What Happens at a Field Trial?

Field trials are the pinnacle of gundog work in the UK—real game, real conditions, and real competition. For handlers progressing from working tests or just curious about the sport, this guide explains everything you need to know.

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🎯 What Is a Field Trial?

A field trial is a competitive event that tests a gundog’s performance under actual shooting-day conditions. Unlike working tests (which use dummies), field trials involve live game and simulate a formal day’s shooting.

Judges assess how well dogs:

• Mark, retrieve, and deliver game cleanly
• Work to whistle and hand signals
• Maintain steadiness and discipline under pressure
• Hunt methodically and retrieve game from difficult cover

Field trials are held under Kennel Club rules and are judged with an emphasis on natural ability, obedience, and teamwork.

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🏆 Types of Field Trials

Field trials are organized by breed type. The most common categories include:

🔸 Retriever Trials

For breeds like Labradors and Goldens. Retrieves are from water and land, often following multiple shots in a walk-up line.

🔸 Spaniel Trials

Spaniels are tested on flushing game, hunting cover, and retrieving on command—sometimes under close-range shooting.

🔸 HPR Trials

Hunt, Point, Retrieve breeds (e.g., GSPs) must show pointing, quartering, and retrieving game shot over them.

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🔄 How a Field Trial Day Works

1. Draw and Briefing

Dogs are pre-entered and allocated a running number. On arrival, handlers receive a briefing from the judges and host.

2. Walk-Up or Driven Shoot Format

Handlers walk in line with judges and guns. When game is shot, judges assign retrieves. Dogs may:

• Mark falls
• Be sent on blinds
• Retrieve runners
• Wait patiently while others work

3. Retrieves and Eliminations

Judges assign retrieves in turn. Dogs may be eliminated immediately for faults like:

• Breaking before command
• Hard mouth (damaging game)
• Failing to find wounded game
• Excessive noise or poor obedience

Only the best dogs progress through multiple rounds. At the end, placings (1st–4th) and awards (COM, Diplomas) are given.

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📝 Scoring and Judging

Unlike working tests (which use point scoring), field trials use comparative judging. Judges observe all dogs and decide which perform best.

Key judging criteria:

• Game-finding ability
• Natural hunting style
• Retrieve efficiency
• Steadiness and control
• Quiet, responsive handling

Dogs are not scored per se but ranked relative to others.

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👟 What to Expect as a First-Time Spectator

Thinking of attending? Here’s what you’ll notice:

Observation	Notes
Quiet intensity	Handlers rarely speak—whistles and hand signals dominate
Incredible obedience	Dogs sit steady under live fire and distractions
Real game	Retrieves often include shot pheasant, partridge, or duck
Professional etiquette	Handlers dress smartly; silence and order are respected
Field conditions	You’ll be walking through woods, cover crops, or hills

Dogs are judged on everything—not just success, but style, steadiness, and teamwork with the handler.

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🧠 Working Test vs Field Trial: What's the Difference?

Feature	Working Test	Field Trial
Game used	Dummies	Live game
Scoring	Points-based	Comparative judging
Pressure	Moderate	High (live shooting, eliminations)
Audience	Friendly / beginner-friendly	Serious / experienced
Outcome	Scores + feedback	Placings + potential qualifications

Field trials are for handlers and dogs ready to test themselves under real conditions.

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🧪 How to Prepare

1. Succeed at working tests first – Obedience and control must be second nature.
2. Train with live game exposure – Especially cold game handling and steadiness to gun.
3. Join a gundog club – Most field trials require KC registration and club membership.
4. Attend as a spectator or helper first – Learn etiquette and expectations before entering.

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📣 FAQs About Field Trials

Do I need a Kennel Club-registered dog?

Yes. Only KC-registered dogs can compete in licensed trials.

Can a pet gundog compete?

Only if they’re highly trained and meet trial standards. Field trials are demanding.

What gear is required?

• Slip lead
• Whistle
• Dummy/game bag (optional)
• Smart country clothing (tweed or greens preferred)
• Wellies or waterproof boots

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🎯 Conclusion

Field trials showcase the best in gundog ability, training, and handler skill. They’re a fantastic goal for serious trainers and a joy to spectate. Whether you're planning to enter or simply learn from the sidelines, knowing what to expect sets you up for success.

Want to take the next step in your gundog journey? Explore field trial events and training sessions across the UK

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