Today Ringo qualified for his first leg towards his JH.  This was also my first dog to train and run in JH.  He not only qualified, but did it in very difficult conditions (high wind and late in the afternoon).  Most of the braces running in the afternoon came back empty.  Ringo found and pointed two birds, but only the first counted because the second was after the judges had called time.  Try telling Ringo time is up when he picks up the scent.  Needless to say I am celebrating tonight with a glass of wine while Ringo is crashed out on the sofa in my fifth wheel. Keeping my fingers crossed for another qualifying leg tomorrow.

CONGRATULATIONS! That first orange ribbon is a special one!

Jean

Jean thanks for answering all my questions.  It really helped me as a handler.  Ringo, well he knew what to do and did it well. And you are right that first orange ribbon is special. Right now it is hanging proudly in my fifth wheel so I can glance at it every once in a while.

You are welcome, and you realize that you're totally hooked now, right?

WildRose - I am at the SA GSP Hunt Test.  So, I guess I met your friend.  I don't remember the judges names though.  What is your friends name?

PointerFan - Yes it is, but I have to confess Ringo has trained me more than I have trained him. He puts up with all my newbie handler mistakes and still does good.

So, Ringo got his second leg this afternoon.  We were the last brace and it was getting hot and again dogs were coming in empty.  Ringo ran with an English Pointer today...or should I say ran off and left the English Pointer.  He got out and front and found and pointed 5 quail in about 15 minutes.  The judge told me to collar my dog and "Let's give the English a chance." So I called my boy back to me and put his leash on and we headed in early.  He had awesome scores today, but the one I am proudest of is his hunting score of a perfect 10 . Two legs down and two to go.  We are going to the Gulf Coast Shorthair Clubs Hunt Test next weekend. 

VERY NICE! It's a great compliment when the judge essentially tells you that your dog is hogging all the birds

Jean

WildRose -  I talked to Burnie today before he left and told him we had chatted online.  He knew immediately who I was talking about.  He told me today he planned on stopping over and resting his horse at your place.  I was sorry he left early today as he didn't get to see how he did in today's brace (we ran last today, around 3:30 PM).  Ringo was much better and wasn't the least bit interested in the other dog he was braced with.  I did find out this morning that the Vizsla he ran with yesterday was due to come in season this week.  That might explain some of his interest

DesertRose -  I was very complimented.  We had a long walk back to the starting area and I smiled proudly the whole way back.  Of course, we did have to make one stop so Ringo could dunk himself in the watering trough.  He loves to dunk himself after he has been run on birds.  It is becoming his victory celebration. And yes, I am very hooked.