Dear Field Trialer:

The English Setter Club of America Inc., founded in 1905, is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs of its kind in the United States. The Club is rich in tradition and bird dog lore. Since its inception, it has conducted American Field trials and has been the site for many American Field Championships and AKC Field Trials open to all pointing dog breeds, professional handlers and amateurs alike. The English Setter Club of America/Medford, NJ has been described in Bird Dog journals and Sporting Dog magazines as the greatest one course trial in America, and now after one hundred years, the club is still held in the highest esteem.

According to AKC History: Written record shows that the first AKC Field Trial was held in 1924 by the English Setter Club of America on their grounds in Medford, N.J.

Although the club has this rich tradition and has hosted many sponsored AKC Field trials, including the very first AKC field trial, the club never sought AKC license and never sponsored an AKC event under the present system. Because of the diminishing number of AKC Field Trials in our area, we decided to seek AKC approval and license to sponsor AKC Field Trials under the name ENGLISH SETTER CLUB of MEDFORD, NJ.

This is our inaugural modern day trial. The trial is open to all pointing breeds. Our committee has members that have campaigned Brittanys, Setters, German Shorthaired Pointers, Pointers and Vizslas , a mix of expertise that is uncommon in AKC Field Trialing. The trial will be observed by a Field Representative of the AKC.

This trial will be a “hybrid” – horseback/walking optional trial. There will be no wrangler provided by the club. Our committee sees the increasing desire of walking handlers to participate. It is the desire of the club to cater to both horseback and walking handlers equally. We welcome and encourage walking handlers. As secretary, I will do everything possible (within AKC Guidelines) to make this trial comfortable for all handlers. A box has been provided on the entry form to indicate a desire to walk. If you so indicate, we will brace those who do so together. It is extremely important that I know you intend to walk before the drawing. Once the drawing is done, I cannot change brace members.

In conclusion, on behalf of Chairman Anthony Rusciano, Committee members Wayne Horner, Paul Pollock, Jim D'Amico, Gregg Ritchings, Peter Aggelatos, and Tim Holmes, I invite you and request your participation in our inaugural ENGLISH SETTER CLUB of MEDFORD, NJ Field Trial. We all hope that you try our “hybrid” experiment and help to make it a success.

English Setter Club of Medford, NJ

Jeffrey Drogin, Field Trial Secretary

27 West 67th Street

New York, New York

10023-6258