GNEBGDC HOSTS SPRING FIELD TRIAL

The Great North Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club lived up to its name as entrants from five states traveled to Benson, Minnesota to participate in the Spring Field Trial on April 17th & 18th. Handlers from North and South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin joined several contestants from Minnesota to test themselves and their dogs against each other and a healthy population of wild birds that survived the harsh Minnesota winter. The seven events over the two day trial were evaluated by the Honorable Judge Robert Olson and the Honorable Judge Peter Wax. The weather cooperated fully for this event as temperatures topped out in the 60 degree range and the wind, while somewhat variable, provided a fair test of ability in the moist scenting conditions. It was a welcome change from the brutal heat that entrants in the fall trial were forced to cope with. Wild birds were in abundance with over 80% of entrants having contact with game during their run. Spring pheasants being notoriously well educated, they provided a challenging test for the dogs. Conditions for liberated birds the TAN were also ideal and several dogs and their handlers enjoyed success. The list of "Firsts" continues to grow for the club as the gallery was treated to the first barrage in the clubs history.

Open Class Results-Wild
Open class began with the running of the braces competition. The birds were plentiful but experienced and no one was successful in locating and holding a bird during the initial run. Although he did not locate a bird in his first attempt NBOB CHF GRCH Topperlyn Gallant Bodacious had on an impressive run and was called back in the afternoon for an opportunity to point. He successfully located and held a number of roosters that afternoon and was awarded a pass for his effort.
The open class continued with the running of the solo event on wild birds. Once again NBOB CHF GRCH Topperlyn Gallant Bodacious turned in an impressive performance and was subsequently awarded first place.

Braces
Pass - NBOB CHF GRCH Topperlyn Gallant Bodacious, Anne Johnson owner, Glen Gunderson handler

Solo
1st place - NBOB CHF GRCH Topperlyn Gallant Bodacious, Anne Johnson owner, Glen Gunderson handler

Gun Dog Class Results-Wild
The Gun Dog class continued the wild bird competition and, while not always cooperative, the birds continued to be plentiful. Most of the entrants had opportunities to match wits with the seasoned birds but true to their nature the pheasants held their own in the competition. Two dogs were successful in meeting the demands placed on them and the second placement of the day was earned by Chloe de la Crete Beue.

1st place - Chloe de la Crete Beue, Mark Dinsmore, owner / handler
Pass - Vespers Belle du Hunrunr, Nick wax and Sherry Niesar owners, Nick Wax handler.
TAN Results
Saturday's events continued with the running of the natural ability test. Conditions continued to be ideal and the venue allowed an eager gallery to observe the young dogs take to the field. Three young Bretons were evaluated and all demonstrated the attributes that endear the breed to dog lovers every where. Eager to please and eager to find birds these young dogs all demonstrated the bird finding ability and steadiness necessary to earn their TAN title.

Pass - Elan de la Malbirado, Arthur Heitzler owner, / handler.
Pass - Jackson Stonewall Jackson, Rick Jackson, owner / handler.
Pass - Elina de L'isle de Callac, Steve Broughton, owner / handler.

Open Class Results-Liberated
Dogs and handlers alike continued to enjoy ideal conditions for the liberated bird competition. Once again an ideal venue provided ample cover for the placement of the birds while allowing judges and spectators alike to watch the dogs perform. After the exciting encounters with wild birds the previous day the contest with liberated birds provided a different kind of challenge. Only one dog was up for the demands of the contest as TR GRCHF CH Vernon de L'Escarbot added another ribbon to his extensive collection.
The solo competition provided a last chance for the open class dogs to settle down and demonstrate their skills. All dogs entered in the competition took advantage of opportunity and enjoyed successful runs. Chloe de la Crete Beue, fresh from her first place in the Gun Dog competition the day before, turned in a fine performance in the open competition. Valdemar de Winterhaven demonstrated the spirit and discipline necessary to be awarded the first win of his career against formidable competition.

Braces
Pass TR GRCHF CH Vernon de L'Escarbot, Mark Dinsmore, owner / handler.

Solo
1st Place - Valdemar de Winterhaven, Russ Winter, owner / handler.
Pass - Vigueur de L'Escarbot, Doug Lodermeier, owner / handler.
Pass - Chloe de la Crete Beue, Mark Dinsmore, owner / handler.
Pass - NBOB CHF GRCH Topperlyn Gallant Bodacious, Anne Johnson owner, Glen Gunderson handler.

Gun Dog Class Results-Liberated
The success of the open class was continued by entrants in the gun dog class as they took to the field. Although several of the young dogs were unable to withstand the temptation of slow flying quail the gun dog class produced some outstanding runs that were worthy of placement. Two dogs demonstrated the qualities necessary to win and they were brought together to resolve the contest in the first ever barrage in a GNEBGDC event. Derrick de L'Etoile du Nord and Vespers Belle du Hunrunr took to the field both well managed by their young handlers. Judges Olson and Wax observed the brace of Bretons as they displayed the gait, style and desire that typify the breed. After a lengthy consultation Derrick de L'Etoile du Nord TAN, owned and handled by Derek Lodermeier was declared the victor. Another impressive performance was given by Elan de la Malbirado and the clubs first High Natural Quality ribbon was awarded to recognize the young dog's potential.

1st place - Derrick de L'Etoile du Nord TAN, Derek Lodermeier, owner / handler
Reserve - Vespers Belle du Hunrunr, Nick wax and Sherry Niesar owners, Nick Wax handler.
Pass - Deacon Bo du Copper Spur, Jon Anderson, owner / handler.
HNQ - Elan de la Malbirado, Arthur Heitzler, owner / handler.

THANK YOU
As with any successful event, there is a long list of people who worked hard to make it possible. The club offers a huge THANK YOU to the following people. Anne Johnson, Chair, Glen Gunderson, Field Trail Secretary. Another thank you to Glen and Anne for securing permission to use some of the finest land around for the purposes of holding a trial and for coordinating the volunteers and the equipment over the two day event. The following people also volunteered their time and energy and made this event possible.
Gunners: Virgil Anderson, Jeff Anderson, Wade Gunderson, John Honnerman
Bird planters and ATV drivers: Adam Gunderson, Aaron Gunderson
Photographers: Amanda Douglas and Peter Wax
Lunches: Chelse Pierson & Amy Anderson
A thank you is also due to Greg Gunderson and John Lysen who generously loaned their ATV's to the club for the weekend. Last but certainly not least; thank you to Judge Robert Olson and Judge Peter Wax who traveled from great distances to preside over the competition.

Comments from the Judges
The judges offered many compliments to the club regarding the running of the trial and the performance of the entrants. The grounds used for the trial were praised and the club was complimented for learning from the experiences of the last trial. The work of the handlers and dogs was also noted to have improved. Constructive comments were provided to guide the club in future events were also provided. These suggestions included tips for ensuring that individual performances will not be affected by well meaning but underprepared volunteers and that liberated birds will be in peak condition on Sunday morning.

Next Meeting
The GNEBGDC will be hosting a Puppy Boot Camp on June 19, 2010. The event will be held at South Haven, Minnesota. See the GNEBGDC website for details and to RSVP.

A Note From the Editor
As in the past, I would like to apologize in advance for any errors or omissions in the newsletter. Hopefully I've gotten everything straight but there were a lot more awards this time so that provides me with many more opportunities to make a mistake.
In addition to extending thanks to all of the club officers and volunteers I would also like to thank everyone who entered the trial and TAN. Owners and handlers who take the time to attend an event like this are as essential to its success as the people who organize it. I especially want to thank and congratulate the handlers who made this their first event. Although I've been doing this for a few years now I still remember the anxiety that comes with taking to the field in front of others for the very first time. Every one of you is a winner. I'll see you again in the fall.