Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club

Hello, Wisconsin dog enthusiasts! If your idea of a perfect outing with your canine companion involves serious training, competitive spirit, or simply enjoying the sight of highly skilled sporting dogs in action, then the **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club** in Horicon is a destination you absolutely need to know about. This isn't your average neighborhood dog park; it's a specialized facility renowned across the Midwest for its dedication to the art and science of training sporting dogs.

The Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club offers an unparalleled environment for developing the natural abilities of hunting dogs, particularly retrievers and bird dogs. It's a place where passion for canine athletics meets meticulously maintained grounds, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share a deep appreciation for working dogs. Whether you're an experienced handler, looking to get started in field trials, or simply curious to witness the impressive skills of these magnificent animals, this club provides a unique and welcoming experience. In this detailed guide, we'll explore everything that makes the Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club a premier spot, from its extensive training areas to its vibrant community and what makes it such a valuable resource for Wisconsin's sporting dog community.

## Location and Accessibility

The **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club** is conveniently located at **N6771 Noble Rd, Horicon, WI 53032, USA**. This address places it in a strategic rural setting, yet still highly accessible for members and visitors coming from various parts of Wisconsin and even neighboring states. Horicon, being a well-known area for outdoor activities and its famous Horicon Marsh, aligns perfectly with the club's focus on field sports.

The club's main grounds are situated on "55-acres of land that once was a gravel pit," located approximately a quarter of a mile south of State Highway 33 in Horicon. This rural location offers the necessary expansive and diverse terrain required for effective field trial training, including open fields and water features.

In addition to the main grounds, the club also utilizes a "second area about 2 miles from the clubhouse" known as the Ev Hosea Training Grounds, located south of Mayville on Cedar Road and Highway S. This secondary location further expands the training opportunities, offering "two ponds and a variety of terrains for training on land."

Accessibility by car is generally straightforward, with ample space for parking at both locations, accommodating trailers and vehicles necessary for dog training equipment. While public transportation options might be limited given the rural setting, the club's location is well-known within the sporting dog community, making it easy for those involved in field trials and training to find their way. The expansive nature of the grounds also allows for excellent maneuverability for various training setups.

## Services Offered

The **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club** primarily offers specialized services geared towards the training, development, and competition of sporting dogs, particularly retrievers and bird dogs. These are not typical "dog park" services, but rather cater to a dedicated niche within the canine community.

• **High-Quality Training Grounds:** The club provides "top-shelf" training areas. This includes "several, really clean and well maintained ponds and field areas" at the main clubhouse location, specifically designed for technical water work and land-based drills.

• **Diverse Training Environments:** With a "second area about 2 miles from the clubhouse" offering "great field areas to work with" and "two ponds and a variety of terrains for training on land," the club offers diverse environments crucial for comprehensive sporting dog training.

• **Field Trial Hosting:** The club is a venue for "dog hunt testing" and field trials, offering a platform for dogs and handlers to compete and test their skills against rigorous standards. These events are often sanctioned by organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC).

• **Community and Networking:** The club fosters a strong sense of community, where visitors feel "like being a part of a family" and meet "wonderful people, and dogs." This provides invaluable networking opportunities for handlers to share knowledge, receive guidance, and build relationships within the sporting dog world.

• **Educational Opportunities:** While not explicitly stated as "classes," the environment naturally provides a learning experience. Experienced members and the organized nature of trials contribute to an educational setting for those looking to improve their dog's field performance.

• **Well-Maintained Facilities:** Visitors consistently praise the grounds as "well kept and clean and beautiful all around." This dedication to maintenance ensures a safe and effective training environment.

## Features / Highlights

The **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club** offers a range of exceptional features and highlights that make it a standout facility for sporting dog enthusiasts in Wisconsin.

• **"Top Shelf" Training Areas:** The most prominent highlight is the quality of its training grounds. Described as "top shelf," these areas are specifically designed and meticulously maintained for the rigorous demands of field trial training. This includes diverse terrain, open fields, and water features perfectly suited for simulating hunting scenarios.

• **Clean and Well-Maintained Ponds:** A particular point of praise is the cleanliness and upkeep of the "several, really clean and well maintained ponds." These water bodies are crucial for retriever training, allowing dogs to practice water retrieves in a safe and realistic environment.

• **Expansive Field Areas:** Beyond the main clubhouse, the "second area about 2 miles from the clubhouse has great field areas to work with." This provides additional, varied terrain for different types of training scenarios and ensures ample space for dogs to run and develop their hunting instincts.

• **Strong Community Vibe:** Visitors consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere, noting it was "a awesome experience to watch the dog hunt testing" and feeling "like being a part of a family and met wonderful people, and dogs." This supportive and friendly environment is a significant draw for both new and seasoned handlers.

• **Focus on Sporting Dog Development:** Unlike generic dog parks, this facility is purpose-built for serious dog training and competition. This specialized focus means the grounds and facilities are optimized for improving a dog's performance in field trials and hunt tests, making it ideal for those dedicated to these sports.

• **Beautiful and Well-Kept Grounds:** The overall aesthetic and cleanliness are frequently praised, with the place being "well kept and clean and beautiful all around." This attention to detail creates an enjoyable and professional atmosphere for all who visit.

## Promotions or Special Offers

As a specialized club primarily focused on the training and trialing of sporting dogs, the **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club** operates differently from a typical public dog park. Therefore, it does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense (e.g., discounts on entry). Instead, its "offers" come in the form of membership benefits, access to specialized facilities, and participation in events.

Here's what constitutes its "promotions" or "special offers" from a local user's perspective:

• **Membership Benefits:** The most significant "offer" is access to membership. While the exact annual membership fee for the Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club itself is not publicly stated in the provided information, related organizations like the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA) have individual annual memberships around $50. Membership with such clubs typically grants:

  • **Access to Private Training Grounds:** Exclusive use or discounted access to the club's "top-shelf" training areas, including ponds and fields, for personal dog training. This is invaluable for serious handlers.

  • **Participation in Events:** Eligibility to enter and compete in field trials, hunt tests, and other organized events hosted by the club. These events often have entry fees (e.g., $50 for a trial entry with NSTRA), but membership is usually a prerequisite for participation.

  • **Community and Expert Guidance:** The opportunity to "be a part of a family" and connect with experienced handlers and judges. This informal mentorship and shared knowledge are a huge benefit for improving training skills.

• **Opportunity to Observe Events:** For those not yet ready to commit to membership or training, the chance to "watch the dog hunt testing" is a free "promotion." It allows curious individuals to see the dogs in action and understand the sport, potentially sparking interest in joining.

• **Well-Maintained Facilities:** The continuous upkeep of "really clean and well maintained ponds and field areas" is a constant "offer" to members and event participants, ensuring a high-quality environment for training and competition.

For specific details on membership fees, event entry costs, and any current offerings, interested individuals would need to contact the Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club directly or visit their official website if available.

## Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club**, including information about membership, upcoming events, training opportunities, or specific details about their grounds in Horicon, you would typically reach out to the club's official contacts.

• **Address:** N6771 Noble Rd, Horicon, WI 53032, USA

As a club that hosts events and maintains specialized grounds, direct phone numbers for public inquiries might not always be prominently displayed as they would for a commercial business. However, based on information related to similar clubs and field trial organizations, the best way to get in touch or find more specific contact details (such as a club secretary or event coordinator) would be through:

• **Official Club Website/Online Presence:** Many clubs maintain a website or a presence on larger field trial association sites (like NSTRA Wisconsin or AKC/UKC event listings). Searching for "Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club" online is highly recommended to find their official website or relevant contact pages. Such sites typically list contact forms, email addresses, or phone numbers for club officers.

• **Event Schedules:** Information for specific "dog hunt testing" or field trial events often includes contact details for event chairpersons or secretaries. For example, some related events might list a contact like Scott Ledermann for the Horicon Marsh Hunting Retriever Club, Inc., which also uses the Noble Rd address.

It is always recommended to use the most official and recent sources for contact information, especially for specialized clubs that manage private grounds and organized events.

## Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Wisconsin residents who are serious about sporting dog training, engage in field trials, or simply admire the incredible athleticism and intelligence of working dogs, the **Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club** in Horicon is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local resource. This is not a casual "dog park" in the traditional sense, but a specialized hub that offers unparalleled opportunities for dedicated handlers and their canine athletes.

The club's most compelling draw is its "top-shelf" training grounds. With "really clean and well maintained ponds and field areas" at its main location on N6771 Noble Rd, and additional "great field areas" just two miles away, it provides the ideal diverse terrain for simulating realistic hunting and retrieving scenarios. This extensive and well-kept acreage is invaluable for honing a dog's skills in a controlled yet natural environment, a critical component for success in field trials and hunt tests. The emphasis on cleanliness and maintenance ensures a professional and enjoyable experience every time.

Beyond the physical grounds, the club fosters a vibrant and welcoming community. As reviewers highlight, visitors feel "like being a part of a family" and meet "wonderful people, and dogs." This supportive network is crucial for sharing knowledge, finding training partners, and building lasting relationships with fellow enthusiasts. For locals, this means not just a place to train, but a community to belong to, enriching their passion for sporting dogs.

Whether you're looking to start your dog's field trial journey, refine advanced skills, or simply observe the beauty of highly trained dogs in action, the Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club offers a unique and invaluable experience. Its dedication to the sport, combined with its excellent facilities and strong community, makes it a premier destination for Wisconsin's sporting dog community, ensuring that both dogs and handlers can achieve their full potential.