I'm interested in taking my family to an event and watching these dogs work their magic up close.  Could someone tell me, what would be the best venue for us?  Walking field trials, NSTRA, NAVHDA, AKC Hunt Tests???  We're new to the pointing dog world and are just getting our feet wet.

Thanks!

That does sound fantastic--unfortunately, I don't have horses of my own at the moment (though hopefully again in the very near future).   And I'm looking for something that we can all attend together.  Would we be able to keep up at a horseback field trial on foot?  Maybe a walking trial would be our best bet???

This is where I'm going with all of this...

When I first began riding as a kid, my instructor got me involved in a youth organization (US Pony Club), and through that association I was introduced to three-day eventing and a phenomenally supportive horse community.  It really opened my eyes to a lot of possibilties that I didn't even know existed.  I'm hoping to find something like that--something that will allow us to see what's possible, and meet some very cool people in the meantime.

Thank you very much for your message!

Sorry Trey, I must have been typing when you posted. 

I'll definitely check into the NAVHDA thing.  I guess, for our first outing, I want to make sure it's a possitive experience for everyone--meaning we're not marching the kiddos for miles on end, and the dogs are visible to the naked eye!

We're from Western Wisconsin, about 45 minutes east of the Twin Cities.

I'll check into that--it would be a great way to spend part of a day.  And we have a field trial coming up that's just a few hours away.  Would the event organizer be able to tell me if a wrangler will be there?  Is this something you arrange for in advance?  And forgive my ignorance, but how long is a brace?  I don't think my kids could spend an entire day on horseback, but a few hours might be great.

Field Trials will be held almost every weekend this month at Solon Springs, WI.  Check the AKC website under events.  You should be able to retrieve the name and phone number/e-mail address for the event secretary.

The secretary will be able to tell you the availability of horses.  Yes, in some instances you can contact the wrangler prior to the trial to reserve horses.  However, the priority for horses is usually given to the judges, bird planter(s), and handlers.

Braces themselves can run anywhere from 30 min. to one hour in adult stakes whereas juvenile stakes, puppy / derby will be 20- 30 min.

Walk or ride the stake you would like to run your dog in (they are determined by age).  But, take in the limited stakes, as this is where you should see finished dogs working.

One of the best things abut the world of performance dogs is access to grounds you might not have gone to before.  It's nice to see a new Wildlife Management Area or trial grounds.  You'll also make friendships with people of similiar interests that could last a lifetime.

Enjoy!

Thanks!  Actually, the GSPC of MN event on Sept. 21-23 in Solon Springs was the one I was thinking of.  Unfortunately, we won't be able to make the Limited Stakes, as they're running that on Friday.  If we were only able to watch for a few hours, what would you recommend?  I have no idea what the difference is between the All-Age, Gun Dog and Derby stakes. ???

Derby stakes will be for young dogs, up to two years of age.  The requirements for this stake is to have good run, handle reasonaly well and point birds.  They do not have to be steady on birds, but it makes it alot easy on the handler if they are to an extent.

Gun Dog is where you should see some finished dogs.  Steady on their birds, flashy when they run, and handle with little hacking.

The All-Age dogs will be difficult for a newcomer to appreciate.  They will be big running dogs.  Sometimes not seen for a period of time.  But always out front.

If you have a young dog take in the Derby stakes.  Walk/ride a few braces.  You should see quite a variety of dogs on the ground.  Big runners, dogs in tight.  The dogs and handlers are still trying to coalesce as a team.  Usually dogs will not be picked up in this stake. So if you begin watching a brace you should be able to see the same dogs finish the course. 

Gun Dog would be good to watch.  But, if a dog breaks or doesn't honor it's bracemate (if it obviously avoids honoring) it may be picked up.  If both dogs get picked up, it's back to the trailer....

Trials are a competitive venue and there can only be one first place dog in a stake.  Hunt Test are run against a standard.  Many dogs can make pass on a given weekend

I've walked many a HT brace and have decided it's better to just wait at the bird field.Most dogs are stretching their legs in the back course and the handlers usually try to avoid bird contact here.

In NAVHDA, you can see just about everything,but the gallery is pretty far behind in the field.

IMO tho, unless you are familair with what you are looking at,most of what is really going on will go right over a spectators head.I like going to check out well know handlers and lines.It is an enjoyable day and there is always food.

Francine

Due to family emergencies, we were unable to make it to the Solon Springs event a few weeks ago.  So I'm afraid I have nothing to report after all of your great advice--and it looks like we'll have to wait until next spring to give this a try.

There are a number of events in the spring within an hour's drive of our place, so we'll definitely be checking around.  If anyone here is familiar with Kelly Farms in Marine on St. Croix, MN--how's the viewing?

We'll be picking up our puppy from our trainer this Friday.  I'll check with him and see if he's planning on running dogs at any of these local spring Field Trials.  Like you said, Pixie Bee, it might not be as valuable or exciting an experience if we aren't familiar with the handlers.

Many thanks!