I posted this on a chat thread, so some of you may have missed it. At the Eastern Idaho trial this past weekend Linda Harger and Yakity took 3rd in Open; Steve Parker and Georgia, and Maurine Coleman and Charlie got JAMs in Qualifying. . . . And as a side note, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever took second in the Qual to become the first Qualified All-Age Toller in U.S. history.

Great results for the Chessies (and Tollers too!). What's the average number of dogs running in Open and/or Qualifying field trials, Tom?
Sue

This trial was probably about average, Sue. We had 71 in Open and 26 in Qual, but there is quite a bit of variation depending on season and location. There are lots of Opens with about 50 and some with over 100 (Quals sometimes have 50 or so)... but the competition is really stiff regardless regardless of the number; this trial had 4 top pros each with multiple dogs (it really helps to be able to go to the line with more than one dog, you learn something with each one; Linda and other amateurs with only one or two dogs thus operate at a built-in disadvantage even when they have a very capable dog like Yakity).

Yakkity just keeps going and going, what team her and Linda make.
Congratulations Team Yakkity

Marty

WOW! That's jaw-dropping stuff! What a team indeed! Must be an amazing feeling, to achieve a place in such competition (whatever the breed)
Sue

Congrat's to all.......Kudos to the the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever on becoming the first Qualified All-Age Toller!!

Norene & Dom
Nordom Chesapeakes

The Toller also ran as test dog on the land blind in Open and did quite commendably (although the test had to be scrapped because of a wind shift that kept dogs from hearing the whistles).

The Toller is also a CH and MH - also a first for this breed as I understand it. Very impressive! Wish I would have been there to see him run - hoping he will come run IRC. Tom - are you coming?
Diane

I'll be there with bells on--and mutts in tow. Off to the Billings trial tomorrow.