The two most prestigious field events for the ESS are the National Championships.  These events are usually held at the end of the regular field trial season, and dogs must qualify during the year to enter. The Nationals are governed by the same AKC Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures for Spaniels, but the format is much more difficult.  In a regular field trial, there are 3 series, 2 of the series run as a brace. A water retrieve is not mandatory, but expected to be completed if offered. In a National, there are 5 land series, and 2 water retrieves required in order to finish and be eligible for any awards.  Four of the five land series must be braced.  These special trials usually last four or five days. For an in-depth description of a field trial, click the link below for the article, Introduction to Spaniel Field Trials, by Kathy Sonier. 

PHOTO TOP LEFT: 2007 NFC FC B-C SARAH'S ABBY-GALE, Owners: mIKE & KRISTINE GOLOMB, hANDLER: GARY BREITBARTH
photo courtesy of essft.com

PHOTO Bottom right: 2007 NAFC AFC BEGGARBUSH CLIPPER, OWNER/HANDLER: BILL WILLETT, Photo courtesy of Mr. Willett

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