About CBFTA:
On November 19 & 20, 1994, Large Pack on Fox was put to the test with 45 entries competing in a 4-hour experimental event. The dogs were run in two classes, combined by sex and size as per Large Pack on Hare traditions. Participation in this event was well-attended by several of Ontario's most ardent LPH beaglers, along with some of New York's grittiest LPH competitors.
Two qualified Foxhound and two qualified CKC LPH judges, working independent of each other, recorded the drive and check scores, while also noting any demerit actions that interfered with the meritorious work of the pack. Dogs failing to pack or that quit hunting for a combined time of 5 minutes were immediately disqualified in the field. 31 of the 45 entries completed the trial. Upon completion of the 4 hours of continuous running, the judges reported their scores to the Field Trial Secretary under the supervision of the Master of Hounds. All judges' scores on each dog were combined and totaled using the formula:
"DRIVE + CHECK - DEMERITS = FINAL FIELD SCORE"
The dogs were placed in ascending order from 10th to 1st by merit of their final field scores. The master score sheet containing all dogs' scores was posted for the handlers' perusal. Thus, the Canadian Beagle Fox Trial Association was born.
Due to the increased number of Walker Foxhound and Beagle Hare trials in recent years, our judging process has evolved into the "Partners Judging System" Those judges with entries in the field are partnered with another judge, and the signature of both partners in each pair is required to certify all scores, including the exact time of scoring. This system has proven to be extremely popular with everyone as it provides the owners an opportunity to observe their hounds competing in the trial.
Upon completion of the trial, the judges' scores are collected and tabulated by the Field Trial Secretary and Master of Hounds. All dogs completing the trial are still placed in order of merit from 10th to 1st place according to their total field scores.
Over the years, several dogs have completed both their CKC and AKC Championships in LPH trials while also becoming CBFTA Beagle Fox Champions (BFC). The CBFTA is a small, but well-bonded group of "grass roots" veterans, and as each year passes, a refreshing influx of newer members are joining in on the fun. The opportunity to enjoy watching one's own dogs in direct and friendly competition with their fellow beaglers is pure enjoyment.
As CBFTA trial awards are presented, they are received and applauded with the same enthusiam and pride as they are at CKC and AKC LPH trials, and why not - beaglers are beaglers, regardless of the name of the game.
The CBFTA motto is, "Come Run and Have Fun!" |
