ESSA History +

ESSA HISTORY

In 2002 when ESSA was formed a graphic designer was tasked with making a logo and this was the result.

This gentleman was a fantastic supporter of Spaniel Field trials across North America. Paul would show up at ESSA trials with a herd of spaniels, literally. He was a keen competitor and was always positive in every way. Always willing to help and did so freely. This award was created in his honour in 2005.

Map of the area of Canada where ESSA operates

Area of Operation

As a CKC recognized club ESSA had to provide an area of operation with the initial application for recognition in 2002. That area can be seen on the map marked in red. In order to facilitate the future growth of the Spaniel Sports we recognized that no one had managed to offer events in British Columbia (BC). Although, historically there were many people who had come to Spaniel events in Alberta from BC. It was time to plan for a change. In 2007 the ESSA area of operation was expanded to include the area marked in green.

This paved the way for the first modern CKC Spaniel events to be held in BC.

It took a few years, but the first Spaniel Hunt Tests were held near Knutsford, BC in May 2019. The first Spaniel Hunt Test ever held on Vancouver Island was held in October 2023. (More to come on these events)

First National Amateur Championship held in Canada

The Amateur All Age stake for Spaniels was adopted by the CKC which immediately saw Amateur stakes offered across Canada.

Placements in these trials had at least 20 dogs qualified in 2010 to enter an Amateur National. The CNSFTA due to two year delays enshrined in their constitution were not able to anticipate this need and plan for a National Amateur Championship stake. This created a void.

ESSA, as one of the leading proponents for the adoption of Amateur stakes in Canada wanted to ensure its success and wanted to see competitors offered every opportunity to compete with their spaniels.

In early 2009 ESSA consulted with the entire Spaniel Community across Canada and sought and accepted input, including a formal publish for Comment to all CKC members on offering the Canadian National Amateur Championship. On June 8, 2009 ESSA received CKC approval to offer the first National Amateur Championship.

The event was Chaired by Nancy Holland and the Secretary was Boyd McIntyre. The judges were selected by a vote of the owners of the qualifying dogs.

On October 2-4, 2010 the first Amateur National was held with Tim DeGroff (Carr, Colorado) and Klaus Kyritz (Edmonton, Alberta) judging a 17 dog stake.

JUDGES

Klaus Kyritz (Edmonton, Alberta) Tim DeGroff (Carr, Colorado)

GUN TEAM

Aaron Dingman Arley Elliot, Wayne Brennen, Tim Eismann (Gun Captain), Chris Maxcy

Fog on Bigelow Reservoir Torrington Alberta

Springer Spaniel retrieve from heavy cover

pheasant flush fifth series national amateur championship

Pheasant flush during field trial with gunner

GROUNDS

The main grounds used for this trial was - The Bigelow Buck for Wildlife Project near Wimborne, Alberta. This property was the first Conservation site in Alberta that was funded by hunters.

The fifth series was held near Strathmore, Alberta in some pure wild Alberta prairie cover. Both of these grounds are Pheasant habitat and provided exceptional cover for the dogs to show their talent.