Bob Ryan |
Ralph Botti |
| As a youth I remember watching the American Sportsman
on television and seeing Bing Crosby and friends pheasant hunting in the
hills of South Dakota. I said to myself, "that's what I want to do".
However, growing up in New York City it was almost impossible to own a
dog, never mind a hunting dog. Fast forward to January 1977. I closed
on my first house on a Friday and drove out to New Tripoli, PA during a
snowstorm to pick up my first dog that Sunday.
Guy was his name. Burcliff was his breeding and bird finding was his game. We had many exciting moments hunting, except that hunting season was too short. Finding out about field trials was a hunters dream come true. 24 years and many dogs later, here I am judging the Nationals and doing what I love, being with good friends and watching a great breed of dog. Many thanks to my wife Fabienne and my three daughters who for some
The dogs have been a significant part of our lives and a continuous
We are dedicated Springer lovers in every sense.
|
Over 30 years ago, my Dad and I started hunting
upland birds and we had many memorable trips even though we didn't have
a hunting dog.
It wasn't until the last 70’s that I had the opportunity to hunt over a Springer. It was just a gun dog, not steady, a sloppy retriever, but he sure did find birds! It was at this point I realized that there is no better way to bird hunt and shortly after purchased my first Springer from Mrs. Ruth Greening. The dog was half show and half field. Ruth helped me train this dog along with the help of Gary Wilson. He was a great retriever but lacked the speed and style of a competitive field trial dog (boy, was he bull-headed). I placed him in a few trials before finally realizing that this was not as good as it was going to get and purchased my next dog from Gary Wilson (FC/AFC Ru-Chars Quick Shot). During this time I also had the privilege of running a bunch of Ruthie’s dogs (FC/AFC Ru-Char Roger Jr., FC/AFC/CFC Ru Char Rise and Shine; and AFC/CFC Ru-Chars Autumn Mist. I will be forever grateful for the help of Ruth Greening, the hours she spent coaching and educating me. My next Springer was purchased from Mike Wallace in 1991, NAFC/FC Salmy’s Millie of Ru-Char, winner of the 1994 National Amateur Championship. If all Springers were like Millie, there wouldn't be any other breed. She was every handlers dream. We lost her in February 2000. I retired Mille from trialing in late 1995 when I decided to turn pro. I also retired my other dog, FC/AFC Valley Views Buddy of Ru Char, but still occasionally let a friend or client run him in a field trial. I now reside in Blairstown, New Jersey and own and operate Triple Ridge Kennels along with the help of my wife of 20 years, Susan, son Mark and daughter Meg, and a kennel full of happy Springers. Some great, some good and some not so good. All the glories of being a pro. I get a ton of help from my training crew, Paul VanHouten, Bob Ryan, Glenn Ferrara, Roy Hart, Chris Jensen and Frank Mackinson. I would like to thank all of my fellow field trialers for giving me the opportunity to judge the 2001 National Amateur Championship. I wish the best of luck to all participants and God bless. |
