Minnesota
English Springer Spaniel
Field   Clubs
Minnesota Heartland ESS Club St. Croix Valley ECS Club 
Fun Trials

Est: 1991
Minnesota Heartland English Springer Spaniel Club
MHESSC
Contact:
Sue Nelson  at  <nelspanl@rconnect.com>
Location:
Mostly Central Minnesota and in and around the West Mpls area
Events: 
Fall and Spring AKC Licensed ESS Field Trials 
4 "Fun Trials' in late Spring, early Summer 
"Training" day preceding "Fun Trials"
 Club Pins 1-1/4 x 7/8" 
$20.00 each. Contact Sue Above
Club "T" Shirts and Sweat Shirts
Med to XXL  Very good quality
Contact Sue for Prices and sizes.
Heartland Club
Newsletter
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Est: 1995
St. Croix Valley English Cocker Spaniel Club
SCVECSC
Contact:
Kevin Martineau  at   <GunDogs@northern-thunder.com>
Events: 
Fall and Spring AKC Licensed ESS Field Trials 
Fall and Spring AKC Licensed Cocker Field Trials 
2 "Fun Trials' in late Spring, early Summer
Location:
Mostly in and around the Mpls area  - 50% ESS and ECS members
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Fun Trials
What are "Fun Trials"?
     The above two  Minnesota clubs, have events, (Fun trials) after the regular Field Trial season, which are designed to give newcomers a feel for what a AKC Licensed Field Trial is all about.
     Here is where you learn the very important oral traditions about Field Trialing in a competitive, yet fun, learning environment. Most clubs allow ESS and ECS to compete side by side. Some hold separate events for the ESS and ECS. Some allow any dog, trained in the "flushing" style. 

    Learning how to better handle your dog. 
    Meeting people involved in "Field Trialing", to learn from and to possibly establish a relationship with, one which could change your lifestyle. 
    This, could be where one learns to 'gun' with appropriate instruction and a 'mentor' at your side. (hinge guns only, SxS or O/U)
    Learn to carry the 'basket' which seems like a 'no brainier' which actually carries a great deal of responsibility.
    Judging the Fun Trial stakes, with an experienced Judge. 

There is competition !
This is not a 'pass or fail' 
this still is 'the best of the day'. 
However, in a Field Trial, you pay your $80.00 +/-, and may be out in one cast. 
At a Fun Trial, if you commit a mortal sin, you Still get to go on, and learn!
Cost is 10.00 to 20.00 per stake.
 
Events: 
Puppy - Derby - Novice - Open - Hunting Dog - Shooting Dog
(Each Club has it's own set of rules, but basically, 
the 'stakes' are run like this.  Check the rules before you enter)
Puppy: Any dog, any handler, dog under 2 years old, Steady or un-steady
Derby: Any dog, any handler, dog under 2 years old, Steady 
Novice: Dog, OR Handler, can not have placed in any stake in AKC Lic Field Trial,
               dog under 2, steady, un-steady
Open: Any Dog, Any handler, Steady.
Hunting Dog: Handler shoots, dog Steady, 50% shooting/50% dog work
Shooting Dog: Handler shoots, dog un-Steady,  50% shooting/50% dog work
If you have ever thought about what it would be like at a AKC Licensed Field Trial,
go to a 'Fun Trial' and get a taste of what it is all about. 
Warning:
1. You may find competitive events with you and your dog are not your cup of tea.
2. You may find this compulsive, and it may effect serious life style changes.
Where:
Check  http://www.essft.com/alldates.html  for a listing of 'Fun trials' near you.
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