High Flying Dachshund Club of Santa Ana Valley Field Trials
As I pulled into the field trial grounds of the Dachshund Club of Santa Ana Valley on Thursday, March 4th and saw the big pink field trial sign and a model airplane crashed into the Model Airplane Park sign, I knew this wouldn't be your ordinary field trials. And I wasn't disappointed.The first clue was when Chairman Steve Schultz began to fret over the fact that the caterer was late and he was unable to contact him. But it was not as bad as it seemed. The caterer arrived late due to a broken strap on his trailer. Some of his equipment slid off the trailer and stopped traffic on the freeway. But the breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, assorted muffins and superb coffee was worth the wait.
As everyone enjoyed the breakfast, Secretary Cheryl Schultz got roll call underway. The club got an entry of 53 Dachshunds. Due to past experience at the grounds, Steve announced that the committee would be splitting the Field Champion Stake of 27 into two divisions. There were no objections and bracing proceeded.
The 13 dogs took to the field at 7:45am and judges Jean Dieden and Julie Nielsen promptly had them sorted into second series. It was obvious that the shortage of rabbits the club had experienced here in the past no longer held true. The dog stake finished with two very young dogs finishing quite well. Eight month old standard wire, William, bred and owned by Selma McNamara won the stake. William is from a frozen semen litter by Selma's old dog, Fred, who was an outstanding, versatile Dachshund in his day. William seems to be following in his father's footsteps as he earned his T.D. just two days earlier.
The other young dog was 5½ month old standard smooth, Forest, owned by Tracy Hunter and bred by Shiela Paske. Forest ended the day in third place.
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 Cheryl Schultz, Steve Schultz, Bob Paske, Sheila Paske.', 500, 370)) |
The bitch stake moved along just as smoothly. Judges Sharon Carr and Daryl Turner swiftly narrowed the field to six for second series. Dottie, a standard wire owned and bred by Selma McNamara and Susie Q, a standard smooth, owned and bred by Miki Perry showed us some excellent work across a dirt road. They finished third and fourth respectively.
At that point it was time for lunch, which was another delight. A lucious Caesar salad and fresh baked rolls accompanied the Rigatoni Al Forno. It was topped off by a dessert of sinfully chocolate brownies and your choice of beverages.
Despite the desire to nap in the California sun, the gallery took to the field with the two divisions of the Field Champion Stake. At this point I have to say a few words about the grounds. An old olive grove covers a majority of the grounds. Under the trees was a lush, spring grass that was perfect cover and feed for the large number of rabbits that inhabit the area. Chairman Steve Schultz worked the grounds superbly. Even in the heat of the day, by heading the heaters into the cooler hollows, he found the rabbits with no trouble. The rolling hills of the grounds also offered superb long range views of the surrounding towns and mountains.
The two divisions of Field Champions were finished in short order and advertised judges, Sharon Carr and Miki Perry put together second series. By 4:15pm the trial was finished with the std. Smooth FC, Oscar owned by Cheri Faust coming out the Absolute Winner.
Throughout the day the model airplanes could be heard spinning, rolling and streaking across the sky next to the parking area. It was a treat to watch the owners expertise in flying their planes. Some exhibitors enjoyed chatting with them and we thanked them for their hospitality.
Chairman Steve Schultz and his committee were thrilled with the entry and the number of rabbits inhabiting the grounds. Even the late arrival of the caterer was quickly overshadowed by the quality of the meals.
I think it is safe to say the Dachshund Club of Santa Ana Valley field trialers were flying as high as the model airplanes over the success of their trial. They looked forward to the next day when they would be hosting the Dachshund Club of America 2004 National Field Trial.
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