Field Trials
Autumn is here, and with that, so are the gundog Field Trials hosted on Barwhillanty Estate.
Field trials first began in 1865 as a competition to establish the best working dog in the shooting field. There are different types of field trials, many of which we have in the 2024 calendar here at Barwhillanty. Retriever trials focus on retrieving of fallen game testing the ability of Labradors and the like, whereas Spaniel trials focus on hunting, flushing and retrieving of fallen game.
The trials are ranked in different competition levels from novice, open and championship level. To advance from each level, a dog must win the overall trial, therefore even the novice level has many brilliant dogs who are very experienced, despite not yet progressing to open.
So far, we have hosted both springer spaniel and cocker spaniel field trials at both novice and open levels this year at Barwhillanty Estate. There have even been some royal dog appearances at the open, where His Royal Highness King Charles entered one of his Cocker Spaniel through renowned Spaniel trainer, Iain Openshaw.
Spectators are welcome to come and observe the action at the remaining trials of the season.
Competitors
If you are already attending with your dog, please note the following dates below, as well as the direct link for the location.
Dates coming up:
3rd October Smee Field Trial (English Springers)
7th October Game Keeper’s National
8th October Game Keeper’s National
15th October Rab Lithgow Field Trial
21st October Rab Lithgow Field Trial
Meet at Barwhillanty Farm at 0845
Click here to view the map for directions
For enquiries contact: david.rankin@barwhillantyestate.co.uk / 07810552440
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