There are many folks that have contributed to our success, too many to list individually, and I'm sure many that I'd forget to mention. Several that have been pivotal in our good fortune include:

Rick and Ronnie Smith
I first met Rick at a training seminar in 2000 when I was a dyed in the wool grouse and woodcock hunter. Putting the philosophy of the 'Smith Silent Command System' into my training efforts with my hunting dogs resulted in phenomenal results. Rick and I have become good personal friends, and when working a recalcitrant, hard headed, big running dog 5 years later, he made the innocent comment that 'You need a horse'. Well, that started the snowball (as well as my bank account) rolling downhill, and initiated my quest in the horseback field trial arena.

Nathan Phillips
I met Nathan while field trialing in Indiana at the Capital Field Trial Club. He and his father, Gary, ran events at Pike County Bird Hunters Club in Petersburg, Indiana. Nathan is a phenomenal horseman, and to a fault is unafraid of any mount. With this in mind, I have had Nathan work ALL my horses, to make them rideable for my level of horsemanship.

Ferrell Miller
I met Ferrell through Nathan. Nathan had spent quite a bit of time working dogs and horses with Ferrell, and one time when visiting Nathan, had the opportunity to head down to Ferrell's to work dogs together. We were late in arriving, and anyone that knows Ferrell, probably didn't make an immediate favorable impression. Ferrell was tolerant though, and invited me back to spend some time to work on his ground. My son John came along for a week at Ferrell's, and Ferrell, Ike Todd and I worked dogs in the mornings, and John and I fished in Ferrell and Miss Eleanor's pond with their grandchildren in the afternoon. It was a great time, and I learned more than I can remember.

Brian Sullivan
I first met Brian while riding in the gallery at the Southeastern Championship in Georgia. Both liking long haired pointing dogs(setters), we have traded genetics back and forth since, to improve both our lines. Brian has a profound knowledge of pedigrees, and how to enhance a breeding program. He and wife Pam are genuine 'dog folk', and care deeply about their dogs. Brian is often called upon to judge prestigious field trials, due to his understanding of what a truly good performance entails.

Sean Derrig
Sean is an interesting fellow. We had a brief introduction at one of the first field trials I attended, and have since become good friends. Anyone 'in the know', probably knows of 'the ice cream event' and possibly one or two other events that has tested our relationship, but I truly respect his abilities and accomplishments, and his willingness to share his bird dog knowledge and savy. We have had some fun times and some great conversations, and I cherish the time that I've spent with him at his farm and at trials.

John Mathys
John is my scout, training and trialing partner. We started the horseback 'game' at the same time, and have learned from each others mistakes and success. When we're at trials together, we 'help each other' with scouting duties, hoping that one of us will make into the winners circle.

The Judges
The judges are just too numerous to list individually, but without them looking at our dogs, we wouldn't be where we are today. They have also made us look at our own dogs critically and not to become 'kennel blind'. I've been told – some trials you win that you should have won, some trials you win that you shouldn't have won, some trials that you loose that you should have won, and many trials that you loose that you had no snowballs chance in hell of winning. To those that have placed our dogs, thank you.