Postby Frank B » Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:49 pm
I just now saw this thread. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but iit s best to base it on good facts. MSHRC entries have nothing to do with any one individual's presence or influence. The test that triggered it was two years ago, had over 400 entries, and was over two days.To put in perspective, the Middle TN AKC club has slightly over 500 entries and runs a double master over three days. We were running 3 master splits, 2 senior splits on Sat & Sun, and a 50 dog junior entry on Sat & Sun. That's running 6 stakes each day. It rained all day Saturday and we did a lot of damage to the ground. The landowner requested that we reduce our numbers and we agreed. So we decided to cut back to a single Senior and it has accomplished the desired intent.
There is always grousing about judging and callbacks. I hear it all the time. I heard it when our entries were over 400 and I have heard it when our entries were 200. I hear it when I go to other club's tests too. And you know what? More often than not it is the same people.
Most of you know me. I have had conversations on this subject before and I don't mind the discussions. I think it is good for our sport to have candid talks that will promote more understanding and improvements. But, I think making comments about an individual in the public manner that occurred in this thread serves little purpose.
Feel free to contact me any time for further discussions on the matter.
Frank Barton
Mid South Hunting Retriever Club, AKC
Southern Flight, HRC
East Arkansas, HRC
Middle Tennessee Amateur Retriever, AKC
HRC # 15410