Cumulus Cloud Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 hi, I've been really interested in attending an upcoming trial for the first time in my state, possibly this weekend or the next, but I have some unanswered questions. I have already emailed someone from the association running the trial but haven't gotten a reply yet so I just figured this place is a good place to ask too. I notice that most trials are held about 1-2 days and both the upcoming trials are held two days so I was wondering if they hold all classes (novice-open) on both days or if they were separated. Also, around what times do trials start because they didn't post any times on their website and it will take about an hour or more to drive there so it would be helpful to know when i should leave the house. Thanks -Jenna Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloria Atwater Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 Hi Jenna ~ Generally, if a trial offers both Open and the junior classes, they'll hold them on separate days. Pro Novice and Novice Novice may be on a Friday or a Monday, while Open is usually on the Sat/Sunday. However, if it's a smaller trial with limited entries, they might run Open first and PN/NN after. As for start times, this time of year the sunlight comes later, so the handlers' meeting may be anywhere from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. You can always split the difference and show up at 8, if you're going as spectator only. A couple things to remember, for your watching first trial. Feel free to ask courteous questions of the handlers, as most will be more than happy to talk dogs with you. But do be aware if someone is standing off with their dog and crook, watching the field, as they may be getting ready for their upcoming run. If so, they will probably prefer to be left alone to think. Likewise, if someone has just come off a run, give them 15 minutes or so afterwards, to unwind and cool their dogs, before you ask any questions. Hope you have a good time! ~ Gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 Do you know the names and locations of the trials you might attend? With that information, sometimes you can find websites containing key information. Let me know, and I will try to locate info for you. Each trial varies. For USBCHA sanctioning, I believe they only have to run Open and Nursery classes, and many trials in this area of US run only those. Trial hosts still offer Nov-Nov, Pro-Nov, and sometimes Ranch, but it all depends on time available, number of entries and the hosts' preferences. At trials in which different classes are not run concurrently, my experience has been that Open is run first, then the other classes. Most trials I have attended start the first run shortly after sunrise, but that is not set in stone. Wear warm clothing, dry footwear, and bring folding chairs. An umbrella keeps sun and rain off. Not all trials have food concessions or shelter, nor are they always within easy driving distance of restaurants, so think about packing food, water and beverages. You might consider binoculars and camera. Have fun and ask lots of questions. It's far more interesting when you understand the course and some of the rules. You are already gathering information and preparing yourself. I'm sure you will have a great time. -- Kind regards, TEC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cumulus Cloud Posted December 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 Hi Gloria thanks for the info, I'll have to wake up early if i want to get there by 8! I'm probably going to go this sunday and I'm so excited Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cumulus Cloud Posted December 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 Do you know the names and locations of the trials you might attend? With that information, sometimes they have websites containing key information. Let me know, and I will try to locate info for you. Each trial varies. For USBCHA sanctioning, I believe they only have to run Open and Nursery classes, and many trials in this area of US run only those. Trial hosts still offer Nov-Nov, Pro-Nov, and sometimes Ranch, but it all depends on time available, number of entries and the hosts' preferences. At trials in which different classes are not run concurrently, my experience has been that Open is run first, then the other classes. Most trials I have attended start the first run shortly after sunrise, but that is not set in stone. Wear warm clothing, dry footwear, and bring folding chairs. An umbrella keeps sun and rain off. Not all trials have food concessions or shelter, nor are they always within easy driving distance of restaurants, so think about packing food, water and beverages. You might consider binoculars and camera. Have fun and ask lots of questions. It's far more interesting when you understand the course and some of the rules. You are already gathering information and preparing yourself. I'm sure you will have a great time. -- Kind regards, TEC the website is www.virginiabordercollieassociation.com I just realized they have put up a running order, now that is a bit helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emilyfalk Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 Hi Jenna, My name is Emily and I'll be competing at the trial this weekend. It will be a smaller trial than many others we usually host in the area, but a good one to spectate because it will be pretty casual. The start time on Saturday will be 9am and should be about the same time Sunday. We are running Novice/Novice, Pro-Novice, Ranch, Nursery, then Open (both days). Hope you come out! The weather looks like it will be great. Emily Falk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 There are regional differences. In the northeast the novice classes are often run on the same day as Open and Nursery. The order of classes depends on the trial host's preferences and other factors. If it's a USBCHA trial you might be able to find the info here. Some trials will start as early as sunrise and run as late as sunset, but you are pretty safe showing up around 8 am. ETA, here is some more detailed info about the trials you are probably attending. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 Here are links to the entry forms with a summary of the weekends' plans. Looks like Emily and Liz provided good starting points just above. Each entry form has contact information for the trial hosts. They are often helpful, and of course can provide directions and answer questions. http://www.virginiabordercollieassociation.com/forms/12-08-2012-dawgwood-farm-updated.pdf http://www.virginiabordercollieassociation.com/forms/12-01-2012-tuckahoe-sdt.pdf Have fun. -- TEC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 You picked a good trial to start with. You'll see people from this board -- Shoofly (Robin F), Donald McCaig, Emily, and perhaps others. I met Robin last year out at Soldier Hollow and the Finals in Carbondale -- a very nice handler. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waffles Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 You're going to have so much fun! After years of trying to get to a trial I finally went to an Open trial this past fall. I wish I would have brought binoculars. The few people we talked to were very nice and very willing to give us a play by play of all the action! I had seen BC's work before but never at this level and had never seen outruns like there (this is where binoculars would have been nice!). Your mind will be blown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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