From Foot to Saddle: How Trial Format Shapes Dog Performance

Upland field trials are conducted under two primary formats: Walking Trials and Horseback Trials. While both test the same core qualities of a great bird dog—nose, range, bird sense, endurance, and manners—the format of the trial significantly impacts how dogs, handlers, judges, scouts, and gallery spectators participate.

 

Understanding these distinctions helps competitors prepare properly, ensures fair judging, and protects the integrity and safety of the event.

The Foundational Difference

The defining distinction is how the handler moves through the course:

• Walking Trials – The handler is REQUIRED to be on foot. This is the only absolute rule that defines a walking trial.

• Horseback Trials – The handler is mounted on horseback throughout the course.

Important Clarification:

In walking trials, while the handler must walk, the judges, scouts, and gallery may walk or ride depending on terrain, course length, and safety considerations. Even in walking trials, judges often have the option to ride due to the length of many courses.

ALL participants must always consult the official American Field Trial Advertisement for the exact format.

Roles at a Field Trial

Every field trial includes these key participants:

• Handler – The individual handling the dog in the brace

• Scout – Assigned to locate and report the dog’s position

• Judges – Officials evaluating performance

• Gallery – Approved spectators following the brace

Each role is affected differently by whether the trial is walking or horseback.

Walking Field Trials

Handler Requirement

The handler must be on foot at all times. This ensures realistic foot-hunting pace and close handler–dog cooperation.

Judges, Scout & Gallery

Depending on terrain and length, judges, scouts, and the gallery may walk or ride. Judges may ride even in walking trials to properly observe distant work.

Impact on the Dog

Walking trials favor dogs that show:

• Moderate forward range

• Strong bird-finding within gun range

• Frequent contact with the handler

• Efficient ground application

Impact on the Handler

Handlers must maintain steady forward progress on foot and handle by whistle, voice, and positioning.

Impact on the Scout

Scouts track the dog’s location and report points. They may be mounted or on foot based on the advertised format.

Impact on the Judges

Judges evaluate closer-range work and practical hunting standards and may ride as needed for observation.

Proper Walking Trial Protocol

• Handler must remain on foot

• Gallery stays behind judges and handlers

• Remain quiet at all times

• No calling dogs

• Dogs not running must remain on lead

• Do not approach pointing dog unless directed

• Yield immediately to all judge instructions

Horseback Field Trials

 

Handler Requirement

Handlers are mounted for the entire brace.

Impact on the Dog

Horseback trials favor dogs with:

• Large forward race

• High speed and stamina

• Independence with control

• Broke manners at extended range

Impact on the Handler

Mounted handlers must manage horse and dog simultaneously, handle primarily by whistle, and maintain proper forward positioning.

Impact on the Scout

Scouts are typically mounted and ride aggressively to locate dogs and report all work.

Impact on the Judges

Judges are mounted and evaluate dogs that often work hundreds of yards away. Focus is on scope, endurance, independence, and long-range bird manners.

Impact on the Gallery

Gallery spectators are mounted, must control their horses at all times, stay behind the judges, and never interfere with the working dogs.

Proper Horseback Trial Protocol

• Maintain safe spacing between horses

• No excessive noise

• Yield immediately to judges

• Never ride across bird fields without direction

• Only experienced riders should ride with the gallery

Critical Reminder - Always Consult the Official Trial Advertisement

Because terrain, safety, and course design vary widely, EVERY participant must consult the official American Field Trial Advertisement before attending.

The advertisement defines:

• Walking or horseback format

• Who must walk

• Who may ride

• Gallery movement

• Property and safety restrictions

Failure to follow the advertised format is the most common cause of protocol violations.

Why Both Formats Matter

 

Walking Trials:

• Support amateur participation

• Mirror realistic foot-hunting

• Emphasize cooperation and practical range

Horseback Trials:

• Test elite athletic performance

• Preserve historic traditions

• Identify extreme performance breeding dogs

Together they ensure fair testing, wide participation, responsible breeding evaluation, and the preservation of upland tradition.

Conclusion

Whether walking or horseback, all field trials exist for one purpose:

To fairly test, refine, and preserve the very best upland bird dogs possible.

Understanding who must walk, who may ride, the role of the scout, gallery conduct, and the authority of the trial advertisement ensures a safe, fair, and professional trial environment for everyone involved.