Looking back: 2010 Sunflower All Age Championship

The Sunflower Open All Age Championship

October 18, 2010 to conclusion

Flat Top Division of the SMS Land & Cattle Company

Aspermont, Texas

C. W. Bud Moore and Terry Smith, judges

Tula Warrior overcame all obstacles to put on a clinic of front running, hard hunting to win First Place at the 23^rd running of the Sunflower Open All Age Championship.

This renewal overcame several obstacles to have a satisfactory conclusion. Due to legal wrangling over probate, we lost several sections of ground that had comprised our second and third hours of running in Kansas. So… we moved to Aspermont, Texas and the Flat Top Ranch, a division of the SMS Land and Cattle Company. The Swenson Ranches have always been one of the larger West Texas enterprises, at one time comprising about 700,000 acres. The Swenson family have been conscientious stewards of the land. Wild game and the native ecosystem are equally important as livestock to the family. Everyone concerned, from the general manager, game managers, to Burke Harvey who leases the Flat Top for quail hunting, made us feel welcome. The ranch abounds in wild game of every kind, albeit a tough ecosystem on both man and animal.

This renewal was judged by Terry Smith, successful shooting dog trainer from Sallisaw, Oklahoma. His Sequoyah Kennels have produced many fine winners, the latest being the winner of this year’s Quail Futurity. Joining Terry was this author, Bud Moore from Toronto, Kansas. Bud has been breeding and running successful winners for over 50 years. Both judges rode at an even pace, looking for that hard hunting, big running class dog.

Because of several factors the championship title was withheld and the stake reverted back to an all age. Placed behind Warrior for Gary Hill were Conecuh Station Black Rock, Steve Hurdle and Rockin H Roy, Gary Hill. Both dogs impressed on the ground. Black Rock was especially pleasing on the ground, while Roy was extremely strong.

The Derby was an especially strong field on the ground. No Derbys pointed game. Conecuh Black Market ran North of camp and blistered the ground while being responsive to handler. Salty Dog Bee Sting was especially impressive South of camp in the heavy cat’s claw cover. Crown Jack braced with the winner made for an interesting brace as he impressed both judges.

Thanks to everyone who joined us this year in Texas. As we packed our gear, loaded horses and dogs and set out for home, and thought back about the trial, we will always remember with appreciation the friends who experienced Aspermont with us.