English Springer Spaniel Field Trials

2025 ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

PRETTY PRAIRIE, KANSAS | JANUARY 12, 2026 TO CONCLUSION | ENTRY FEE $400.00|  2 POINTS

The NOC Daily

Thursday: 5th Series
🏆 2025 National Open Championship Results 🏆
We are pleased to officially announce the placements and awards from the 2025 National Open Championship. Congratulations to all who finished, placed, and earned recognition—an outstanding accomplishment at the very highest level of competition.
🥇 Champion
Dog #64 – NFC Bad Habits Jenny (“Jenny”)
Owner: Bob David
Handler: Amelia Baxter
🥈 Second Place
Dog #65 – Coco (Absolute Big Jim’s Favorite of NAWOC)
Owner: Ben Cowan
Handler: Dan Murray
🥉 Third Place
Dog #74 – Bad Habits Lazy (“Lazy”)
Owner: Bob David
Handler: Amelia Baxter
Fourth Place
Dog #23 – Flint (FC Door Creek’s Flash in the Pan)
Owner: Troy Gawronski
Handler: Jason Givens
Certificates of Merit
Awarded to:
Dog #1 – True
Dog #19 – Nip
Dog #24 – Cheater
Dog #38 – Wyatt
Dog #39 – Ted
Dog #58 – Sparky
Guns Award (Sponsored by ESSFT.com)
Dog #38 – Wyatt (“Wyatt Earp”)
Owner/Handler: Jeff Miller
Congratulations to Jeff on this well-earned recognition.
Certificates of Completion
Awarded to the following dogs:
True, June, Rip, Nip, Flint, Cheater, Axel, Ellie, Silla, Whitey, Ted, Q, Max, Sparky, Jenny, Coco, and Laceyy.
Our sincere congratulations to every handler and owner who finished this Championship—simply completing this event is an achievement few will ever reach. And a special congratulations to our new National Champion, Bad Habits Jenny, and to Bob David and Amelia Baxter on a remarkable performance.
Note:
We sincerely apologize that we were unable to stream live during the event due to extremely poor internet reception at the grounds. Photos and additional coverage will be posted as soon as we are able to secure a stronger connection. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

📣 2025 National Open Championship – Daily Update
Pretty Prairie, Kansas 🇺🇸

Good morning, everyone! It’s a beautiful start here at the 2025 National Open Championship as we kick off the day with the Fifth Series — 18 Flags. The weather is shaping up nicely for competition: dry conditions with sunshine this morning and highs climbing into the mid-50s later today, with winds light and temperatures comfortable for both handlers and dogs.

Today’s field will feature 21 dogs in the Fifth Series, and we’re looking forward to some outstanding performances. Once the series is complete, judges will retire to deliberate and we anticipate official placements later this afternoon.

We are excited to see who will earn the title of the next National Champion. Stay tuned for results as the day unfolds!

NOC Update – 

All 21 dogs that swam today have been called back for the fifth series! Congratulations to everyone on a great day of work. Best of luck tomorrow as you and your dogs give it your all—we can’t wait to see who will be crowned our next National Champion!

Series 5 will start at 9 am tomorrow at Property 3

 

Water Series Update – National Open Championship

We’ve received the water series callbacks, and 21 dogs will move on to swim this afternoon. Wishing each handler and dog the very best of luck in the water.

Weather conditions today are pretty pleasant, making for a great afternoon to watch some strong performances.

We will wait this evening for any potential fifth series callbacks. If announced, the fifth series will run tomorrow morning.

Good luck to all still in contention — exciting times ahead!

Personnel
The original Field Trial Committee

Thank you for volunteering!

FIELD TRIAL CHAIR
Brent Blundell

GENERAL CHAIR
Gary Riddle

PRESIDENT
Gary Riddle

VICE PRESIDENT
Ray Hankins

VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin Martineau

FT SECRETARY AND TREASURER
Mhari Peschel

JUDGES
Dominique Savoie
Rick Shively

Field Trial Committee Members:

Billy Akkouris, Bob Child, John Dunn, Kent Wiley, Les Hegney, Mhari Peschel, Carolyn Blundell, Paula Fluckiger, and Todd Fearon

Grounds Committee Members – Brent Blundell, Gary Riddle,  and Josh Riddle

Gun Captains 

Bob Child, Senior Gun Captain
Bryan Child Co Gun Captain
Josh Riddle Co Gun Captain

Guns

Colten Watson, Dan Hale Jr., George Akkouris, Jim Keller

Roger Thorne,  and Troy Blundell

Marshals – Mhari Peschel and Jeanne Nabity  (Co-Head Marshals),

Deanna Keller, Jayme Stuart, Joan Johnson, Paula Fluckiger, and Paula Mazurek

Judges Steward – John Paul

Bird Planter – Sam Fluckiger

Game Steward – Gary Fluckiger

Bird Provided By – Elk Ridge Game Farm

Steward of the Beat – 

Official Photographer – Steve Earley, Dog Sports Photography

Catalog Advertising – Connie Kieckhefer

Catalog Editing – Connie Kieckhefer, Megan Doleschy, Mhari Peschel,  and Sue Myers

Catalog Printing – Digital Edge

Fundraising, Clothing & Merchandise -Greg Kuhlman and Kevin Martineau

Hospitality – Paula Flukiger

Training Coordinator

Trophies and Ribbons – Mhari Peschel and Carolyn Blundell

Website – Holly Boggess and ESSFT.COM

 

 

 

 

 

National Open Championship (NOC) – Daily Update 4th Series

Callbacks are now set for the Fourth Series, with 37 dogs advancing in the competition.

  • 16 dogs will run under Judge Dominique Savoie

  • 21 dogs will run under Judge Rick Shively

Competition will resume tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. on Property #4, beginning exactly where the third series concluded.

Following completion of the fourth series, the field will then move on to the Water Series. The water location will be announced on-site at the conclusion of Series 4.

Lunch will be served on Property #4 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

We wish all handlers and dogs continued success as the Championship field narrows and the competition intensifies.

 

 

 

 

 

Third series callbacks are underway today as the field moves to Property #4 for continued competition.

A total of 45 dogs have been called back to the third series:

  • 23 dogs under Judge Dominique Savoy

  • 22 dogs under Judge Rick Shively

The judges had planned a lunch break from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. While the exact restart time has not yet been confirmed, we anticipate the third series will begin around 2:00 p.m., or possibly slightly earlier.

We extend our very best wishes to all handlers and dogs as we move closer to determining our next National Open Champion. The quality of work and depth of competition continue to be exceptional.


Weather Update – Pretty Prairie, Kansas (This Afternoon)

Conditions this afternoon are favorable for competition, with:

  • Temperatures in the low 60s°F

  • Mostly sunny skies

  • Light winds and dry conditions

Overall, it should be a comfortable afternoon on the grounds for dogs, handlers, judges, and spectators alike.

 

UPDATE: 7:50 pm

Hello everyone,

I want to share an updated callbacks list (Version 2, issued at 7:47 PM this evening). As I reconciled the original yellow sheet with the marshals’ callback boards, I noticed a few discrepancies.

Based on the boards in the field, I am showing 69 dogs returning to the second series rather than 70, along with a few changes toward the end of the list. To ensure we are providing the most accurate information possible, this updated version reflects what is posted on the marshals’ boards rather than the earlier emailed sheet.

Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to keep the information current and accurate.

Holly Boggess

NOC Daily Update – Monday, January 12, 2026

Today’s course featured 40 flags — 20 out, 20 back and offered great cover throughout the day. The morning began quite cold, but temperatures warmed significantly by mid-afternoon. Overall, it was a productive and enjoyable day for dogs of all ages.

The field made solid progress:

  • The first series was completed

  • The second series began

  • Judges concluded the day on dogs 32 and 27 in the second series

As temperatures increased this afternoon, production did begin to drop. Dogs were still finding birds, though not with the same consistency seen during the cooler morning hours.

At this time, we are seeking clarification from the Field Trial Committee and marshals on two callback sheet items:

  • Dog 52 was reported as a scratch this morning but is currently listed as called back to the second series

  • Dog 70 was moved from the even side to run at the end of the odd dogs to maintain brace mates; the callback sheet currently reflects the dog returning under Judge Savoy, when it should reflect Judge Shively for the second series

Running concluded today at 4:30 PM, and participants are now off to enjoy the banquet this evening.

We look forward to what tomorrow brings and wish everyone the very best of luck on Day Two.

📣 Sunday Night Update — NOC Daily 📣

Good evening, everyone! We hope you’re settling in and ready for a great day on the course tomorrow.

🌅 First Series Starts Tomorrow Morning!
Just a quick reminder that we’ll kick things off bright and early with the handlers meeting and UTV meeting at 7:40 a.m., and we’ll be starting sharply at 8:00 a.m. — so make sure you’re ready to roll!

🌤️ Weather for Pretty Prairie, KS:
Expect cool conditions in the morning with gradually warming temperatures through the day, mostly dry and partly sunny skies — perfect for running dogs! Highs should be in the mid-40s to low-50s, with mild winds. No significant precipitation expected during the series tomorrow.

📋 Running Order:
We are not aware of any scratches at this point.

Best of luck to all competitors tomorrow! 
Have fun out there, run safe, and may the best handlers and dogs shine! ✨

📌 From Today’s Delegates Meeting – Important Announcement

The following details were confirmed for the 2026 National Open Championship:

📍 Dates: December 1–5, 2026
📍 Location: Pretty Prairie, Kansas
🏨 Host Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn
💲 Entry Fee: $350
🎯 Qualification Requirement: Two (2) points
👨‍⚖️ Judges: Jerry Barrett and Mike Pollack

Important Schedule & Location Corrections
Notice received from the Field Trial Chair on January 10 at 10:50 p.m. Central Time.

Training Day – Sunday, January 11
Training will take place at Property #4 (NOT Property #1) as shown on the Maps tab of the website.

  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • Coordinator: Will Pick
    Please ensure you navigate to the correct property.

First Series – Monday, January 12
The First Series will be held at Property #1 (NOT Property #4), located at the intersection of Smoots Creek Road and McNew, as noted on the Maps tab.

  • Handlers & UTV Drivers Meeting: 7:40 a.m.

  • First Dog to Run: 8:00 a.m.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and extend apologies for the earlier miscommunication. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Happy Saturday and welcome to today’s edition of The NOC Daily for Saturday, January 10, 2026. We wish everyone a successful training day tomorrow. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to have professional portraits taken by KT Renee Photography—a perfect way to commemorate your National experience.

As we approach the National Open, please review the important details below:

  • Training Day

    • Date & Time: Sunday, March 11, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

    • Location: Josh Davis’s property (see Maps tab for directions)

    • Coordinator: Will Pick — (608) 214-1350

    • Please contact Will directly regarding your training needs if you have not already done so.

    • Important courtesy note: Access to the property requires driving through a neighboring yard where there are small children and several small dogs. Please proceed slowly and with care.

  • Cocktail Party

    • Location: Inspired Dining (see Maps tab for location)

    • Time: Immediately following the Delegates Meeting

    • Hors d’oeuvres selection will include:

      • Charcuterie bites with cucumber, hard salami, tomato, and mozzarella

      • Bacon-wrapped scallop bites

      • Cucumber bites topped with guacamole and shrimp

      • Cured salmon bites on toasted crostini with herbed cream cheese

  • Dinner Reservations at Inspired Dining

    • Guests wishing to stay for dinner after the cocktail party should contact Inspired Dining directly:

      • Ask for Jessica, or call Stephen at 620-664-4219

    • Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins will be accommodated only as availability permits.

    • Dinner menu will feature pub-style offerings (e.g., hamburgers).

Welcome

On behalf of the national committee, we wish to welcome you to the 2025 National Open. 
This trial would not be possible without the efforts of many people.  The extenuating circumstances lead to people rallying to the cause and with only 2 months lead time pulling together the event.  So many to thank for their solution orientation and pitch in attitude.  A big thank you to Mahri Peschell and Jerry Barrett.  Our vision for this trial and hope for you is to:

  • Compete fiercely
  • Demonstrate sportsmanship
  • Enjoy Fellowship

And in doing so we endeavour to crown a National Champion that will support the genetics of this wonderful breed.  For Management of the communications from the National committee, we will use this site and Hunt Secretary.  We will refrain from formally posting on social media.  In this way we hope to centralize communications and provide you with a trusted single source channel that facilitates showcasing our great sport.  There is lots to do and few to do it.  Please bring your best to help us all achieve our mission.  Looking forward to seeing you all in the field.

Kind regards

Clay Earl

2025 US Open field trial chair

Running Order in PDF Format

Running Order in Gallery Format

Placements

PLACEMENTS

1st: #44  FC Crosswinds Watch This “Chance”

O: Cheryl Spearling
H:Todd Agnew

2nd: #70 FC AFC Cattails Lovesick Blues “Hank”

O/H: Amelia Greene

3rd: #53 FC Crosswinds Shimmering Grace “Gracie”

O: Stavros Akkouris
H:Billy Akkouris

4th: #16 FC AFC Cattails Stella Artois MH “Stella”

O/H: Amelia Greene

CERTIFICATE OF MERITS

#9 Bean Sidhe’s Shimmering Vaw Wow “Vaw Wow”

O: Vasilios Akkouris 
H: Billy Akkouris

#19 FC Windrifts What a Lulu MH  “Lulu”

 O/H: Chad Betts

#25 FC Whisky Rivers Maverick “Maverick”

O/H: Todd Stelzer

#35 2xNFC FC AFC Rockey’s Solo  “Solo”

O: Chuck Cloninger
H: Jason Givens

#73 FC AFC Pheasant Feathers Precious Pearl “June”

O: Joel & Ann Theisen 
H: Jim Keller

#74 Craney Hill Down Goes Frasier’s Humongous Arse “Frasier”

O: Jeffrey Keller
H: Todd Agnew

Guns Award Sponsored by ESSFT.COM

3rd: #53 FC Crosswinds Shimmering Grace “Gracie”

O: Stavros Akkouris
H:Billy Akkouris

2025 National Open Champion

NFC Crosswinds Watch This “CHANCE”

Sire: FC Craney Hill Dalmore Dudley
Dam: Bayview Willow Pro
Breeder: Kevin J. Battistoni
Owner: Cheryl Spearling
Handler: Todd Agnew

Need Catalog!!

Personnel
Field Trial Committee

Thank you for volunteering!

FIELD TRIAL CHAIR
Clay Earl

PRESIDENT
Gary Riddle

VICE PRESIDENT
Ray Hankins

VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin Martineau

FT SECRETARY AND TREASURER
Mhari Peschel

JUDGES
Dominique Savoie
Rick Shively

Field Trial Committee Members: Amelia Baxter, Dan Lussen, Dan Murray, Jerry Barrett, Mhari Peschel, Mike Pollack,  Mike Wallace, Scott Smith, Tom Meyer , Tom Ness,  and Trent Bosse

Gun Captain:  Waldo Prock

Guns: Trent Bosse, John Meyer, Brody McCaffrey, Albie McHenry, Chris Jensen, John Kuchar

Marshals:  Mhari Peschel and Jeanne Nabity  (Co-Head Marshals), Pat Bramwell, Deb Livingston, and Sue Jack

Judges Steward: Ray Jack

Bird Planter: Michael  Fulcher

Game Steward: Michael Fulcher

Bird Provided By:  Top Flight Game Birds

Steward of the Beat:  

Official Photographer: KT Renee Photography

Catalog Advertising: Connie Kieckhefer

Catalog Editing: Connie Kieckhefer, Megan Doleschy, Mhari Peschel, and Sue Myers

Catalog Printing: Digital Edge

Fundraising, Clothing & Merchandise -Greg Kuhlman and Kevin Martineau

Hospitality: Jerry Barrett

Training Coordinator: Will Pick

Trophies and Ribbons – Mhari Peschel and Carolyn Blundell

Website – Holly Boggess and ESSFT.COM

Training Information

2025 National Open Championship – Kansas Training Information

  • As the host club, we will make every effort to support handlers traveling to Kansas by providing access to birds, grounds, and guns to help prepare dogs for the trial.
  • Participants are responsible for knowing and following all Kansas hunting and training regulations.

Early Arrival Training

  • Training properties will be available for early arrivers.
  • Pheasants will be supplied at $16 per hen.
  • Training grounds will be assigned based on communication with Training Coordinator: Will Pick – (608) 214-1350
  • When contacting us, please provide:
    • Number of birds needed
    • Whether you require gunners
    • The dates you plan to train

Official Training Day — January 11 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM)

  • Grounds location will be announced once finalized.
  • Directions will be posted on this page and in the maps section.
  • Please notify us if you plan to participate and how many birds you will require.
  • Bird pricing:
    • $16 each for orders placed at least 3 days prior
    • $20 each for orders placed after that time (subject to availability)
  • Advance communication helps us coordinate gunners and ensure safe, efficient training.

Schedule

As of August 25th, 2025 – Subject to Change

Maps to the Grounds

Agronomist Report

Delegates Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the National English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Inspired Dining. 

Location: 19807 Kansas highway 14 Pretty Prairie KS, 67570

$75 per club

National Championship Open Stake $400.00
8:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025

ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.HUNTSECRETARY.COM

ENTRIES WILL CLOSE WITH THE FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY AT:
1st Entries will close Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:59:59 Eastern Time.
2nd Close November 7, 2025 at 6:00 P.M Mountain Standard Time(MST)

Dogs must have been awarded two points since November 28, 2024 to qualify for entry. Dogs earning their qualifying points in a trial held between October 31, 2025 and November 7, 2025 will be allowed to enter the trial only if their entry is received by e-mail no later than 6 p.m. MST on November 7, 2025. The entries should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] . The running order may be adjusted at this time to accommodate the late entries. Payment for these entries must be received prior to the start of the trial.

THIS FIELD TRIAL IS HELD UNDER RULES AND PROCEDURES OF THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB.

OPEN TO ANY ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL SIX MONTHS OF AGE OR OVER WHICH HAS EVER PLACED FIRST IN THE NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP STAKE FOR ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS, OR WHICH IN THE PRECEDING YEAR PLACED SECOND, THIRD OR FOURTH IN THE NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP STAKE FOR ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS, OR WHICH DURING THE PERIOD FROM November 28, 2024 UNTIL THE CLOSE OF ENTRIES FOR THIS STAKE HAS EITHER PLACED FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD OR EARNED TWO POINTS IN OPEN ALL-AGE STAKES AT A.K.C. LICENSED OR MEMBER FIELD TRIALS

Event Info & Lodging

Event Sponsors

George Akkouris

I am truly humbled to be entrusted with the prestigious position of judge for the 2024 National Open Championship. With a lifelong passion for the sport, I began my journey in the springer game over 35 years ago, competing in my first trial at just 10 years old and earning a 3rd place finish at LASHA. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of handling, gunning over and judging exceptional national-caliber dogs, learning from the best in our sport. I look forward to seeing great dog work and good luck to all!

Bill Cosgrove

I have had some great journeys over the years with Springers mostly. Cockers. some. Judging Nationals with Tom Menzel, Alex Stewart, Marty Knibbs, Casey Butz, Jerry Barrett, Ralph Botti always coming away seeing eye-to-eye is a pretty amazing thing.
Rather than share where else I’ve been with these wonderful dogs, and how much they mean to me, allow me to share some personal beliefs. I believe our trial game attracts good people, I believe in my family, I believe in the Almighty, I believe I have been blessed. I believe in destiny but, I don’t believe in luck.

Good luck to all 😉

National Open Championship Awards

TO THE WINNER:

  • The title of “National Springer Spaniel Field Champion”
  • The title of “Field Champion”
  • The Field and Stream Sterling Silver Challenge Trophy
  • The Sterling silver Prescott Challenge Trophy
  • The Trophy for Permanent Possession
  • The Sterling Silver Saighton’s Sizzler Challenge Trophy donated by John M. Olin.
  • The Evelyn Monte Memorial Trophy presented by the Ladies Spaniel Field Trial Club of Greater Newark and Friends of Evelyn Monte to the First Place Dog and Owner. This is a perpetual trophy to be awarded annually at the National Open Championship.
  • The Talbot Radcliffe Sterling Silver Cup. A perpetual trophy to be awarded annually to the breeder of the winning dog.
  • Special AKC Rosette with Medals

FOR SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH PLACE WINNERS:

  • Trophies for permanent possession
  • Special AKC Rosettes with Medals

FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE BY A DOG HANDLED BY AN AMATEUR, PROVIDED THE DOG COMPLETES ALL SERIES OF THE TRIAL:

  • Special AKC Rosette with Medal
  • The Heather Challenge Trophy awarded to the best amateur handler. To win the amateur must have placed first, second, third or fourth or received a certificate of merit. The Dansmirth Trophy was retired in 2011 by John Hall handling the same dog, Heather.  In 2016 Jeff Miller retired the Heather Trophy and redonated it as a perpetual trophy.

The William E. & Patricia K. Lane Memorial Trophy (silver) presented by the Southern Michigan Springer Spaniel Training Club, Inc., is to be awarded to the best amateur handler in the National Championship. To qualify the amateur handler must place first, second, third, fourth or be awarded a certificate of merit. This is to be a perpetual trophy with no permanent possession. Each year the name of the winning handler and a date awarded is to be engraved on the reverse side of the trophy, is to remain in his or her custody for one year, to then be returned for presentation the following year at the National Championship.


Gunner’s Trophy for the dog, in the judgement of the guns, “the dog they would most like to hunt over”. Donated by ESSFT.COM

Personnel
The original Field Trial Committee

Thank you for volunteering!

FIELD TRIAL CHAIR
Brent Blundell

GENERAL CHAIR
Gary Riddle

PRESIDENT
Gary Riddle

VICE PRESIDENT
Ray Hankins

VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin Martineau

FT SECRETARY AND TREASURER
Mhari Peschel

JUDGES
Dominique Savoie
Rick Shively

Field Trial Committee Members:

Billy Akkouris, Bob Child, John Dunn, Kent Wiley, Les Hegney, Mhari Peschel, Carolyn Blundell, Paula Fluckiger, and Todd Fearon

Grounds Committee Members – Brent Blundell, Gary Riddle,  and Josh Riddle

Gun Captains 

Bob Child, Senior Gun Captain
Bryan Child Co Gun Captain
Josh Riddle Co Gun Captain

Guns

Colten Watson, Dan Hale Jr., George Akkouris, Jim Keller

Roger Thorne,  and Troy Blundell

Marshals – Mhari Peschel and Jeanne Nabity  (Co-Head Marshals),

Deanna Keller, Jayme Stuart, Joan Johnson, Paula Fluckiger, and Paula Mazurek

Judges Steward – John Paul

Bird Planter – Sam Fluckiger

Game Steward – Gary Fluckiger

Bird Provided By – Elk Ridge Game Farm

Steward of the Beat – 

Official Photographer – Steve Earley, Dog Sports Photography

Catalog Advertising – Connie Kieckhefer

Catalog Editing – Connie Kieckhefer, Megan Doleschy, Mhari Peschel,  and Sue Myers

Catalog Printing – Digital Edge

Fundraising, Clothing & Merchandise -Greg Kuhlman and Kevin Martineau

Hospitality – Paula Flukiger

Training Coordinator

Trophies and Ribbons – Mhari Peschel and Carolyn Blundell

Website – Holly Boggess and ESSFT.COM