Results- July 11 Picnic Trial

Picnic Trial July 11, 2021

Judge Hope Roberts

OPEN – 8 Dogs entered  

1st ROZIE Daniel Shnitka

2nd ZIGGY Daniel Shnitka

3rd BUDDY Ted Haughton

4th GIBSON Jim Swanson

QUAL – 4 Dogs entered 

1st CASE Bill Pearson handled by Linda Page

Junior – 1 Dog entered

1st TESS Lorne Parker

Picnic Trials Resume Under Step 1 Provincial Health Order

With the May 25 announcement by the Provincial Government, VIRC is pleased to be able to resume holding picnic trials! Some restrictions still apply and all attendees are required to abide by the PHO in place as well as follow the Field Trial Protocols. Please click on this link and read the Covid plan before attending any event.

The next picnic trial is scheduled for May 30 at Swallowfield. See you there!

2020 Honorary Member

VIRC recognized John Caldwell as its 2020 Honorary member! For decades John has contributed to retriever field trials and the Vancouver Island Retriever Club as a competitor, breeder, and holding multiple positions on the Club executive. John earned many Field Trial Championships on his dogs, most notable Firwoodhill’s Dynamo (Dino), who retired with 251 (corrected from 104) AA points, and was a field trial champion as a two-year-old. Legend has it, Dino won 7 consecutive trials! Congratulations & thank you John👏

Vancouver Island Retriever Club Covid-19 Protocols

Protocols have been established to promote health and safety of everyone while attending a field trial event.

With the Re-Start of the Field Trial season, VIRC has developed the following protocols which have been established to promote health and safety of everyone while attending the trial. It is assumed that sending in your entry (or paying an entry fee for picnic trials) means you (and any accompanying family member) accept and will abide by these protocols. We do ask that you limit the number of people who accompany you, to ensure we do not exceed the maximum gathering limit.

  • If you are sick, please do not attend the trial.  Anyone returning from international travel and required by law to self-isolate may not attend the trial.  Entries will be refunded.
  • All attendees (handlers, judges, marshals, gunners, helpers, visitors) are required to follow protocols that apply to the region (province) where the event is held.
  • All attendees are encouraged to bring their own personal protection equipment (face covering, gloves, sanitizer) and essential supplies.  All attendees may wear gloves or face coverings at their discretion when helping, in the gallery, or running a dog.
  • We encourage all those participating to be respectful of the community they are visiting.  If food or lodging is required, please research and arrive prepared.
  • Practice physical distancing with individuals that are outside your bubble. Avoid congregating to the extent possible, only small groups of 2 to 6 people, keep 2 m apart, avoid handshaking and hugging, and limit your time together, especially in the gallery.
  • Where maintaining physical distance is not possible, it is recommended using a non-medical mask or face covering.
  • Avoid touching dogs or equipment that are not your responsibility.
  • Park with sufficient distance between vehicles if possible.
  • Follow the marshal’s instructions regarding running order and entering the holding blinds.
  • Any special instructions from the judges will be posted in the last holding blind.
  • Handlers will be invited to the line in smaller groups. It is possible, depending on your number, that you will not see the test dog run from line. You will have the opportunity to see other dogs run from the holding blind.
  • Anyone on line should maintain adequate distance from the handler as blowing a whistle could project a vapor.
  • Handlers will deposit birds in a bucket, for judges’ inspection after the handler leaves the line to ensure physical distance is maintained.
  • Judges are encouraged to bring their own equipment – judge’s books, chairs, coolers, pens/pencils, flagging tape, sunscreen, bug spray.
  • Hand sanitizer will be made available.
  • All shared equipment will be wiped between users.
  • If anyone is uncomfortable using any shared or provided items/equipment, they are encouraged to bring their own.

Please do not be offended if you are reminded of these protocols during the event. “We are all in this together”.

Message from the President of the BC Association of Retriever Trial Clubs

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on all of us. Our
families, friends, and the activities we enjoy have all been severely impacted.
More and more clubs have been announcing the cancellation of eagerly and long-awaited spring events. I share sadness with everyone who has worked hard over the winter and early spring. Whether you are training a promising young pup ready to go out and set the world on fire or an emerging All-Age or Master Hunter candidate, news of these cancellations has proved disappointing. Bravo to all trainers, I laud you for continuing to work with your dog and join you in wishing for better times ahead.
It has become apparent that many clubs are delaying their event to a later date in the season. Our BCARTC secretary, Linda has already received some rescheduled dates and available weekends in the later season are filling swiftly. Please let Linda know if your dates have changed so she can get them posted on our website as quickly as possible.
Our vision of what an event would look like will likely need rethinking.
Consideration re gallery placement, the positioning of judges, worker lunches and end of the day tailgates may need to be tailored to the current situation. What we think of as a trial “routine” will possibly require changes to accommodate the Provincial health guidelines. These guidelines must be adhered to for the benefit of the competitors, workers, judges, committee members and interested parties.
The BCARTC executive, in recognition of the unusual circumstances this year, has unanimously agreed that the current running dog fees will be waived for 2020. It is hoped that this gesture will help remove some of the financial burden a club may encounter in putting on an event that could attract fewer entries and involve additional overhead.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable training and event season.
Debby Montgomery,
President, BC Association of Retriever Trial Clubs

The Legacy Continues

New signage at the Beaver Ponds continues to depict the historical and continuing relationship and contributions of the Retriever and Equestrian communities.

If you are out enjoying this area, remember to practice social distancing to ensure the park remains open.