2021 NGSPA Hungarian Partridge Championships
By Keith Richardson
The Western Circuit is the name given to the first four championships launching the NGSPA’s Fall season. The first of these is scheduled to be the Sharptail Championship which was not held this year due to the drought in Eastern Montana. The next is the Hungarian Partridge Championship (the “Hun”), which this year was the first Championship held and that may account for the record attendance.
It ran from September 15 until of September 24. The weather was great. A little hot to begin with but nothing like other areas of the country, plus a little light rain and wind. All in all it was great weather for running dogs, and when the afternoon temperatures climbed to low to mid 80’s for a few days there was water on course about every ten minutes.
The “Hun” Championship and Region 8 are both held back-to-back at the Richardson Ranch and are two of the premier NGSPA Championships. The challenging grounds, and difficult birds provide an extreme test for dogs and handlers. Most folks stayed for both events. The two courses are remarkably different, each with its own challenges. The end of the day brings a relaxing time in the Bunkhouse including a wonderful home made meal, beverages of choice, friendship and hospitality. One handler said he attends all of the other Championships to win, but comes to the Cheyenne Championships to have fun (quickly adding: “and to win”).
The 19th running of the “Hun” Championship was a tremendous success. The added Handler of the Year points for a Species trial is a big attraction, plus our “broke” stakes are dual sanctioned and earn AKC Grand Champion plus retrieving points for the shooting dog stakes. The entry sizes earned 5 point majors in most stakes for the Champion. Four placements are named. Due to space considerations, only the running of the placing dogs is reported.
Lynne Cook “head chef” prepared all meals ”from scratch.” During the two weeks of trials. We missed the BBQ expertise of Rod Randolph who was unable to attend this year due to health issues. We missed he and Linda. Helping Lynne in the kitchen were Dianne Crabbs and Marya Kerchner. We enjoyed the best food of any trial in the country. Rare aged wines from Keith’s cellar were served by Gary Kercher. We all missed the big smile, Irish wit and wine knowledge of “Field Trial Sommelier”, David Quinn, who was unable to attend.
Other benefits of the facilities enjoyed by all were: showers, laundry and electrical hookups. Round pens and enclosures for most horses, plus ample areas for stake-outs of dogs and horses. Judges enjoyed first-class accommodations in either the Guest House or the Bunkhouse. Many first-time guests said they would be back next year.
“GATEWAY TO EUREKA” is what our two Championships are nicknamed. These two back-to-back trials provide tremendous “on-the-job-training” due to the large number of challenging multiple bird finds. Running coveys, large explosive covey flushes, and concentrations of “old” scent will teach the dogs things that cannot be learned in training setups. Huge coveys of huns and chukar provide an outstanding benefit for any dog traveling on to the GSPCA Nationals.
This is the only trial in the American Field (and the entire country as far as we know) that uses pen raised Hungarian Partridges. The birds were young, strong, great flyers and remarkably like wild Huns. Huge covey rises, with birds exploding in all directions tested the steadiness of every dog. A dog making it clean through the Hun Habitat continues up Derby Draw to Derby Rim where mixed coveys of jumpy chukar and huns lurk. The immense pressure of many difficult, multi-bird contacts places the Hun Championship at a level of difficulty arguably exceeding that of the wild bird trials. Dogs that survived the “bird-gauntlet” were able to demonstrate their endurance during a mile of undulating prairie with a draw on one side and a drop to the Habitat on the other.
We were pleased to have several pros in attendance: Dan DiMambro, Josh Nieman, Art Armbrust, and Rich Robertson. We were happy to welcome a number of amateurs from outside of the region: Dean and Diane Crabbs (OR); Brian Hill and Karen Niffenegger (WA), Andy and Becky Dynkiewicz (OH), David “Chacho” Quijano (TX), James J. Juergens (“Triple J”) ( (IA), Matt Miller (WI), Ray Nelson (AZ), Ray and Tami Larrondo (ID), Chase and Mark Verdoorn (MO), Kirk Loftin (TX), Sherri Tangsrud (TX), and Tom Kosmack and his friend, Dustin (UT). Our “local” amateurs from WY and CO included Mike Patrick, Brandon Blum, Alan Davison, Keith Bryant, and Keith Richardson. Terry Zygalinski (CA) provided horses for judges and guests.
We had a slate of excellent judges and our thanks go out to each of them. Lisa Pollock (Medford, NJ), paired with Howard Burbach (Pleasant Hill, MO), and Chip Pendergrass (Dayton, TN) who was also paired with Howard Burbach and Karen Niffenneger, both of whom kindly filled in for Chris Sellers who had a family emergency surgery. All judges have run their own dogs, and have judged many trials throughout the country. They have deep experience and proved their capability by their attentiveness and well-received adjudication of our dogs given the large, very competitive and challenging stakes.
The Hun course gave the judges an opportunity to evaluate a dog’s “total package”. The cast-off crosses a half mile of rolling short‐grass prairie before entering the “Hun Habitat”, which is a 3-mile flowing line of dense willow-lined creek, bordered by large mown fields and stands of grass and shrubs. The course then heads up the steep Derby Draw. Many dogs take the road up the middle, but it is exciting when they take either the left side up Chukar Hill, or the right side with a steep escarpment strewn with large rocks and thick shrubs. A right turn at the top takes the dogs along Derby Rim, a flat bluff with a steep rim and many pockets holding birds. The course continues along the Badlands with deep drop offs and steep draws, which tend to draw the dogs backwards. This demanding course finishes (time permitting) through the High Gate onto the rolling prairie.
We are grateful for our sponsors. Purina provided financial support and a pallet of Pro Plan for the winning dogs. We also welcome the sponsorship of Sport Dog with their gifts of excellent training collars. We missed seeing our friend, Jim Morehouse, who is unable to travel to events because of travel restrictions. Beautiful Hungarian Partridge mounts, generous cash prizes and Gift Cards, Purina Product and Sport Dog collars were among the gifts to Champions and Runners-Up.
A special thanks to the organizational abilities and hard work of Bobbi Richardson without which these trials would not be successful. A big thanks also to all of the other folks who helped: Joe and Japheth Frauendienst, Gary and Chris Kercher. All participants were grateful to the “dog wagon team”: Kaitlyn Guakel and Penny Robertson who booted all dogs with best-in-class boots from Ruff-Wear to protect them from cactus. They also picked up dogs and opened gates along with help from Tami Larrondo. Justin Peppers, Brittiny Habercorn, Frank Rugh, and Rick Huber were a huge help for the many behind the scene tasks. Dean Crabbs caught birds in the dark every morning, and Ray Larrondo and Terry Zygalinski provided expert gunning.
Open All-Age Championship
by Lisa Pollack and Howard Burbach
Judges: Howard Burbach and Lisa Pollack. Starters: 30 dogs.
Highstanding Cuttin Edge (Woody), Dan DiMambro, was named Champion.
Highstanding Cuttin Edge (Woody) ran in Brace 1 with Prairie Wind’s Race to the Front (Raycee). They broke away at 5:30 p.m. Both dogs raced far to the front and as we came down the hill to the hun habitat, Raycee was seen as a dot heading forward on course, but that was the last time she was seen and tracker was called for at 28 minutes. When Woody was sent forward through the habitat he went right to work. He hung the far edges of the meadow scoring three Hun finds at 20, 25 and 28. All with incredible style. Woody raced up Derby Draw and headed left to Chukar Hill disappearing over the top, with point called at 38. He moved on to Derby Rim where he had two more stylish finds. He finished the hour with great range and speed.
H’s AM Cruiser (Cruiser), Chase Verdoorn, was named Runner-Up.
H’s AM Cruiser ran in Brace 12 with Cajun’s Firecracker (Kadie). Breakaway was at 11:09. Both dogs disappeared to the front and were not seen until we dropped down to the Habitat. Cruiser took off and was spotted going over a hill near the end of the Richardson section of the Habitat. At 15 point was called for both dogs in separate locations along the Habitat edge after entering the Ferguson section. A Hun was produced for Cruiser but not Kadie. At 22 Cruiser had a non-productive in the hay meadow where three previous NPs had been recorded. At 24 Kadie pointed further along the meadow with the flighty Huns lifting before we arrived, and all was in order.
As we headed up Derby Draw a small herd of antelope crossed in front of both dogs taking them off course. Kadie was quickly returned, Cruiser took a little more convincing, but returned to judgement. Kadie had a nice find along the ridge. Birds were running and she remained stylish throughout. At 40, Cruiser dropped off the ridge into a likely bird spot. Time was taken to insure he was not left standing. Cruiser was spotted racing hard to the front. Kadie had a good steady finish to the front, Cruiser caught the front and exhibited even more power as he caught the front and finished strong.
BMB’s Freeloader (Hewey), Brandon Blum, earned third place.
BMB’s Freeloader (Hewey), ran in Brace 6. He started strong with both dogs reaching the Habitat ahead of schedule. At 21 Hewey had a stop to flush . At 28 a hun was pointed in the meadow. He and bracemate took Derby Draw around to Chukar Hill where both dogs pointed at 38. They continued on course to Derby Rim where both dogs were found pointed on separate finds at 44. Hewey had a NP after Kilo was taken out by some flighty birds. Hewey had another find at 49. He finished the hour strong to the front.
PWK Lonewolf’s BJ (BJ), Ray Larrondo, earned fourth place.
PWK Lonewolf’s BJ began the brace a little short, but built as the hour went on. BJ had her first hun find at 24. At 30 BJ scored another Hun find in the Habitat. Both finds with beautiful style. She took off up Derby Draw and up Chukar Hill where she was found stranding at 35 with exceptional intensity as the birds flushed all around and over her. She was sent on to the water tank and was found standing at 40 on Derby Rim. Handler relocated her and birds were pinned. BJ turned on the afterburners through the gate and was sent into the right draw, finishing strong to the front.
Amateur Shooting Dog Championship
by Lisa Pollack and Howard Burbach
Judges: Howard Burbach and Lisa Pollack. Starters: 31 dogs.
The judges agreed that this stake had a lot of quality dogs, and the birds were very jumpy and challenging to handle. There were a lot of stop-to-flushes as the Huns exploded with very little pressure and sometimes merely at the sight of the dog. One day was very smoky due to a nearby forest fire and the scenting conditions seemed to be impaired.
PW Indian Brooks Head’s Up (Enzi), handled by Keith Richardson, was named Champion.
PW Indian Brooks Head’s Up (Enzi), ran as a bye dog in the 16th (last) brace. She started as a very forward shooting dog, disappearing over the hills straight as an arrow to the front of the judges. She reached the habitat before we arrived and immediately took control of all the objectives in front of her. After a quick dip in the tank she proceeded to the hay meadow. As the winds increased, Enzi displayed very intelligent bird dog sense. Her first hun find was at 23, the second at 29. Both finds were way to the front with effortless direction from her handler. Enzi was heeled to the water and released up Derby Draw. She took off with a steady charge and worked her way to the rocks to the left on Chukar Hill. Upon reaching the upper plateau she was found standing at 38. Upon our arrival Enzi had picturesque style, standing a good distance from her game. Multiple birds filled the sky as Enzi continued to keep her statuesque composure. Upon release she was sent to the water tank which she bypassed in an effort to seek further quarry. Again, she displayed the intelligence that set her apart from the other quality dogs that had run before her. As we rode forward at a gentle pace, Enzi was found standing again, far to the front on another huge covey of chukar. She made a huge cast to the right seeking out game in a likely objective. It took some time to cover the rocky terrain that would have been very treacherous on horseback. With minutes to go Enzi popped out of a steep draw to the front. She acknowledged her handler as she was sent on to grasp even more real estate. She set herself apart with Biblical style, saving the best for last.
Prairie Wind Chicoree Kix Chic (Chic), handled by Keith Richardson, was named Runner-Up.
Chic ran in brace 12. She and her bracemate took off as wide shooting dogs. Both dogs were gathered up and sent down the hill to the habitat where they worked the edges as a team. They were both seen screeching to a halt at 18 in an area where a huge covey of huns had been liberated on the prior brace. No birds were produced and the dogs were sent on. At 25, Chic scored a hun find with her braemate backing. She had a stop to flush near the end of the hay meadow on birds that were running from her bracemate’s find at 33. Shortly after the two dogs were released, Chic stylishly backed her bracemate on another hun find. After a stop at the water tank both raced up Derby Draw to Derby Rim and were found standing on the right side of the rim at 46. An enormous covey of chukar was produced by both handlers. Both dogs finished the hour. Chic with greater range and stamina.
Snowy River’s Bankin on Boz (Boz), handled by Chase Verdoorn, earned third place.
Snowy River’s Bankin on Boz (Boz), ran in the 7th brace breaking away at 5 pm on the first day. After a wide-ranging start, Boz settled into the habitat in a search for birds. Bpz had a very stylish hun find at 24. After the water tank, he continued his solid race up Derby Draw to Derby Rim where he pointed chukar at 35. Boz had a strong, smooth finish.
Autry’s Natural Chromoly Steel (Molly), handled by Mike Patrick, earned fourth place.
Autry’s Natural Chromoly Steel (Molly), ran in the first brace. She had a nice shooting dog application through the open country before reaching the habitat. At 11 she pointed and her handler was unable to produce a bird. She had a nice hun find at 16 and honored her bracemate’s find at 19. At 30 Molly had another staunch hun find while working the ditch on the right side of the meadow. Molly went on to have two more stylish finds along the Derby Rim at 39 and 43. Molly finished her hour opening up as she was turned loose from the last water tank at the upper gate.
Open Shooting Dog Championship
By Keith Richardson
Judges: Chip Pendergrass and Howard Burbach. Starters: 37 dogs.
The judges said this stake was a pleasure to judge and “you couldn’t ask for a better venue”. There are three very different terrains, each having its own challenges and presenting opportunities to show the natural abilities, stamina and range of the dogs. It is possible to see and evaluate the dogs at long distances and requires a shooting dog that is superbly broke and wants to go with its handler.
Prairie Wind Evolution’s Re-Creation (Spike), handled by Rich Robertson, was named Champion.
Prairie Wind Evolution’s Re-Creation (Spike), ran in the 8th brace. It was the first brace of the second day and a new front brought in a cold 33 degrees made colder by a strong 20 mph+ head-wind into which the dogs were cast. Many dogs quartered into the wind across the barren prairie but Spike powered straight through it disappearing over the horizon into the habitat. He hung the edges beautifully, when at 21 he turned a corner and slammed on point. He stood as a statue when seconds later over 50 huns exploded all around him. At 27 he had a stop-to-flush with no handler warning. He passed through the gate at the end of the habitat far to the front and at 32 was found pointing a line of dense willows. When handler approached the huns burst from the cover in waves many over Spike’s head while he remained unmoving. He was cast off at the water tank and with a long ground-covering stride he soon was seen climbing up Chukar Hill to the left of Derby Draw. He was found standing at 37. Handler swept the steep hillside finally producing a large covey of chukar which ran uphill all around Spike or flew over his head, showing another stellar performance. After being released he coursed quickly to Derby Rim where he was seen hunting the edge until he disappeared. At 41 he was found standing over the steep rim hidden from casual view and was rewarded when handler flushed a large hidden covey. Again, his style was impeccable. He had a big and strong finish with power undiminished. Throughout his run Spike required very little direction from his handler who was able to ride at a gentle pace allowing Spike to demonstrate his natural hunting ability. He powered to the front searching objectives and running lines with a flowing gait that covered ground at a deceptive speed. He knew what his handler wanted of him and he performed without being pushed or influenced by whistle or voice. His scout had nothing to do but ride and watch the unfolding of a beautiful Championship performance.
PW Indian Brooks Head’s Up (Enzi), handled by Rich Robertson, was named Runner-Up.
PW Indian Brooks Head’s Up (Enzi), ran in brace 13. She took a nearly straight line from cast-off to habitat where she was seen carrying the willow line to the front. She had a divided find at 17 where her bracemate took out a bird and was picked up. Meantime Enzi stood as though catatonic through the commotion. Her handler attempted to produce a remaining bird and extensively searched the large stand of willows which hid any running birds. He eventually released Enzi for what turned out to be the relocation of the stake. She thoroughly worked the cover as she passed from sight and was found pointed by handler who produced a single hun. Enzi continued on searching the best cover, while carrying the edges. At 36 she was found pointing at a dense stand of willows just past the last gate. As handler approached, dismounted and flushed there were four waves of flushes around and over the frozen Enzi in a marvelous demonstration of intensity. Her third find at 47 was on Chukar Hill on a large covey of chukar running all around her while she maintained classic style. Her last find was on Derby Rim. Enzi’s strong finish was effortless and forward. Her Judges were impressed by her excellent use of the wind to scour the best objectives for scent. Her run was polished, flowing, and intelligent, while demonstrating consistent power. Rich trusted Enzi to demonstrate her abilities and was rewarded with a memorable performance, which in most respects was as impressive as that of the Champion, but her range was a bit less.
Quijano’s WD 40 (Rusty), handled by Josh Nieman, earned third place.
Quijano’s WD 40 (Rusty), ran in brace 17. He got off to a slower start but settled in and had a find at 15 at “wipe-out corner” so named by the judges for the number of dogs which did not survive finds at this spot. With classic intensity and style Rusty demonstrated how to do it. His second find at 30 was at the end of the habitat pointing deep cover which handler worked for some time before relocating him. He quickly found scent and tracked the birds pointing them quite a distance away. Handler put up the birds and there were multiple flushes met with stoic intensity. It was an impressive piece of bird work. Rusty had a back at 41 and his third find on Derby Rim at 46. He had a big finish out of sight to the front. He had a very nice performance but required a bit more “handle”.
Snowy River’s Freak on a Leash (Korn), handled by Chase Verdoorn, earned fourth place.
Snowy River’s Freak on a Leash (Korn), had a find on huns at 15 with a good relocation, and a second hun find at 24. Korn’s bracemate had a stop to flush at 29 which Korn backed. Then the bracemate chased the birds and was picked up. All the while Korn remained standing with impressive style. His next find was on Derby Rim at 42 with nice manners and high-tailed intensity. He went on to have a strong finish. Judges said Korn was a natural bird dog and may have placed higher if handler had sat back and let him go instead of giving commands which interrupted the natural flow of his run giving the impression of pushing the dog into his finds. Korn is a powerful bird dog with a lot of promise.
Amateur All-Age Championship
By Keith Richardson
Judges: Chip Pendergrass and Karen Niffenegger. Starters: 24 dogs.
The judges said this was a good stake and appreciated the challenging venue. Only about half of the dogs got around clean. The prairie at the end gave the opportunity to see the dog disappear to the front in true all-age style. Dogs without the stamina or which required the handler to push them to the front showed up clearly to their detriment. There is no place to hide. They noted that they liked Tripp who could have shown up in the top four if he had lined out instead of making some lateral moves.
BMB’s Samsquanch (Sam), handled by Brandon Blum, was named Champion.
BMB’s Samsquanch (Sam), ran in the 6th brace. Sam had a strong cast off heading to the front and disappearing over the hill into the habitat where he was briefly seen before disappearing again to the front in true all-age fashion. His first find was at 19 on a hun covey which he handled with outstanding style and perfect manners. At the end of the hun habitat he was cast off up Derby Draw and he took the left side up Chukar Hill, where he continued on to Derby Rim and had his second find at 40 on a big covey of chukar exhibiting intense style. Sam had a big finish with plenty of stamina. During the entire brace Sam demonstrated a smooth and strong ground race. He worked consistently with no hacking or pushing. He had a big race disappearing to the front and then showing at the right time, only to repeat the sequence. Sam had the best finish allowing the handler to stand in one place and watch him disappear to the far end of the prairie.
Cajun’s Firecracker (Kadie), handled by Keith Bryant, was named Runner-Up.
Cajun’s Firecracker (Kadie), ran in Brace 10. She had a strong cast off into the habitat where she took the edges nicely having a back at 19. She ran strong to the front and went to the right places but the huns did not seem to be home until the very end of the habitat when she was found standing on a covey of huns demonstrating nice style and handling the difficult birds with solid intensity. After being cast off at the water tank Kadie took the left side of Derby Draw to Chukar Hill, not finding any birds she continued on around to Derby Rim and pointed a covey of chukar at 41. She had a strong all-age finish. Overall she had a smooth, strong race with an easy handle.
Uodibar’s Lover Boy (Blue), handled by Kirk Loftin, earned Third Place.
Uodibar’s Lover Boy (Blue), ran in Brace 2. He had a solid run through the hun habitat during which his only bird contact was a back at 17. After the water tanks he took the right side of Derby Draw up Chukar Hill where he had a find at 39 on a covey of chukar exhibiting good manners on these challenging birds. He continued on to Derby Rim where he had his second find at 44 having dropped down the steep east side draw. He showed a strong finish to the front with five minutes on the prairie.
H’s AM Cruiser (Cruiser), handled by Chase Verdoorn, earned Fourth Place.
H’s AM Cruiser (Cruiser), ran in Brace 11. Upon cast off Cruiser made a nice cast across the prairie to the habitat which he worked nicely and pointed huns at the plum thicket after the double gate. He was way off the birds and showed nice style. His next find was near the end of the habitat at 27. His third find was on Derby Rim at 41 on a covey of chukar which he handled with polish. His finish was diminished by his failure to make a strong cast to the front. Instead he “yo-yoed” back in the handlers direction several times before finally lining out.
Open Derby
by Lisa Pollack and Howard Burbach
Judges: Howard Burbach and Lisa Pollack. Starters: 15 dogs.
The judges noted that this was a challenging brace because it was run as an out and back with the “out dogs” running into a fierce headwind. The returning dogs had a tailwind which made running easier but finding birds more difficult. All of the placing dogs ran into the wind and found birds.
Hammerin Hollywood (Hollywood), handled by Josh Nieman, earned First Place.
Hollywood, brace 7, had a very forward breakaway and was reeled in by the first water tank. The wind made it difficult for all the young dogs to apply themselves to the course, but Hollywood soon figured it out after the tank. She carefully worked the course bucking the stiff head wind. Hollywood had two bird contacts.
Miller Creek’s On the Horizon (Rayna), handled by Dan DiMambro, earned Second Place.
Rayna drew the third brace, having to run into the wind like the winner, Hollywood. Rayna’s application was with a little less gusto than the winner but still was very pleasing to watch. She had bird contact half way through the brace. Remaining steady through the shot. After the find her speed picked up through the finish.
Cuttin Wild Rocco (Rocco), handled by Josh Nieman, earned Third Place.
Rocco, brace 7, was braced with the winning dog, making for a pleasant brace to observe. Right from the start, Rocco hit every inch of cover before the first water tank with the skill of a seasoned veteran. He worked the hay meadow at a steady pace. After a brief absence in thick cover, Rocco showed to the front and joined his bracemate on point as birds lifted at the end of the course.