American Brittany Club, Inc

AMERICAN BRITTANY CLUB NATIONAL OPEN ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP November 27 – December 2, 2006 By Conrad Plevnic

The American Brittany Club’s (ABC) National Open All Age Championship started 27 November 2006 for the twentieth consecutive year at the J. Perry Mikles Blue Mountain Wildlife Demonstration Area (WDA) near Booneville, Arkansas and was completed 1 December 2006. The three judges make up the ‘whose who’ of the field trial judging world, and writing superlatives would take more words than would be allowable in the entire report. All three have helped put on, run in, and judged some of the most prestigious trials in the country, and have belonged to many organizations in support of the time honored field trial tradition. Harold Davis, from Texas, started field trialing in 1961 and judged the 2005 ABC National Amateur All-Age Championship. Tom Honecker from Mississippi / Ohio won his first field trial in 1957 at the age of nine. He has trained and handled 28 of his dogs to 80+ American Field Championships. This is his second year in a row to judge the Championship. Jimmy White from Kentucky started trialing in the early 1970s, has trailed dogs successfully, and judged from coast to coast. He has previously judged this trial and has judged the National Championship at the Ames Plantation. Forty-nine starters from the four corners of America vied for the prestigious wins, and the following rose to the top as the cream of the crop:

1  Marilynne and Clem Little were a study in excitement with Marilynne a bundle of happiness when their DC/AFC Shady’s Tia Maria (Female) was named Champion of the 2006 National Open All Age Championship. Tia appeared the last day for her proud owners who hail from the state of Washington. Whelped 7/2/2000, her sire is NFC/DC/AFC Tequilas Joker and dam is FC/AFC Shady’s Chik-N-Little with breeding by the Littles. Prior to this, Tia has recorded five one-hour American Field first place wins with a total of twelve wins. Included is the first Runner-up Champion in the 2004 National Amateur All Age Championship. She was named Field Champion at eighteen months of age. Tia whelped one litter in 2003 producing eight puppies. Seven of which are multiple puppy and derby wins, most have adult wins, one is an Amateur Field Champion, and another is an American Field Champion. Tia was a dual champion at twenty- three months of age, the youngest on record. Jim Berneathy did an excellent job in guiding the new Champion during her hour. Jim has had Tia since she was two, and has handled her to four, one-hour wins. The Littles look on Jim as a good friend and adopted son who has all their dogs. Marilynne started trialing twenty-seven years ago introducing Clem to the sport twenty years ago. Clem is the current President of the Washington Brittany Club while Marilynn is 2nd Vice President of the National American Brittany Club while chairing the Auction and Raffle committees during the National trials the last four years. Needless to say, with her at the helm, these events are highlights of the National trials.  Runner-up Champion laurels went to FC/DC/AFC TJ’s Single Shot of Scipio (Female) who also appeared on the last day. Whelped 6/15/2001, her sire is NFC/DC/AFC Tequilas Joker and dam is NFC/DC/AFC Microchips Of Nutmeg. With the call name ‘Emme’; she was a single puppy for breeders and proud owners Dr. Margaret Horstmeyer and Tom White of California. Emme is the only progeny of two NFC/DC/AFC parents. She has 6 one-hour placements and has only been campaigned on the west coast. Paul Doiron has been the White’s trainer for twelve years, he’s trained all of their dogs, and he and his wife Peggy run and scout them in field. He’s taught the Whites all they know about handling by his calm, polite, and confident handling manner. Paul and Peggy are considered to be client and friends. The White’s feel the success with their dogs is attributed to good breeding, commitment, good training, and giving the dogs the opportunity to develop to their potential and freedom with lots of TLC.  Third place winner NFC/NAFC/FC/AFC Just Call Me Roy (Male) is no stranger to winning ways, the leader on Day Three; he fell to this placement on the last day. Thomas Ettinger, from Vermont is his owner and Ben Lorenson handles him. Whelped 4/19/1999 his sire is NAFC/FC/AFC Piney Run Sam and dam is FC Mark’s Pride of Savannah. Roy is showing those of us well past our prime that you do get better with age and experience. He was named Runner-up Champion in the 2003 National Open, National Amateur Champion in 2004, National Open Champion in 2005, and repeated as the 2006 National Amateur Champion the week preceding this trial. His ground performance to cement this placement was superb.

2  Fourth place winner NFC/FC/AFC Shambo’s Dark Shadow (Male) certainly earned the right for his placement. He was the leader on Day Two, fell to second on Day Three, and ended up fourth on the last day. Whelped 8/25/1996, this veteran is owned by Charles Crain and handled by Jim John. His sire is Cam Sham’s Shambozo and dam is Starr’s Apricot Lulu. FC Chancey Jackpot Lotto (Male) certainly deserves recognition for a fine performance. Owned by Joyce Roberts and Vic Williams, and handled by Tom Tracy, he was on the board until the final results. He led Day One, was second on Day Two, dropped to third on Day Three, and was edged out on the last day. Whelped 6/29/1998, his sire is Hired Gun Lucas and dam is Rooster’s Little Bambino. The J. Perry Mikles Blue Mountain Wildlife Demonstration Area Manager Larry McAnally assisted by Red Bailey has been here since the inception twenty years ago. The trial fraternity is constantly impressed with the dedication and work these men have put into the excellent facilities and venue. Larry is very supportive of the local area and hired three teenage young men to clean stables and other chores. A very conscientious and personable team of Tipton Dilecck, Doyle Wilks, and Cory Witt did an excellent job helping any way they could. Trial Chairman Tom Milam was in the middle of everything lending support. He has chaired the event for the last five years and has turned it over to Tom White starting next year. Tom claims credit for all the success of the last five years, but we all know it would not have been possible without bride Linda. This dynamic lady and friend is the catalyst for Tom accomplishing anything. Stake Manager Ed Kerr and his committee consisting of Tom Milam, Tom White, Ed Tillson, and Ron Zook must receive extra credit for this being a smoothly run trial. They had everything organized and handled anomalies as they developed. Well-done men. A major contribution adding to a well-organized trial is the kickoff meeting conducted by Ed consisting of his committee, the three judges, and the reporter. All details were identified, discussed, and agreed on. Rather than name daily top dogs, the judges decided to name the four top dogs for each day in placement order. The dogs selected were: DAY ONE DAY TWO Chancey Jackpot Lotto Shambo’s Dark Shadow Lane’s End We Be Clean Chancey Jackpot Lotto White Mountain Smoke Lane’s End We Be Clean Dakota Alley Cat White Mountain Smoke DAY THREE DAY FOUR & FINAL STANDINGS Just Call Me Roy Shady’s Tia Maria Shambo’s Dark Shadow TJ’s Single Shot of Scipio Chancey Jackpot Lotto Just Call Me Roy Bouncin Betty Shambo’s Dark Shadow Always early birds Tom White and wife Margaret Horstmeyer, DVM came from California and shared their enjoyable personalities while supporting anything they could. Margaret gave her time to be the on-site Veterinarian, but it appeared she spent most of her time around the dog kennels or barn with a shovel in her hand One of the reasons to look forward to coming to this trial is to enjoy Jake Tabler and his staff. Jake, owner of the Bearcat Restaurant, again opened the ‘Bearcat Too’ at the

3 clubhouse starting with breakfast at 6:00 A.M. daily. He continued the day with lunch and dinner offering excellent food. Jake and his entire staff continue to be part of the festivities and have become friends with the group over the years. Trial Secretary Steve Ralph with wife Lori and fast growing-up daughter Alissa had to leave before the Open trial started. Steve did his excellent up-front planning for judges and reporter, etc. eliminating any possible error. Everyone enjoys this lovely family. Wrangler Will Langley again contributed from his home base of Bottom Creek Farm in Attica, Michigan with a fine string of rental horses for officials and spectators. His horses and gear remain well cared for and the horses are matched to the experience level of the rider. His support and helpful personality were certainly very appreciated. Those needing rental horses may reach Will at web site’ bottomcreekfram.com’ or email: [email protected] The American Brittany Club is fortunate to have excellent sponsors continue their long support. Purina, a most reputable sponsor has supported the ABC for many years. They continue to provide Pro Plan dog food to the winners, which are well received. Tri- Tronics, also a valuable sponsor for many years has been producing top-of-the-line Electronic Dog Training Equipment since 1968. They provided a Model 200 Electric Collar for the Amateur and Open Champion. Tracker Radio Location Systems is recognized by the ABC as its’ exclusive sponsor in the tracking collar category. Tracker provided a Maxima 5000 Receiver for the Open All-Age Runner-up Champion. Christie Enterprises owned by Ann and Lary Cox of Alvord, Texas donated a trooper saddle to the Champion of both the Amateur and Open All-Age Championships. The saddles are handmade by Lary who has an excellent reputation as one of the better saddle makers in his field. The local support of Booneville merchants and citizens went out of their way to celebrate to twentieth running of the trial. Upon entering town, you see more signs in store fronts from last year stating ‘Booneville Proudly Welcomes the American Brittany Club, We’re Proud You’re Here’. Merchants who advertised and / or supported the trial are: Bar W Enterprises – ‘The Shop’, Bearcat Restaurant, Big World Pharmacy, Booneville Community Hospital, Booneville Development Corporation, Booneville Family Clinic, Broadway Jewelry and Pawn, Bulls Motel, Camelot Land of Dreams, Candy Bouquet and Gift Gallery, Catlett Brothers Feed Mill, Inc., Circle C Cottages, Coffman Foods, Connie’s, Countryside Inn, Crowley City Service, CV’s Family Foods, Dr. Shirey, DDS, Dr Zarlingo, DDS, Eddie’s Trading Post, El Puerto Restaurant, Holiday Capri Motel, Hometown Inn, KFC / Taco Bell, Kim’s Merle Norman, Little Store Antiques, Main Street Exchange, Mazzio’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Mizell Chevrolet, Mt. Magazine Lodge, NAPA Auto Parts, Ozark Cellular, P & P Western Wear, Russell Cellular, Skinner Hardware, Smee’s Pharmacy, Sonic Drive-in, South Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Tiffany’s Square Flowers and Gifts, Tyler Food, Wiggins Hardware, Winchel’s Electronics., and Wal-Mart’s. Many of these merchants stocked specialty Brittany items and clothing adding to the trial. Tom Ettinger hosted the 2005 National Open Party at the clubhouse in honor of his last year’s winner Call Me Roy. Roy had just been named Champion of the preceding Amateur National All-Age Championship and a festive atmosphere electrified the air as we entered a beautifully decorated clubhouse. Harmony flowed and folks in their finery were not recognized as the same people wrapped up on their horses in the weather

4 elements. Tom wanted to bring as many products from Vermont as possible, as the state specializes in small companies producing unique food products and an abundance of small breweries; he just could not come up with a way to bring Ben and Jerry’s ice cream down for dessert. Some of the specialties were:  Green Mountain Gringo Salsa.  Crowley Cheese from Healdville, VT. The Crowley Family tradition of making cheese for their neighbors, dating back to 1824, expanded from the farm kitchen to the Factory Building built in 1882. Though mechanization has taken over most other factories, Crowley Cheese still ‘cuts’ and ‘rakes’ curds by hand using the familiar tools of the last century. Delicious individual packets of cheese were prepared with the sticker ‘Roy’s Special Reserve’ on them. Excellent products may be viewed at www.crowleycheese.com and orders made.  Long Trail Ale from Bridgewater, VT.  Patti Hunt made the attractive centerpieces trying to represent some of the game birds we all go after: pheasant, quail, and a rather strange looking dove. Jake Tabler and the Bearcat Too team catered the delicious prime rib dinner and served about 90 guests. The camaraderie of this team adds to any occasion. After dinner, tables were pushed back and light-footed dancers took over to the fine country-western music from the band, Savage Pride, which is from the Booneville area. It is unknown how long the frivolity lasted as the reporter went to bed in his motor home when the band started. His wife came in sometime before daylight, and when questioned, all she said was ‘I had a great time’. She must have evidenced by all the boys coming by before first light, banging on the door, and shouting ‘come on out Meta, let’s have one more dance’. The J. Perry Mikles Blue Mountain Wildlife Demonstration Area (WDA) trial contains 4,100 acres and the grounds consist of three one-hour courses. Courses #1/4 and #2/5 are fairly equal in open and wooded areas with multiple objectives as is the first half of Course #3/6. The second half appears tight with wooded areas on each side of the horse trail, but this is deceptive as a large open meadow is just to the west of the trail.  Courses 1 and 4 are on the southwest side of the grounds. It starts at the Rheta and Bill Cartmell property, heads west and passes the Big Oak and the White Post before turning northerly at the Barking Dog House. Crossing #1 Lick Creek, a large portion of the course is in the Cotton Fields, passes the Twin Ponds, turns west near Hayden Camp, and ends at Horse Bridge that crosses the Petit Jean River.  Course 2 and 5 are on the north side of the grounds, starts at Horse Bridge, runs counterclockwise, and returns to Horse Bridge. Starting to the east, Ford Bottoms and Riblin Bottoms are negotiated, the river is reached at Third Bridge Ramp and the course heads west, then north past the Pine Tree, circles and heads west into Parish Field. After leaving this area, it meanders southerly past Horton Pond and follows 540 Loop turning north and ends at Horse Bridge.  Course 3 and 6 is located on the southeast side of the grounds. Starting west from Horse Bridge through the Lower Woods Crossing, then east at Mario’s Hill, crosses #3 Lick Crossing into the walking dog meadow, and turns north at the Gas Well. During the remainder of the course, the trees are more bountiful along the

5 path, but attractive hedge rows and open areas beyond the trees allow a dog to run. The course heads north, then easterly passing Lovers Bend and Beaver Slough ending north of headquarters. In addition to the venue, the State of Arkansas furnishes the truck, dog wagon, and driver. Red Bailey did most of the driving until the morning after the party and dance, and then Area Manager Larry McAnally stepped in. THE RUNNING DAY ONE: It is warm (58 degrees), muggy, and overcast. Ramblin Man - (O) Baird (H) Gorrow and White Mountain Smoke - (O) Nichelson / Pool (H) Holman. A nice start is given to kick off the trial as the dogs explode from their starting blocks near the Cartmell Place; Smoke takes the right side as we progress with Man on the left. The White Post is reached at 11 with both dogs out of pocket, but they show to the front right at 13 as the turn towards the Barking Dog House is made. Moving to the front fencerow, Man slams into point but birds rise before the handler arrives and Man goes with them. Smoke is having a fine ground effort as #1 Lick Creek is crossed; he uses every bit of the Cotton Field edges and hedge rows staying to the front with minimal scouting. He heads towards Hayden Camp at 47 taking the distant river tree line to the front with the handler staying on course heading towards Horse Bridge and sending his scout out. The waving bluestem meadow looks like a golden sea in the early morning sunlight as we pass through it. The scout calls point at 56 from the left rear side of the wooded area that we had just passed on the right side. It takes the handler and judges three minutes to get to the dog that is still standing tight, birds are moved, and the dog remains tight to flush and shot ending a fine performance. Smarteyes-Joker - (O) Ralph (H) John and Kolicko’s Cuervo Joker - (O) Munson (H) Berneathy. Released from the Course #2 starting point, both dogs jump ahead, take the right edge of Ford Bottoms, take the cut into the west Riblin Bottoms in stride when Smarteyes-Joker is seen pointing on the left side. He is relocated and just when he takes a step, a bird comes out from beneath him. Continuing on, both are out of pocket as the Third Bridge is passed at 15, and the east Riblin Bottoms are entered. Both stay to the front on course, Cuervo Joker is last seen at the Pine Tree at 24, and Smarteyes-Joker is seen to the front at 38 as Parish Field is entered. Smarteyes-Joker pops up as Horton Pond is passed at 46 and we head into the 540 Loop finishing his hour east of north of the Horse Bridge, and the receiver is requested for Cuervo Joker at 50. Maxwell’s Charismatic - (O-H) Maxwell and Lane’s End We-Be Clean - (O) Robin (H) Holman. Course #3 starting point is the release for this brace, a forward start is made, Charismatic sets sail towards the front leaving the pack at 4, being seen briefly at 24 and 37. Clean establishes a consistent and moderate forward effort being seen on an erect point near a mott at 26 as the second half of Course #3 is entered. Birds are produced and Clean remains tight to the flush and shot. Moving ahead, point is called at 40 for Clean along a diagonal hedgerow, again, everything in order to flush and shot. Charismatic pops up again at 48 as Beaver Slough is passed while Clean remains moderate. Gun Runner’s Lady Man - (O) Ahl (H) Berneathy and Dakota Alley Cat - (O) Palmer/Ackerman (H) Tracey. A warm afternoon greeted a good start, both went to the front right and stayed there, the White Post is passed at 10 and Cat is seen crossing from right to left at 14 with Man ahead still on the right side. #1 Lick Creek is crossed at 16,

6 handlers are well to the front and dogs are not seen still to the front at 20. Coming to the Cotton Fields at 23, Cat is seen pointing along a diagonal hedgerow, birds are flushed, shot is fired, and the dog remains motionless. Moving ahead, point is called for Man on the far right side at 32. On arrival Cat is seen in front and below the pointing dog in a water hole, neither dog seeing the other. Act is taken on and Man is ultimately charged with an unproductive. Both dogs continue a forward and charging ground effort, finishing their hour at the end of the course. Mega Smoke Limited Edition - (O) White/Horstmeyer (H) Dorion and Smokey’s Magic - (O) Haines (H) Holman. Leaving Horse Bridge, Edition sets a charging pattern along the front edges while Magic, running hard, does some roadwork. Moving quickly, the Third Bridge is passed at 7 while both dogs take the extreme front tree line as the east Riblin Bottoms turns left. Magic is having an off-day and is leashed at 24 while Edition, staying to the front is seen pointing near the Pine Tree at 30, Birds are moved, shot is fired, and the dog never wiggles. Moving through the wooded area, he cards another impeccable contact at 39, and moves into Parish Field at 45. Moving along the right wood line, he has a stop-to-flush at 48; the judges felt he smelt the birds, wheeled, and pushed them. The brace ended for a nice young dog. Chancey Jackpot Lotto - (O) Williams/Roberts (H) Tracy and Tequila’s Jack II - (O) Rankin (H) John. Starting at the course beginning, Lotto goes strong to the front being seen again at 8. Jack has taken the left side and is rewarded with a mannerly contact at 3. Passing Mario’s Hill at 17, both dogs pop up on the front left along a mott; Lotto is pointing with Jack backing. Birds are produced and everything is in order. The Walking Dog Pavilion is passed at 24 and the second half of the course is entered. Both dogs continue with a nice performance, one on one edge and the other on the opposite edge without using the road. Coming into the slough area, Lotto has an admirable stop-to- flush along a diagonal hedgerow at 37. This big running pair continue their distant effort, Jack swings around a heavy wooded area and large slough on the right side coming back to the handler from the front at pickup. Point is called to the front for Lotto at 59 on the left side, but a relocation and extended flushing effort was nonproductive. Both dogs did an admirable job negotiating around obstacles to stay to the front. DAY TWO: A muggy, muggy, 60-degree day with dark clouds greet us, rain during the evening. Showers predicted for today with the heavy freeze forecast. Havapal’s Renegade Billy Boy - (O) Kossel (H) Burchett and Fade to Black II - (O) Harling (H) Holman. Both dogs begin and end with excellent ground performances, but cannot produce birds. They were strong, stayed on forward edges without being on the road, and checked all objectives with minimal scouting. It was a nice, forward ground effort to watch that would have been under judging consideration if only for birds. Shambo’s Dark Shadow - (O) Crain (H) John and Jake Acres in Disguise - (O) Crites (H) Gorrow. Very nice start from the course beginning, both dogs take the right, front tree line of Ford Bottoms, taking it all the way around. Coming to the cut into Riblin Bottoms, Shadow has a staunch point at 5 about 300 yards to the right, Disguise roared by him with a breech of manners, the extended flushing attempt was finally productive, and Shadow remained motionless through all of the confusion. Released, he stays well to the front right edge taking it all the way out, passes Third Bridge at 17, enters the east Riblin Bottoms, and remains strong as he charges the front edges of the meadow. The Pine Tree is passed at 30 and he adjusts his range to stay closer as the wooded strips

7 become narrow, yet always ringing the front edges. Coming through a wooded cut at 32 the road is the only way through, yet Shadow was seen about 40 yards to the left in a watery slough pointing, birds are produced, and he remains staunch. He was on the left wooded strip as Parish Field is entered, turns toward the right side at his handler’s command, tears through the open meadow and slams into point at a small mott. Birds are produced and he is again staunch and intent. He leads us pass Horton Pond into 540 Loop at 57 ending his hour with a stimulating effort. Maxwell’s Blew By You - (O-H) Maxwell and Annitime Soon - (O) Chase (H) Holman. Released towards Lower Woods Crossing, the brace quickly falls apart. A large mott is straight ahead and at one and one-half minutes Blew By You enters it scattering birds everywhere. The initial burst of adrenalin was more than he could contain. Soon has taken the left wood line along the river and point is called for him well to the front at 4. It takes a couple of minutes to get to him in the dangerous slough, but birds were raised and the dog stood very well. Mario’s Hill is passed at 20 and the dog is slowing, to be picked up at 32 as the second half of the course is entered. Jayhawker Tequila With a Twist - (O-H) Tillson and Linvel’s Ace of Diamonds - (O) Pollock (H) Pollack. The long lunch break helped this pair as their initial energy burst took them away quickly; they were seen occasionally along the front right edge, and Twist turned towards the left at 12 being rewarded with a contact along a briar strip at 12, everything in order. Diamond shows at 18 as #1 Lick Crossing is passed, both go forward, and Twist has another contact at 25 along the hedgerow before entering the Cotton Fields. Half a dozen birds are moved some fly over the dog’s head, and he turns his head slightly as the fluttering wings pass. Taking advantage of open country, Twist is on the right side of the Cotton Fields at 34 while Diamonds checks out the left side. Hayden Camp is passed at 45 with Twist running to the front and Diamonds out of pocket. Their hour ends with Twist becoming a bit more moderate and Diamonds gone. Tar’s Rising Star of Desire - (O) Johnson (H) Gorrow and TJ’s Thunder -(O) Tillson (H) John. Dogs are released from the Course #2 starting point for what becomes an abbreviated brace. It is a good start as both turn right and check out the edges of Horseshoe Bend. Moving into Riblin Bottoms, Desire has a breech of manners with birds along the left side at 8. Thunder is running hard, but a bit spastic; and after a discussion with the judges he is leashed at the Third Bridge at 20. TC’s Match Boks Racer - (O) Wilder (H) Downing and Grand Junction Jake - (O) Pulliam (H) Holman. An excellent start is exhibited as both dogs reach the far end of the narrow meadow, passing the Pine Tree at 11, and head into the narrow wooded strip area. They handled the confined area and show to the front as Parish Field comes up at 22. Passing Horton Pond and entering 540 Loop at 31; both have lost their blistering speed and have become somewhat moderate. Horse Bridge is crossed at 41 with both dogs going across on their own. Heading towards the Lower Woods Crossing, Racer moves from left to right and Jake comes to the hedgerow just passed by Racer, stopping at 47 to be rewarded with contact. The brace ends just past Mario’s Hill with Jake having an unproductive charge at 49. DAY THREE: It is a warm day in the 60’s with bright skies and less humidity, certainly not indicative of the coming storm. Kid’s Kid Lone River Moose - (O) Corlew (H) Burchett and Just Call Me Roy - (O) Ettinger (H) Lorenson. From start to finish, Roy displayed a stimulating and thrilling

8 ground performance covering the course as if he laid it out. The rapport and trust between Roy and Lorenson allowed an excellent dog to use his natural talents hunting where birds should be, yet in contact with his handler. Moose, a fine dog in his own right had the misfortune of being braced with a dog having a superior day. It is another good start with dogs quickly taking the edges to the front. Roy shows as needed with the White Post being passed at 11, and Moose comes from right to left freezing at 15 at the edge of a small pine thicket and briar patch. Birds are produced from the middle of this jungle with everything in order. The Cotton Field is entered at 20; Moose is off to the right rear while Roy is seen far ahead coming off a cast from the right wood line. He continues his hard and forward drive on edges, showing as necessary, while Moose is gathered up returning to the front at 35. Roy looks like a lightning bolt as he checks out diagonal hedge rows to their end while maintaining his forward effort and is seen going towards the Twin Ponds at 40. He is not in sight when the judges reach the area he was last seen and they head south at Hayden Camp. An observant marshal noticed a florescent lime collar about 20 yards inside a heavy wooded and briar area which was Roy standing tall. Birds are seen on the edge and the dog stands like a statue at shot. Released to the south, Roy takes the right wooded edge all the way to the front, turns with it to the west on Course #3, and returns after pickup while still in judgment to the relief of many. Moose has been doing an admirable effort along the riverside of the course and is not seen at pickup. Harling’s Breton Smith - (O) Smith (H) Holman and Redlines Tequila Smoker - (O) Leffingwell (H) Dorion. It is a moderate start on Course #2, deer are seen at the far end of Ford Bottom, Smoker is in the area but not involved. The dogs pick up speed and distance being seen to the right front as Riblin Bottom is approached. The make the bridge bend, take the far right tree line and are not seen at 24 as the meadow is covered. Smith shows to the front at 25 as the Pine Tree is passed and the wooded strip area is entered, Smoker is still not seen but shows to the front as the second open area is entered at 36, Smith still in front. Parish Field is entered at 40, the dogs go along the wood line on the right with both carding a nonproductive along the way, Smoker at 41 and Smith at 44. The hour is ended near the end of the course with Smith having a second nonproductive at 59. Bouncin Betty - (O) Burton (H) Gorrow and TJ’s Prairie Blizzard - (O-H) Tillson. Both take the left edge with Betty more distant. She does a nice job checking diagonal hedgerows out before moving to the next hedgerow. Mario’s Hill is passed at 17; Betty continuing her front driving effort while Blizzard has opened up from his moderate start. Moving on towards the next meadow, Blizzard comes up through the gallery and is leashed by his handler at 24. Betty continues running the front edges with a hunting purpose in the second half of Course #3, and coming to a hedgerow on the far right in the slough area, she is seen on an erect point at 37, birds are flushed, and she stands mannerly. Released, she goes back to her pattern of checking hedgerows out before moving to the next hedgerow, and continues this nice effort bending with the course until her allotted time expires. Gamblers Good Deal - (O) Chase (H) Holman and Shady’s The Price is Right - (O) Fabre’/Dennis (H) Dorion. Both dogs took the road out all the way to the bend and beyond. We arrive at #1 Lick Creek crossing at 19 without seeing either, and this brace is ended. You could say ‘doggone’.

9 Royal Reverend - (O) Zook and (H) Lorenson and Blueridge Major Adventure - (O) Wilder (H) Downing. This pair also starts straight down the road bending with it to leave us. Coming to the hedgerow at the beginning of the Cotton Fields Adventure is seen pointing at 3 with Reverend having a breech of manners on the backing opportunity. Birds are produced and Adventure opens up when he enters the Cotton Fields. Misery is ahead as he swallows up this area with good contacts at 25 and 39, and then has his Waterloo in the Riblin Bottoms at 52. He points along the right edge which is a very heavy briar area, is relocated while the third judge works his way around the thicket, moves birds which is seen by the judge, and freezes when a bird flies into him. This has to be a frustrating end for dog and handler. Perfect Timing - (O) Vescoso (H) Holman and Bourdon XIII - (O) Jung (H) Gorrow. Released before the Third Bridge, both break to the front with gusto taking out extreme edges, then out of sight. The Pine Tree is passed at 15, going into the wooded strips, Timing shows to the front at 18 and Bourdon is seen to his right. The loop is handled well with dogs bursting into Parish Field at 24, Timing on the left wooded side and Bourdon is on the right edge. Passing Horton Pond, Timing comes across from the right side establishing a point along a cut going into the 540 Loop. The succeeding flushing attempt and relocation is unsuccessful. Bourdon comes across from the right, goes through a cut and points erectly on the right side at 42 with everything in order. Coming to the front, Timing points the birds that flushed to the left at 43 and also handles this in order. Both charge to the front, cross Horse Bridge without mishap, Timing takes to left edge, Bourdon goes to the front and is rewarded with a contact at 55. The flush produces birds that fly everywhere with the dog keeping his good composure throughout. The brace ends with dogs to the front. DAY FOUR was a washout; a predicted winter storm finally made it’s way to the area raining most of the night before, and all day long with six inches of rain at headquarters. Flooding in the area caused several problems with cattle as rising water drove them to limited higher ground. On top of this, a hard freeze overnight created dangerous driving conditions. DAY FIVE: Friday started with brilliant skies and eighteen degrees. The soggy and flooded conditions prevented crossing of the Horse Bridge and using Course #2. In addition, the slough area of Course #3 was unusable resulting in use of Course #1 and the beginning of Course #3. Thirty-one bundled up riders with three hardy souls on the dog wagon were on hand to witness the last day. Mo-Dan’s Believer - (O-H) Cross and TJ’s Apache - (O-H) Tillson. A good start for this pair, they negotiate the first part of the course, go into the wooded area south of Barking Dog House checking out the long fence row and cross the fast flowing water of #1 Lick Crossing at 19. The Cotton Fields are entered at 23 with Magazine Mountain looking majestic in the clear sky. A low cloud covering the top looks like a large puff of smoke. Believer takes the left side and continues along the edge, Apache is out of pocket and the receiver is requested for him at 42. Passing the Twin Ponds, Believer is leashed. Rebel Jac’s Hammering Dandy - (O) Harling (H) Holman and Tequila Joker’s Jose Cuervo - (O) Little (H) Berneathy. Rebel Jac’s Hammering Dandy is scratched and Tequila Joker’s Jose Cuervo is moved to Brace 23a. KT’s Artic Gladiator - (O-H) McClarry and Clyde’s Micro-Breeze - (O-H) Pollock. Released near Hayden Camp, a fast pair disappears with Gladiator not seen again, and the

10 receiver is requested for him at 20. Heading south, Course #3 is picked up near the Lower Woods Crossing and heads towards the Old Corrals when Breeze is seen pointing ahead at 14 along a diagonal hedgerow with flush and shot in order. Released, he does an admirable job of checking out hedgerows to be rewarded with a find at 17, relocated himself before handler arrival and stands tall along a bank. A large covey is quickly flushed with the dog remaining steady. Released again, the course heads towards Mario’s Hill when Breeze is last seen along the front, left edge. The receiver is requested for him at 41 much to the disappointment of handler and owners. Shady’s Tia Maria - (O) Little (H) Berneathy and Rocklan’s Whizzle Stop - (O) Sauer (H) Burchett. With the improvised course, these dogs are released near the Walking Dog Pavilion towards the Big Oak of Course #1. Passing the White Post, Maria has been on the right side and slams into a stylish point along a hedgerow at 7 with Stop coming across and backing. An extended flushing attempt finally produces birds with both dogs remaining steady with the delay. They move quickly to the front when released to card a divided find at 11, handled well by both dogs. Released again, they make the bend at the barking Dog House and cross the still fast-flowing #1 Lick Crossing at 19 and head towards the Cotton Fields entering them at 23. Looking towards the distant hedgerow cut, Maria is seen taking the far right wood line, bending at the end, and turning towards the cut at 34. Leaving the Cotton Field and heading towards the Twin Ponds, Maria is seen pointing along a thick hedge at 40 with Stop backing. An extended flushing attempt finally produces a covey in front of Maria, and a rabbit running in front of Stop causing him to turn and jump at it. Both dogs head towards the wooded riverbank near Hayden Camp at 48, take it out to the front turning on Course #3 at 56. At pick-up, Maria has a strong, forward effort with Stop out of pocket. Billy’s Random Task - (O) Hall (H) Holman and Dakota Luke - (O) Mantler (H) Wild. Billy’s Random Task is scratched; Tequila Joker’s Jose Cuervo handled by Berneathy is moved from Brace 20b. The starting point is towards the Old Corrals and the pair takes advantage of the forward objectives. Cuervo takes a diagonal hedgerow all the way out to the left and freezes at the end at 4. He loses composure during an extended flushing attempt that is successful and he is aimed towards the front. Leaving quickly, both dogs are well to the front when Mario’s Hill is passed at 15 and #3 Lick Crossing at 20. Coming into the next meadow, Luke is out of pocket while Cuervo is seen coming off the right hill on the far front. Course #1 is entered and both are on course as the While Post is passed at 25. Crossing the front from the right side. Cuervo has a solid point along a hedgerow at 30, has good composure during an extended flushing attempt with everything in order at flush and shot. Luke travels the mowed strip towards the pointing dog, the ‘whoa’ command is given by his handler, but he turns and leaves the area. Going through #1 Lick Crossing, Cuervo points along a wide hedge strip at 30, looses his composure during an extended flushing attempt, and cannot locate birds during an extended relocation. After a discussion with the judge, Cuervo is leashed. Luke is ultimately leashed at 49. TJ’s Single Shot of Scipio - (O) White/Horstmeyer (H) Dorion and Keystone’s White Label - (O) Cherry (H) Lorenson. Starting after lunch, the crowd has become sparse. There are fifteen riders with four folks on the dog wagon. The pair seems to enjoy the warming weather as they charge to the front disappearing to the left on the distant ridge. As the White Post is passed at 11, both are seen driving along the right, front side.

11 Rounding a left bend, Scipio is seen pointing at 11 along a briar area on the front right. A covey is flushed and Scipio remains staunch. She charges to the front on release bending with the course towards Barking Dog House. Label is seen on a staunch point along a front hedgerow at 16 but the flushing attempt and relocation is unsuccessful. Both dogs cross the rushing water of #1 Lick Crossing at 23 and continue towards the Cotton Fields. Scipio continues to the front checking out diagonal hedgerows, goes through a cut, checks out the left hedgerow and points near the end at 35, everything in order to flush and shot. Scipio stays to the front passing Hayden Camp and is seen pointing along the left diagonal hedgerow at 49. The birds are known to run without flushing and Dorion looks like a sprint star finally getting them up with the dog remaining tight. Turning away from Horse Bridge at 53, Scipio stays ahead on the revised course and freezes in the open at 58. The handler covers the ground like a blanket trying to move birds when the judge said he had seen a bird leaving in the distant and the dog should be taken on. As the scout came to help release the dog, he walked up birds in front of her, and they continued getting up from around her for thirty seconds with the dog standing tight. Ortho Acres Booker T - (O) Webb (H) Tracy and Make My Day Dude - (O-H) Tillson. This pair probably knew the end was near and wanted to go home. Booker T had a good find at one and one-half minutes but ran large and the receiver was presented at 40. Dude did even better to help end the trial; he had a breech of manners at the backing opportunity and was leashed. Trademark’s Iceman - (O) Janulis (H) Holman and Terra’s Cabo Wabo - (O) White/ Horstmeyer (H) Dorion. Trademark’s Iceman is scratched. Wabo started with and continued a strong and forward ground effort. He entered the Cotton Fields from the far edge, but without bird work, his handler leashed him. HIGHLIGHTS  A big pat on the back go to the Prides, Frank for Marshalling dedication and Donna for coffee and donuts.  The stake manager is always the first on the line each morning. Also doubling as the Starter, Ed Kerr has a booming voice that can be heard in town, no doubt about what dogs should be ready.  Ella and Loyd Conable, long time Brittany patrons, were unable to attend the Nationals this year and were missed very much.  There were 39 dogs with 51 known bird contacts in the amateur and 25 dogs with 48 known bird contacts in the open.  When announcing the winners, Ed Kerr showed he was a rogue. When it came time to announce the new Champion, he said it was a dog from the east coast, not Shady’s Tia Maria from the state of Washington. Ed said later he could see owner Clem Little’s jaw drop with despair. This may come back to haunt you next year Ed at the gala party the Littles plan to provide.  At the ending ceremony, Tom Milam introduced Judge Harold Davis and Reporter Conrad Plevnic as his friends from Texas. Most do not realize he drags them along when he goes out of state as they are the only two all-breed friends he has that will acknowledge him in public outside of Texas.  National President Ron Zook was always on hand to lend any support necessary. It is a privilege to be associated with this fine gentleman, a retired Chief Engineer of the Ohio State Transportation Board.

12  Overheard statement by Judge Jimmy White stating since he retired there were no weekends off, no overtime pay, no vacations, no sick days or benefits, just work, work, work.  Another ‘Jimmyism’: Jim was telling about purchasing a brand new John Deere tractor and then had a heart attack. He said he was still out of breath when they got him to the hospital, and all he could think of was ‘I wonder who will be driving that new tractor’. It was good to see this personable man doing so well.

2006 AMERICAN BRITTANY CLUB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 49 Starters Judges: Harold Davis, Tom Honecker, Jimmy White

Champion: DC/AFC Shady's Tia Maria by NFC/DC/AFC Tequila's Joker x FC/AFC Shady's Chik-N-Little owner Clem & Marilynne Little, handler Jimmy Berneathy

Runner-Up: DC/AFC TJ's Single Shot of Scipio by NFC/DC/AFC Tequila's Joker x NFC/DC/AFC Microchips Of Nutmeg owner Margaret Horstmeyer & Tom White, handler Paul Doiron