the left side down past the pond. At 11 they were standing on a divided find; Jarrett produced the bird and both handlers fired their guns. Smudge worked the left side all the way through the Bull Pasture. She continued to have a nice forward race along the right side line coming out of the Bull Pasture, leading to her third find at 25, a small covey here. Chad elected to pick Mia up at 35 at the four corners crossing. Smudge made her way up the hill coming out of the four corners crossing and headed toward clubhouse loop. Her fourth find came at 50 on the right side after the hill on clubhouse loop. Smudge had her fifth and final find at 57 on the top of the hill headed to twin barns after working the entire right side line up the hill. She finished the hour going forward down the chute to end the brace.

Grovespring, Mo., March 8

Judges: Jay Lewis and Lou Qualtiere

NATIONAL VIZSLA AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

[One-Hour Heats] -- 28 Vizslas

Winner--ANOTHER MAI TAI PLEASE, 1650217, male, by Wegler's Crown Royal--Wegler's Penny Lane. Charles Chadwell & Nancy Browne, owners; Charles Chadwell, handler.

Runner-Up--B G K'S WHITE LIGHTENING, 1664970, female, by Boot Scootin Boogie--Huntin With A Lil Swagger. Jarrett Bell, owner and handler.

OPEN DERBY

Brace No. 1 produced the second and third place winners. (Barney) Burr Oak's Barney (Brian Gingrich) and (Winnie) Fortius Make Someday Today (Anderson) broke away at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Both dogs had a nice breakaway with Barney working the left side line and Winnie taking the right headed toward the first creek crossing. Barney was not seen after the first creek crossing but showed going forward in the field headed towards the road crossing. Coming into Davis Bottoms, Barney worked the right side, Winnie worked at the left. At 23 both dogs went on point in the Buffet Line in Davis Bottoms, with Brian able to dismount and produce a bird. Both dogs finished the brace headed into the Island Field.

(Koa) Bold Warrior (Chad Chadwell) and (Lizzy) Burr Oak's Lizzy (B. Gingrich) broke away going into the Island Field. In her field trial debut, Lizzy was picked up early after getting caught up under horses in the gallery. Koa had her first find at 16 just before the road crossing headed out of Davis Bottoms. Koa continued past the road crossing and had her second find came just after the creek crossing, a small 2-3 bird covey here. Koa continued forward along course No.1 headed back to the breakaway and had her final find at 25 in the Buffet Line. Koa finished going forward.

(Ruby) Hatszel's Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale (Mark Coppola) and (Jake) CK Guy's Jake (B. Gingrich). No. 3 produced the winner. Both dogs had a strong break away to the front headed toward the creek crossing on course one and show together for the first time as the handlers approached the creek crossing. Jake had his first bird contact at 11 in the right side line just after the creek crossing. Jake continued on just a few hundred feet and had his second bird contact in the right side line, Brian briefly dismounted his horse and fired his gun. At 17 Jake pointed just before the road crossing, working this find broke before continuing forward through Davis Bottoms.. Jake had his final find in the buffet line in Davis Bottoms. Ruby had no bird contact during the brace. Both dogs finished the brace.

(GT) Rockwood's Fast Back (Mike Northwood) and (Tommy) Burr Oak's Tommy (B. Gingrich) took off from the Island Field. They worked the left side all the way around the Island Field and headed through the field leading to Horse Killer Hill. There was no bird contact by either dog during the brace. Both dogs finished the 30 minutes.

Burr Oak's Ceba Brian, as a bye, broke away from the start of course No. 1. Brian Gingrich elected to pick up prior to the creek crossing.

Judges: Charlie Collier and Dickie Sorrell

DERBY CLASSIC -- 9 Vizslas

1st--C K GUY'S JAKE, 1691266, male, by C K Countryside Buck--C K Guy's Hot N Spicey. Ron Chenoweth, owner; Brian Gingrich, handler.

2d--BURR OAK'S BARNEY, 1694047, male, by C K Post Route Scout--Burr Oak's Loaner. James Gingrich, owner; Brian Gingrich, handler.

3d--FORTIUS MAKE SOMEDAY TODAY, 1692228, female, by Fortius Wrigs--Fortius Red October. Sean Anderson, owner and handler.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

(Savage) BGK'S Bolt Action (Jarrett Bell) and (Arya) Alpine's Mischief Managed (Karen Concilio) broke away at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both dogs worked the creek line at the breakaway. At 4 Savage pointed with Arya backing just before the creek crossing. They continued on past the creek crossing, both running hard towards the Buffet Line. Savage had his second find at 15 before the road crossing; after having to work to get the bird to fly, the handler was able to produce the bird. Savage continued on across the road and toward Davis Bottoms. Both dogs worked through Davis Bottoms and at 23 Arya was found standing in the far corner on the right side in the cedar trees for her first find. After coming out of the Island Field, Arya made a strong forward move heading toward Horse Killer Hill and was standing at 40 on the opposite side of the creek for her second find. Savage continued up Horse Killer Hill and at 43 pointed on the right side line headed toward Apple Tree Hill. Savage continued on into Apple Tree Hill and at 45 pointed in the middle of the field; he was relocated but no bird was produced. Both dogs finished the brace going forward up the hill headed out of Little Vine Loop.

(Toby) Burr Oak's Toby (B. Gingrich) and (Bolt) BGK'S Bolt Action (J. Bell) broke away from the back side of Little Vine Loop at 2:45 p.m. They worked the right hand edge coming into Sycamore Bottoms before heading towards the creek crossing. At 15 Bolt was found standing just after the creek crossing coming out of Sycamore Bottoms but was picked up following a breach of manners. Toby continued up the hill headed toward the twin barns. After not being seen after the twin barns, Toby showed ahead at the pond and took the left side fenceline where he had his first find at 28. After making his way through the Bull Pasture, Toby had his second find at 45 just before the gate coming out of the Bull Pasture. Toby continued on toward the four corners crossing. At 47 Toby was standing for a third time but handler was unable to produce a bird and elected to take a non productive. Toby continued toward the four corners crossing and at 57 went on point on top of the hill opposite the twin barns; after relocating several times he was unable to produce a bird, an unproductive to end the brace.

(Sawney) Millstar's Lion Rampant (Laura Miller) and (Stone) Ramblin Rivers Rollin Stone (Bill Stapleton) were off from the bottom of the hill at clubhouse loop. Sawney was standing on the right side on the top of clubhouse loop; handler producing a bird and he continued forward toward the four corners crossing. Stone was not seen following the breakaway but showed ahead toward the four corners crossing. Both dogs took a left and headed back up the hill of clubhouse loop, after hard work by the scouts, both dogs returned and continued forward toward the twin barns. Stone stopped at 14. Both dogs continued forward together past the twin barns and headed toward the chute. Sawney and Stone were found standing at 20 on a divided find on the right side just before entering the first chute. As both handlers walked up the birds got up and both handlers shot. Stone made it across the road and through the double gates heading towards the far treeline where he pointed at 33 for his third find. After the find, Stone worked his way through the cemetery field and pointed at 38 in the Buffet Line for No. 4. As Stone was getting ready to break away following his fourth find, Sawney returned after being brought back by the scout. Both dogs continued towards the start of course No. 1, both running very nice forward races towards the creek crossing. At 53 Sawney was standing next to the creek; after multiple relocations, handler was only able to find a pile of feathers with no bird produced and Sawney continued on to catch the front. Both dogs finished the hour.

Sonny (Jarrett Bell) and (Ray) Sugar Cane Express (Chad Chadwell) broke away Thursday morning under the threat of heavy rain. Both dogs were away strong to the front but Sonny took a right and went across the creek and was not located after the creek crossing.. Ray crossed the creek and was found standing at 13 on the right side tree line coming out of the creek, handler produced a bird and Ray continued on toward the road crossing. At 20 he went on point for a second time in the left side treeline of the road crossing but was picked up for breach of manners on the find.

(Onegus) Millstar's Satire (L. Miller) and (Hawk) Hatszel's Z Bullet Redhawk (Mark Coppola) were away from the road crossing headed toward Davis Bottoms. As they began, the rain started and did not stop for the remainder of the day. Hawk worked the right treeline through Davis Bottoms and into the island field. At 20 he was standing just before the entrance to Horse Killer Hill. After several relocations, no bird was produced. After not being seen since Davis Bottoms, Onegus showed at the top of Horse Killer Hill and pointed at 29 in the left side line coming into Apple Tree Hill. Handler produced a bird but picked up due to breach in manners. Handler elected to pick Hawk up at 42 at the end of Little Vine Loop.

No. 6 -- (Red) Bangert's Red Baron (B. Gingrich) and (Briar) Briar In My Boot (Justin Hess) --produced the winner. They broke away from the bottom of the hill headed out of Little Vine Loop under a steady rain. Both were away strong up the hill and towards Sycamore Bottoms. Briar ran the left side edge opposite the creek in the woods headed into Sycamore Bottoms. After crossing the creek, he ran the right side up onto the hill at which time he went on point and a small covey of 2-3 birds was produced by handler. Both dogs continued through Sycamore bottoms and up the hill headed towards the twin barns. Briar had his second find in the briars on the left side just before the twin barns where handler flushed a woodcock. Both dogs then continued forward past the twin barns. Briar pointed for a third time just after the pond in the left fenceline with a single bird produced on the find. Briar ran the left side through the bull pasture and had his fourth and final find on the right side line up in the corner after the bull pasture. Briar finished the brace with a strong forward race and was awarded winner of the 2021 NVA Open Championship.

The final braces could not be written up due to weather related recorder issues resulting in the recordings of the braces being lost.

Brace 7: (Remi) Sunset's Trail's Locked N Loaded (B. Gingrich) and (Smudge) BGK'S White Lightening (Jarrett Bell). Smudge had three finds and two unproductives.

Brace 8: (Nova) Ramblin Rivers Nova (B.Gingrich) and (Cal) Mia's Hour of Kalua (Chad Chadwell). Cal was picked up by handler during brace. This brace was ended at 30 due to lightning in the area.

Brace 9: (Scout) CK Post Route Scout (B. Gingrich) and (Ty) Another Mai Tai Please (Chad Chadwell). No. 9 produced the runner-up of the NVA Open Championship in Scout. He had three finds during the brace and a strong forward race in cold and constant rain throughout the hour.

NATIONAL VIZSLA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] --

25 Vizslas

Winner--BRIAR IN MY BOOT, 1662736, male, by Boot Scootin Boogie--Kick Em Up Kimber. Justin Hess, owner and handler.

Runner-Up--C K POST ROUTE SCOUT, 1663076, male, by C K Touchdown Guy--Vanguard's Make Her Mark. James Gingrich, owner; Brian Gingrich, handler.