Field Trail

What is a Field Trail?

Spaniels competing in trials will be judged on game-finding ability, steadiness and retrieving. A spaniel’s work in the field is a compilation of many elements that must be demonstrated and observed by judges throughout a trial such as control at all times, scenting ability-use of the wind, manner of covering ground, perseverance and courage in facing cover.  Other aspects such as marking the fall of game, ability and willingness to take commands, prompt style of retrieve and delivery to hand are all reviewed. The idea of the trial is to simulate as close as possible to a real day’s shoot.  The function of the hunting Spaniel is to seek, find and flush game in an eager, brisk, quiet manner and when game is shot to mark the fall or direction thereof and retrieve to hand.