2005
National Amateur Championship
|
National Amateur Judge
John Wright
John Wright
It finally became apparent during the early 1990s, in the face of years of extensive field research, that I did not have a hope in heck of
staying warm in a late season Montana duck blind. The choices at the time seemed clear: either I could put on 40 pounds to gain some insulation and then bear the cardiac consequences, or I could find a more exothermic activity. My waterfowling was increasingly supplanted by upland bird hunting, and the retriever companions morphed into spaniels. Spike and I finished the Open with our first all-age entry, took an Open ribbon in the second, and in his third trial Spike won a large Open. Spike was a good teacher.
In the ten years since, my dogs have achieved nine field trial titles, four national high point awards, six national championship ribbons, and one national championship. More importantly, they have been great hunting companions on many days afield for doves, blue and ruffed grouse, sharptail, snipe, pheasant, Hungarian partridge, and (yes) ducks and geese. A key consideration when evaluating the performance of working dog is, for me, to look for the qualities that make a dog a desirable companion on a day of hunting: intelligence, desire, a level head, and a willingness to be part of the team with the hunter or handler. Coincidentally and conveniently, the traits which I believe make our dogs champions in the field are also some of the same qualities that make our dogs great champions around the house, with the kids or grandkids, or on the front seat of the truck.
Two notable experiences stand out in my tenure in field trials. First, the many friends that I have made from all over the U.S. and Canada, people whom I admire and with whom I get to have a lot of fun when the dog events bring us together. Secondly, I have been far more than fortunate to have Shaman, a great athlete and a great individual. Between the start of his all-age career and the onset of a severe illness at age six, Shaman became the only dog in field trial history to win all three North American high point awards and to place in all three North American national championship trials – five national placements in total, including winning the National Amateur in 1991. Despite significant residual impairment from his illness, he has finished the three nationals he has entered since and has had four placements in four starts in US trials over the past year, including a win and two seconds. It’s been an unforgettable demonstration of the power of heart and mind in a working dog.
I currently have two promising young puppies hanging about, with whom I hope to give you all a run for your money at the National Amateur Championship in 2006. In the meantime, I look forward to judging the 2005 Championship with Mark, and to seeing your dog put in an absolutely top performance.
Back to National Amateur Page
Back to homepage