Result: National Vizsla Association Championships & Derby Classic

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Apr 27, 2026

Submitted By: Bonnie Hidalgo

National Vizsla National Amateur Championship (standing, l-r): Matt Wheaton, Kim Kitchen, Vincent Tuttle, Tonya Tuttle, Frank Vicari, Matt Rogers, Andrea Northwood, Mike Northwood, Rob Tomczak, Heather Vicari, Chad Chadwell. Mike Vicari, Bonnie Hidalgo, Denise Chenoweth, and Ron Chenoweth. (Kneeling): Justin Hess with Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl and Todd Meyer with N V Jasper.

The 2026 National Championship trial of the National Vizsla Association ran the second week of March over the Field Trial Sportsmen's grounds at Grovespring, Missouri. It has been held here for nearly three decades.

This trial begins with its one-hour Amateur Championship, which was convincingly won by Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl, owned by Kim Kitchen, Ontario, Canada, and handled by Mike Northwood. Runner-up honors went to N V Jasper, a male owned and handled by Mike Northwood of Waunakee, Wisconsin.

Next on the slate was the National Derby Classic, a 30-minute stake. The winner was NV Trouble, and second place went to Tizabec's Easy Breezy; both Vizslas are owned and handled by Matt Rogers. In third place was NV Hess Farms Blue, owned by Justin and Michelle Hess and handled by Justin.
Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl continued her winning ways in the National Championship! Once again, she outperformed the competition to take the title for Kim Kitchen and her handler, Mike Northwood. The new runner-up emerged as Meyer's Bustin The Coop, owned and handled by Todd Meyer.

The drawing for the entire event was held on the eve of the trial, Sunday, March 8, at the clubhouse. It was conducted by Mike and Andrea Northwood and Justin Hess. The Amateur Championships drew an entry of 12 starters, and the Open Championship attracted 14. The Derby Classic attracted 10 young dogs.

The Grovespring grounds were in good shape for this renewal. The NVA released a plethora of quail, which complemented the birds already present on the courses. This made for plenty of bird work, and, as everyone knows, bird work makes a great trial.

Four men handled the judicial roles for the trial. The NVA greatly appreciates the efforts of Frank Vicari, Mike Vicari, Mark Johnson, and Tony Isajiw. Their decisions were well received.

Purina's sponsorship of this event is very important to its success. The NVA wishes to thank Purina and its Emissary, Greg Blair, for their continued support. The winners were all pleased to receive Purina Pro Plan Sport as part of their prizes. Thank you, Purina, for everything that you do for the sport of bird dog field trials.

Garmin was also a supporter of this prestigious event. Their contribution of product for the winners is most appreciated. Their training and tracking products help make our dogs great, and more importantly, they keep them safe. Thank you, Garmin, for your sponsorship.

Dogs Unlimited of Brighton, Colorado, is owned and operated by Alan and Marcia Davison. Alan successfully campaigns his German Shorthairs; he knows what type and quality of products field trialers need. Dogs Unlimited sponsors many events around the country. The NVA is grateful for their support and asks that the trial community support Dogs Unlimited in return.

Leather goods were awarded to the winners of the Derby; Steve Zoebel donated them. A set of saddlebags and a scabbard were made of top-grade leather and were absolutely beautiful prizes. The NVA appreciates Steve's support of this event.

Chris and Sabrina Corliss donated knives handmade by Chris, in scabbards created by Sabrina, for judges and reporter gifts. The recipients of these handcrafted works of art are very appreciative, as is the NVA.

Matt Rogers generously donated beautiful silver belt buckles for the winners of the Amateur and Open Championships, as well as for the Open Derby. They were a coveted prize. Thank you, Matt, for your terrific contribution.

There isn't a field trial in the world that just happens! Mike Northwood and Justin Hess put a lot of time and thought into this event as its co-chairmen, and it showed. They handled the pre-trial organization and kept the event running smoothly. Securing sponsors is no easy task, yet they rocked it. Andrea Northwood handled the paperwork and financials.

On dog wagon detail at various times during the trial were Todd Peterson, Steve Gallagher, Chad Chadwell, and Nancy Brown. Bird planters were Justin Hess, Todd Meyer, Vincent Tuttle, Matt Rogers, Matt Wheaton, Chad Chadwell, and Kim Kitchen. It was great to see a club with so many people stepping up to the plate to get the work done.

Food details were organized and implemented by Andrea Northwood, with help from Michelle Hess, Nancy Brown, and Tonya Tuttle. Elsa Gallagher pitched in to help with kitchen clean-up.

National Vizsla National Amateur Championship
Judges for the Amateur Championship were the father/son team of Frank and Mike Vicari. They watched all the dogs closely and were helpful to the handlers. They are both lifelong bird dog men, having been raised in the sport by Frank's father, the late Joe Vicari. At the conclusion of the running, the judges handed in a popular decision.
They named Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl as the 2026 NVA National Amateur Champion. Cinnamon is proudly owned by Kim Kitchen of Ontario, Canada; Mike Northwood capably handled her. She appeared in the second brace of the stake and rendered a thrilling performance.
The runner-up champion was N V Jasper, a male owned by Mike and Andrea Northwood of Waunakee, Wisconsin, and handled by Mike. Jasper ran in the first brace of the stake and displayed some beautiful birdwork in a quality race.
The judges gave honorable mention to B & E Energy To Burn, a female known as "Ida," which is owned and handled by Patty Rundell of Kentucky. Ida had exceptional bird work to claim this honor. She was braced with Jasper in the opening hour.

The Running
N V Jasper (Mike Northwood) was paired with B & E Energy To Burn (Patty Rundell) for the first brace of the trial. Jasper took the right edge forward at the breakaway; at 9, he was pointing stylishly on the hillside above the rocky creek crossing. Ida was honoring him, also with fine style. Both dogs were mannerly through flush and shot. Ida seemed to lack confidence on the ground early, but improved as the hour progressed. Shortly before the road crossing, both dogs were seen standing on the right at 26. It was determined that they were backing each other, and they were taken on. Jasper scored another pretty find on the first cross row in Davis at 28. He was on to the front quickly. At 32, Ida pointed with excellent class and decorum. At 36, Jasper pointed in the Island Field, but it proved to be unproductive. They were both forward from the Island field, up Horse Killer hill, and down the first line on Apple Tree hill, where, at 49, they shared in a divided find. Everything was perfect on both dogs' parts. At 54, on the south edge of Apple Tree hill, Jasper scored again and was honored by Ida. These dogs showed high style and wonderful manners on every contact. Both Vizslas were forward at time. They were a fun pair to watch.

Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl (Mike Northwood) and C K Ginger's Cowboy Wyatt (Vincent Tuttle) appeared on Course 2. They were both fast running and forward reaching. They flew through Little Vine loop and ate up the edges of Sycamore bottom, where they disappeared beyond the cross row. Cinnamon was found pointing at 19, in the left corner. She had her birds well located as she stood high with great intensity. Her manners were beyond reproach. At 20, Wyatt was standing, unnoticed on the right, as the handler and judge nearly passed him by. At that moment, Wyatt opted to pop the bird, thus ending his performance. Cinnamon's second find occurred at 27, on Daugherty's Ridge; her third came at 33, just below the twin barns. Both times, she oozed style and intensity and never a bobble in manners. She was on the left side on the way toward the old blue house site. She pointed there at 39; intensity and manners were again superb through flush and shot. Her fifth and final find came at 44, in the bull pasture. Cinnamon was fast and forward into Climer's; she took the right side, stopped on the far edge of the first field, but went on. Mike rode to collect her and collared her out of the corner. With a race of the highest caliber, she impressed with range and pattern. That race, along with her five flawless finds, made her the one to beat.

B G K's Bolt Action (Mike Northwood) and Hess farms Pyromaniac (Justin Hess) began in Horse Corral bottom, heading into the Clubhouse loop. The temperature had risen drastically by the third morning brace. Bolt pointed a hawk kill at 15 and was taken on. Neither dog was pushing an earlier performance. Both handlers opted to pick up their dogs early in the hour. Running was suspended until Tuesday morning due to the heat.

Meyer's Running on Tulsa Time (Todd Meyer) and Tizabec's Easy Breezy (Matt Rogers) were first up on Tuesday, turning loose in Breakaway bottom. They were away nicely, going forward on the right. Covey was under birds at 12, ending his bid. Tulsa continued forward but was picked up at the road crossing. He was not suiting his handler with his race.

Meyer's Bustin The Coop (Todd Meyer) ran with N V Clyde (Mike Northwood). They turned loose heading into Davis bottom; both dogs were directed left to rim the first field. Clyde pointed with Cooper backing at 1, next to the cemetery. Both showed style and manners. They pointed at the mid-line in Davis at 8; Cooper took the birds out and was picked up. Clyde was credited with a second find, in good order. Clyde's third find was as the course turned toward Little Vine at 37. His birds were well located, and his manners were good. Clyde's handler was aware that the dog's performance was falling short of the marks set earlier in the stake and opted to pick up at 41.

Reve's Wik Wiki Royal Hawaiian (Chad Chadwell) and CK Rudi Toot Toot (Justin Hess) were the final brace of this Championship. They were released at Little Vine Road, heading up the hill. They were across the hills quickly; Aly took the left and rimmed the far corner. They were forward out of the loop and on toward Sycamore. Aly was briefly absent. They worked their way through Sycamore bottom and disappeared through the cut. Point was called for Rudy in the left corner at 19. He made a slight movement at the flush. Meanwhile, Aly started up the hill but had an overly close encounter with a quail at 22, to end her performance. Rudy went up the hill and across the Daugherty Ridge with good forward motion. He was found on point on the line below the barns at 34, his handler flushed and shot, but was not happy with Rudy's demeanor and opted to pick up.

National Vizsla Derby Classic
This stake ran in its entirety on Wednesday, March 11. Judges for the National Derby stake were Tony Isajiw and Mark Johnson. They were extremely attentive to all the dogs in the stake. Ten were entered, but one dog was scratched. Eight dogs had bird contact, some with multiple finds. The ninth starter had a lengthy absence; no one knows if he had bird contact. This derby stake was loaded with quality and was a pleasure to watch. Even though the wind and the cold made for unpleasant conditions, it was more welcome than the heat of the past two days. There were many high-class contenders in this stake, and their breeders should be proud.
NV Trouble, owned and handled by Matt Rogers, was released at the end of Little Vine loop in the second brace of the Derby. Trouble had a strong, predominantly forward race with one excellent, high-style find.
Tizabec's Easy Breezy was second for Matt Rogers, who owns and handles her. Covey ran a big race with one solid find and a mannerly back. Covey showed beautiful style on her game.
NV Hess Farms Blue, handled by Justin Hess, placed third. He put down a forward race, showing a good pattern and a fast gait. He pointed early in the brace, but it was not productive. Blue pointed a second time and showed excellent manners for the flush.

National Vizsla National Open Championship
Coming in for her second title this week was Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl, owned by Kim Kitchen and handled by Mike Northwood. She scored four finds in her forward reaching race.
The runner-up honors went to Meyer's Bustin The Coop, owned and handled by Todd Meyer. Cooper scored two brilliant finds in an attractive race.
Mark Johnson and Tony Isajiw, both Wisconsin residents, officiated the National Vizsla Championship, which commenced on March 12 and concluded the following morning. They were attentive and kept a reasonable pace for the Championship running. They both compete with Irish Setters and are knowledgeable bird dog men.

The Running
B & E Energy To Burn (Patty Rundell) ran with N V Jasper (Mike Northwood). Jasper and Ida shared a divided find at 8. Ida stopped to flush on the hillside above the creek crossing at 13. At 16, Jasper pointed stylishly with Ida backing, but no birds were found. The two dogs were together again for a divided find at 26 in Davis bottom, all was in order, with both dogs displaying style and intensity. Jasper pointed staunchly on the upper edge of the approach to Horse Killer hill at 49. Mike had seen a bird leave, but it was not seen by the judges. The attempt to produce a second bird was unsuccessful. Ida scored her third find on the east edge of Apple Tree hill at 54. She stood with good style and manners for the flush. Both dogs finished forward.

B G K's Bolt Action (Mike Northwood) and Meyer's Bustin The Coop (Todd Meyer) broke away from Little Vine Road. At 6, scout Justin Hess called point for Cooper. The dog was at the deer stand in the far corner of the ridge loop; his bird was flushed with all in good order. At the cross line in Sycamore bottom, Cooper was seen pointing on the left. He was high and tight for the flush of his game at 19. Bolt scored a good find at 23. Both dogs were pointed at 41 but took a divided nonproductive. Cooper scored a nice find in the northwest corner of the bull pasture at 55; he finished forward in the private property. Bolt pointed, on the right front at time, but no birds were produced.

Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl (Mike Northwood) and Reve's Wiki Wiki Royal Hawaiian (Chad Chadwell) were the third brace of the championship. Cinnamon scored her first find at 6, in the clubhouse loop; her second came at 13 on the west side of the loop. Both finds were first class. Cinnamon pointed next at 32, but no birds were found. At the end of the alley where it meets Sycamore bottom, Cinnamon pointed again. Her style was lofty and her intensity high throughout. She was approaching the Double Gates field when she locked up again at 57. As with her first three finds, she was staunch and stylish. She finished the hour going for the next edge. Cinnamon ran her edges admirably; she covered the course intelligently and with good speed and range. Aly made a good effort but had a feather find at 10, followed by two more nonproductive stands, and was picked up early.

C K Ginger's Cowboy Wyatt (Vince Tuttle) and Meyer's Running On Tulsa Time (Todd Meyer) were first up after lunch. Wyatt was in fast forward from the word go, but stopped at 2 to score a nice find. Tulsa honored him. Wyatt pointed again at 8, Tulsa backed. No birds were located. Wyatt was again in fast forward and disappeared, not to be recovered under judgment. Tulsa was picked up early for not suiting his handler.

Southwind Bully's Green Fire (Jeff Moody) and CK Ginger's Gin Girl (Ken Chenoweth) were released in the Island field. Hatch scored a good find at 8, approaching Horse Killer hill. Gal went out the front upon leaving Island field and was recovered with the tracker. At 44, Hatch scored another mannerly find in Sycamore bottom; all was in order. Hatch's race was steady and forward; he handled kindly.

CK Rudi Toot Toot (Justin Hess) and CK Guy's Grand Gin Girl (Ken Chenoweth) were the final brace on Thursday. No birds were found in this abbreviated brace. Rudy was not running his best, and his handler opted to pick him up. Gin had been absent for some time, and her handler called for the tracker at 25.

Hess Farms Pyromaniac (Justin Hess) and N V Clyde (Mike Northwood) ran on Friday morning. Pyro pointed at 5, but after attempting relocation, the work ended at 9 with a non-productive. Catching the front, he scored a nice find on the right edge at 14, all in order. Clyde was seen forward at 6 but went missing shortly after, and his tracker was out at 21, in Davis bottom. Pyro was picked up there, as well.

Grovespring, Mo., March 9
Judges: Frank Vicari and Michael Vicari
NATIONAL VIZSLA NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 12 Vizslas
Winner-SHILOH'S CINNAMON GIRL, F1704672, Vizsla female, by Shiloh's Roscoe-Shiloh's Vesta. Kim Kitchen & Brennan Kitchen, owners; Mike Northwood, handler.
Runner-Up-N V JASPER, F1703719, Vizsla male, by C K Post Route Scout-C K Touchdown Sassy. Mike Northwood, owner and handler.

National Vizsla Derby Classic (standing, l-r): Tony Isajiw, Patty Rundell, Matt Rogers, Rob Tomczak, Todd Peterson, Bonnie Hidalgo, Chad Chadwell, Kim Kitchens, Mark Johnson, Denise Chenoweth, Justin Hess, Tonya Tuttle, Vincent Tuttle, and Ron Chenoweth. (Kneeling): Mike Northwood with NV Trouble, Matt Wheaton with Tiszabecs Easy Breezy, and Todd Meyer with NV Hess Farms Blue.

Judges: Tony Isajiw and Mark Johnson
NATIONAL VIZSLA DERBY CLASSIC - 10 Vizslas
1st-NV TROUBLE, F1721641, Vizsla male, by N V Jasper-Rockwoods Home Grown. Matt Rogers & Ruth Rogers, owners; Matt Rogers, handler.
2d-TISZABECS EASY BREEZY, unreg., Vizsla male, by Tiszabecs Walk The Line-Tiszabecs Win For The Gipper. Tyler Czrniak, owner; Matt Rogers, handler.
3d-NV HESS FARMS BLUE, F1729738, Vizsla male, by N V Jasper-Rockwoods Home Grown. Justin Hess, owner and handler.

NATIONAL VIZSLA NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 14 Vizslas
Winner-SHILOH'S CINNAMON GIRL, F1704672, Vizsla female, by Shiloh's Roscoe-Shiloh's Vesta. Kim Kitchen & Brennan Kitchen, owners; Mike Northwood, handler.
Runner-Up-MEYER'S BUSTIN THE COOP, F1683581, Vizsla male, by Bangert's Red Barron-Meyer's Bella. Todd Meyer, owner and handler.

National Vizsla National Open Championship (standing, l-r): Tony Isiajiw, Andrea Northwood, Kim Kitchen, Todd Peterson, Mike Northwood, Vincent Tuttle, Tonya Tuttle, Todd Meyer, Jeff Moody, and Mark Johnson. (Kneeling): Justin Hess with Shiloh's Cinnamon Girl and Elsa Gallagher with Meyer's Bustin The Coop.