Having recently returned from yet another trip to the Eastern States of Australia (my seventh, I might add), to attend the National Championships, I am prompted to ask again the question of "Where are we heading with our Retrieving Trials ?". This question was submitted by Joe Law (Articles and Archives) after the 2003 National Championship trial, with some interesting observations by Joe, which were voiced by many during the running of the trials in 2003. Maybe a re-read of Joes submission would not go astray right now, but I too have my voice on the state of trialing.
Whilst at the National competing, I observed several of the tests well within the ANKC rules, and capabilities of our handlers and their dogs during the National, but I, and many others, were left wondering as to what was actually being tested on some runs. Obviously not the marking ability of the dogs, as the bird was so far beyond sighting, & often obscured by background trees,hills etc, to make it a non event. What then was the test ? It turned out to be, how well the handler marked down the fall, and then handled their dog to the mark. Comments were rife about visibility and length. For the first time ever, on one run, I put my distance driving glasses on so I would see the far off mark.......really.
Our rules state that a mark will not be more than 150 metres in length. Rules, mind you, not a mere suggestion. The rule book also states that a mark should be so that a dog should be able to see a bird in the air and as it falls and should where possible break open skyline. Right !!!
Marks at 200 metres, in the terrain that the Nationals were held in, were more than a challenge for handlers and dogs to see, resulting in less than desirable retrieves. But, this must have been expected, as in reality the tasks were blinds, and required control; but, Rule 26 states "A dog on a mark retrieve should not need direction from the handler once the dog has been sent for the retrieve". So when does a mark become a blind ? I'll tell you............When it is not visible !
Another rule book statement in part is, that the competition be conducted "in the field under conditions which emulate as closely as possible those which would be found whilst shooting" etc etc.
I want to see who can shoot a bird at 200 metres with a shotgun. Any takers ?
Personally, I am disappointed that reasonable tests cannot be set within the limit of the rules. Contrary to a recent statement by a person who shall remain anonymous, Rules are not there to be broken, they are there for fairness, equality and the good of the sport. If persons are not prepared to follow these guidelines, then please put us out of our misery and refuse appointments.
Now I know many other triallers voiced opinions on length & visibility of marks during the Nationals, but how many will actually put up their hand and say "this isn't right " Dare I say, NIL. It is sad that such a wonderful sport and past-time as retrieving , is on the way to destroying true amateur competitors, both male and female, and their desire to participate in retrieving. Isn't it difficult enough to have bias and prejudice towards breeds of dogs and handler gender amongst trialers, without unnecessary illegal tasks out in the field.
Where is retrieving heading ? Who knows. To an untimely death perhaps.
BTW I do know my distances. We have paddocks and a vehicle to set 100, 150 and 200 metre distances.
Kerry