As our Utah Region of NSTRA’s spring 2020 trial season took some unexpected twists and turns with cancellations and rescheduled trials, we all gathered for one last chance to qualify for our end-of-season Regional Elimination Trial. The weather forecast called for unseasonably warm weather, however we all pressed on and ran in the dry, hot conditions.

The morning light saw trailers and trucks descending upon our familiar trial grounds near Cedar Fort, UT. All handlers and dogs were excited for the trial to begin and anticipation was building as judges and our bird planter hurried to get the fields set. Before long we were off and running and the trial was well underway.

This Last Chance trial was a Double/Triple, which means that we have 2 days of trialing with 3 fields running each day. It would prove to be an awesome opportunity for new and old dogs alike to receive first time placements, as well as much needed points towards that coveted NSTRA Championship of 18 points.

The A field on Saturday was judged by Maureen Goodrich and Jim Wall. Experienced handler Brett Ure and his 1X CH NSTRA setter Cash would have a run of 4/3 with a score of 714 to capture 3^rd place. Newcomer Logan Ledford and his young shorthair Daisy, joining us for their first day of competition, would impress the judges with a run of 4/4 and a score of 829 to come in 2^nd place. But the run of the day would come from Layne Peterson and his dog Kid with a run of 4/4 and a back to secure the win with the high score of 879. We will have more to say on Kid a little later, congrats Layne and Kid!

The B field on Saturday would be judged by Angie Wonnacott and Dennis Haggard. Handler Lance Hansen and his shorthair Nelli would have a great run of 4/4 with a score of 785 to take home a 3^rd place. Layne Peterson and his Brittany Kid would have another incredible run and go 5/4 with a score of 904 to take home 2^nd place. The run of the day in B field came from long time NSTRA player Brad Jenkins and his little Brittany Annie. They would go 5/5 and a back and with a score of 1051.5 securing the win. Congrats Brad and Annie!

The C field on Saturday would be judged by Kaycee Rindlisbaker and Bret Wonnacott. Our region president Rich Lowe has one of the most beautiful setters you will ever see in Flash. Rich has said this dog has more potential than any dog he has ever owned. It would finally prove to come together for him in C field on Saturday. Rich and Flash would have a run of 4/4 to receive a score of 754 for 3^rd place and Flash’s first placement. Jared Haddock and his little liver & white Brittany Boone would have a great run with 4/4 to give them a 2^nd place finish. But the run of the day in C field would belong to Barratt Gorshe and his Brittany Sherlock. They went 5/4 and ended with a score of 850. They have had a heck of a season and this would be his 3^rd win of the year. Congrats Barratt and Sherlock!

Sunday would prove to be another great day as the temperatures cooled down slightly. We did our best as a group to pick right back up where we left off the day before, starting early in an attempt to beat the heat. Our bird planter and judges were at the ready as dogs and handlers eagerly and patiently waited in the blind to get the call to the line. Once the fields were set, away we went with our last day of trialing and chance for dogs to get into the year-end elimination trial.

In A field on Sunday we had Jim Wall and Lance Nielson judging. Kelly Irons and his young shorthair Cinder have been trialing with us for a couple seasons. Cinder has run many times and proven she is a fearsome competitor. Kelly and Cinder had a run of 4/3 with a score of 624 to capture 3^rd place and get her first placement in NSTRA, congrats! Dennis Haggard and his awesome Drahthaar Yash had an incredible run of 5/5 with a score of 868.5 to get back on the podium and get a 2^nd place. With as awesome of a run as Dennis and Yash had, we did not think it could be bested. However, Cade Allen and his Brittany Annie thought otherwise and came to the line with determination. They ran away with the A field win (and best run of the day). They found 6 birds and received a score that could not be beat with a 6/6 and 1106 to get the win. Congrats Cade and Annie, great run!

In B field on Sunday we had Angie Wonnacott and Kaycee Rindlisbaker judging. Layne Peterson and Kid would again prove their dominance by having another great run of 4/4 and a score of 806 to take home 3^rd place. Newcomer Spencer Johnson and his shorthair Scout have joined us for several trials this season and we have enjoyed their presence. Scout is a very nice dog and has proved to all of us that they can compete. That proved to be true in their run as they went 4/4 with a score of 854.5 for 2^nd place and their first NSTRA placement, congrats! I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of them in the future. Jared Haddock and Boone have been on a roll as they have compiled several placements this season. This run in B field would prove to be something special for them as they would go out and have a run of 5/5 for a final score of 957 and get their first NSTRA win. Congrats to the both of you as we all knew it was coming, how sweet it is to finally get that first win!!

In field C on Sunday we had Maureen Goodrich and Brett Ure judging for us. Jared Haddock and Boone would be in contention yet again and go 3/3 and a back to get a score of 678.5 for 3^rd place. Securing his third placement in 2 days. Kelly Irons and his young dog Cinder would again prove they are here to stay with a 4/4 and a back to secure 2^nd place. The run of the day would go to Lance Hansen and his young shorthair Remi. They were able to find 5 birds and go 5/5 for a final score of 868 to get Remi’s first placement and win, congrats!

As we all come out and play this game we love so much, I hope first and foremost it is about the relationships we all make and camaraderie we feel. Yes, we all do love our dogs and want to compete at the highest level we can, but this group of people have become family to me, and I have made some dear friendships because of our region. With that said we all hope to one day place and win enough to receive that coveted title of NSTRA champion, that is what we are all fighting for. Well this last weekend one of our great friends and competitors was able to make that dream become a reality. Layne Peterson and his phenomenal dog Kid were able to complete their first NSTRA championship. This is not an easy thing to do and they have worked hard to get here. I know that Layne has wanted to prove that you can take an AKC Champion/horseback trial dog and also come out and compete in NSTRA, well they proved just that and have completed the impossible. We as a region say CONGRATS to Layne and Diane Peterson and NSTRA CH / FC Kid on a job well done, he is a special dog!!!

Lastly, we just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all those that helped make this trial happen. We appreciate all those that were willing to help judge, plant birds, marshall, and compete with your dogs. The reason this region is the best is because of all those that work so hard to put these trials together, they do not work without the help of all of us coming together.

Thank you to Kelly Irons for his work on our new banners/flags you will see in the background of most pictures, they are awesome. Thank you, Kelly!!

For all of those fortunate enough to qualify for our Regional Elimination trial that is happening this Saturday, get those dogs tuned up as it is going to be one heck of a day crowning our 2020 Utah Region Champion!!! See you all there!

Thanks,

Lance Hansen