2005 National Open Championship National Open Judge John Hall |
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I think my start in this sport is much the same as most other Field Trialers. In the fall of 1988, I began training my "hunting dog". After some initial training on my own, I fell into the good fortune of making Dan Langhans acquaintance. As my training proceeded, with his guidance, I was urged to compete in the then unknown to me, Field Trial circuit, and ran my first field trial in the fall of 1990. With a little luck, I received a 4th place in my third trial. With that placement, I was once again urged to compete in the Nationals that took place in Danville, IL. It was a great honor to have run one of the few dogs to finish the National Amateur.
The following year, with 3 more placements under my belt, I flew out to state of Washington with that great little dog that went by the name of Wild Irish Kelly, and took first place honors in the 1991 National Amateur Field Trial.
A couple of dogs, and several years later, I was proud to once again be in the winners circle at a national event. This time taking 4th place honors in the 2002 National Open in Minnesota. This was accomplished with another fine dog, Gone With the Wind, "Tara".
In between all of this, I've enjoyed the success of additional placements, the camaraderie of gunning in field trials, and the absolute joy of being asked to judge several trials over the years.
It always puts a big smile on my face when I see the drive and enthusiasm that our dogs show in such a diverse range of cover and conditions. There is not an aspect of the sport that I don’t thoroughly enjoy.
Another aspect of the game that doesn't get written down in the judges books is the friendships that are made across the country with fellow competitors. I consider it a great honor and pleasure to have been chosen to judge my friends and their wonderful dogs at this years Open National.
Good luck to all competitors and I will see you in the field.
John Hall
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