Wow!! What a wonderful trip the FV gang (minus Mel and Kosmo) had to Amarillo, Texas on January 17th & 18th.

Aaron took Remus, Amante, and Trip to the Texas Panhandle Pointing Breed Club walking field trial with the primary goal of Amante winning one of the Derby stakes. Because she's turning 2 years old on January 29th, this was her last chance to run in Derby. In just her fourth field trial, SHE GOT IT DONE! With two finds (in high wind conditions) and two honors (!!), Amante ran the course with the enthusiasm true to her nature. The judges liked what they saw. Amante won the all breed Amateur Derby stake to bring home the blue ribbon and her first 2 points toward her AFC and FC titles!! Way to go Amante and Aaron. We're SO proud of you!

Next up was Remus. He was entered in the Open and Amateur Gun Dog stakes (both ended up being worth majors). Those who saw Remus run (including the judges) couldn't believe he's 8 years old. He runs with such enthusiasm, speed, and intensity. And this weekend, he was FIRED UP! You can only imagine what he was like when he was a 2 year old. Remus made it around the course clean with 3 finds and got a callback for the retrieve. Holding through a difficult callback situation, Remus was steady and had a solid retrieve. HOORAY--he was given 3rd place!!

On Sunday, Remus ran even better and came around the course clean. Again, the judges and other competitors were very complimentary of his run. He got another callback (YAHOO!!) but this time the situation was too much and he broke on the third shot (but still completed a perfect retrieve). Ah well...we were still thrilled he was being considered for another placement. Not bad for an 8 year old who has only ever ran in 4 field trials in his entire life (he won his Open Gun Dog blue ribbon, worth a major, in the second field trial he's ever ran in)!

Winning does require more than a talented dog though. Aaron has proven himself to be quite a good handler. He can read a situation and direct the dogs so they are most likely to succeed. Many mistakes can be made when competing but Aaron keeps his wits and his cool!

The drive home wasn't too bad for owner/trainer/handler Aaron. He had just spent the weekend doing what he loves most--playing field games with his very talented red kids.

Amante's stunning point

Remus' intensity on point