American Pointer National Championships 2004
September 20th thru September 24th, 2004
by Don Paltani, Executive Field Representative
A hidden treasure for field trials?
It's possible that historic Fort Robinson, in the western Pine Ridge country of Nebraska, may offer a venue sought after by field trial enthusiasts from across America. This 22,000 acre mixture of prairie, wooded streams, small lakes, hills and valleys was the location for the 2004 American Pointer Club National Championships.
Fort Robinson carries the legacy of such notables as Crazy Horse, Dull Knife, Red Cloud, Arthur MacArthur and Walter Reed, as well as being the largest training site for horses and mules during the war years. The Fort also hosts herds of buffalo, longhorns, deer, antelope along with an occasional sighting of bighorn sheep.
With lodging for over 300 people, 3 campgrounds, stables for 150 horses, catered meals and grounds accommodating well balanced hour courses, dual courses and training areas all neatly wrapped into one package. This relatively unexplored site seems to be a natural and received a unanimous vote of approval from trial participants, judges and club members.
The American Pointer Club hopes to return again next year, and it probably won't be the last.
Winner of the National Amateur Championship "Heller's Wild Willy" OH - David Heller, 2nd "Setter Ridge's Natural High" O-Richard Matzke and P & M Newman H-Richard Matzke. 3rd and 4th places withheld. Also pictured Judge Bonnie Hidalgo, Scott Wilson and Judge Jack Higgins.
Winner of the National Championship "Tian Just Peachy" O-Tim & Angela Schillereff, H-Tim Schillereff pictured with their sons and Judges John Malone and Eldon Hongo. 2nd place "Cross Country Sue" OH - Steve Bailey, 3rd "Heller's Wild Willy" OH-David Heller, 4th "Southern Sunrise" OH-Sara King.
Winner of the Nat'l Derby Classic "Frank N Stein" O-Bridget Bailey H-Steve Bailey, 2nd "Hellers Attitude Jesse" OH- David Heller, 3rd "Red Pebble Rose" OH-Sara King, 4th "Heller's Thrillogy Lucy" OH-David Heller. Also pictured Judges Bonnie Hidalgo and Sue Williams with Stake mgr. Tracy Haines.
Judge Towner with the Field trial course in the background
Field Trial back course in background of Buffalo
Not Pictured:
Winner of the Nat'l Puppy Classic — "Heller's Trillogy Lucy" OH-David Heller, 2nd - "Maker's Mark" OH-Marc Devos, 3rd - "Frank N Stein" OH - Bridget Bailey, 4th - "Saw's Jewels Maker" OH - Scott Wilson
