Field Trials
New to Trialling or Experienced
We are a Field Trialling Club. We exist to bring together enthusiasts of gundogs, specifically the subgroup HPRs (Hunt, Point, Retrieve dogs), to promote the skills, training, and abilities of these dogs in a structured, competitive, and community-oriented environment.
Field Trials and Field Trial Clubs
What is a Field Trial?
Field trials test the working ability of HPRs in competitive conditions and showcase their abilities. Trials resemble, as closely as possible, a day’s shooting in the field and dogs are expected to work with all manner of game.
Field Trials are held within the shooting season which runs from 12th August (The Glorious Twelfth - first day of the Grouse shooting season) to 1st February.
Working Dog Skills
We help preserve and refine the natural instincts and skills of working breeds, such as hunting, pointing, flushing, and retrieving. By organising trials, we ensure that these dogs maintain their purpose and are bred and trained for their working abilities.
Training and Education
Our club provides a space for dog owners to learn and improve their training techniques. We often host training days, workshops, and events where handlers can gain guidance from experienced trainers, successful Field Trial competitors and judges.
Competition and Recognition
Field trials showcase a dogs' abilities in real-world scenarios. These field trials reward excellence and provide recognition for both the handlers and their dogs, often influencing breeding by identifying outstanding working lines.
Community and Support
We offer a supportive community of like-minded people who share a passion for working HPRs. Members can expect to be supported, gain experience, and be encouraged, making Field Trialling a welcoming environment for all newcomers.
Encouragement of Ethical Practices and Etiquette in the Shooting Field
Field trial clubs promote responsible dog ownership, training, proper fieldwork techniques, and etiquette in the shooting field. They also encourage respect for wildlife and sustainable field practices.
Enjoyment and Bonding
Participating in field trials or club activities strengthens the bond between HPRs and handlers. It’s also a enjoyable and fulfilling way to spend time outdoors, challenge your skills, and appreciate the incredible instincts of working HPR dogs.
Field trials play a crucial role in keeping traditions alive while adapting to modern needs.
When can I enter a field trial?
If you're relatively new to the working HPR world then entering a field trial is a little way off. Hard work, determination and the help of your HPR club with its trainers and resources will you guide you to achieve your goals. Attending field trials and helping out are an excellent way to learn what field trials are about.
We are here to get you there.
If you'd like to come along and see what happens at a field trial just get in contact with us.
Our Club has a long history of holding field trials, we've celebrated the achievements of many handlers and dogs. We've also seen dogs made up into Field Trial Champions (FTCH), a dog must place 1st in two Open stake Field trials, the highest accolade for handler and dog. We're always keen to encourage new people to take part in Field Trials.
