2025/26 Working Events
The Keith Scattergood Memorial HPR Gundog Working Test
3rd May 2026
- Sholford Farm, Huish Champflower, Taunton
- Closing date 20th April 2026
- £15 (Member), £20 (Non-member)
Come and help us celebrate the 30th anniversary year of the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Association! There will be medals, trophies, cash prizes and a special £50 cash draw.
Breakfast rolls will be available on the morning of the test with tea and coffee available all day.
For full details, download the Schedule using the button below.
HWVA Mullenscote Training Day
Sunday, 31st May 2026
Following the success of the training day last year we are offering a similar event in 2026. Run by Howard Kirby and his team at his Training Headquarters in Quarley, Hampshire, this event is ideally suited for novice dogs and handlers who have a good understanding of the basics, but could also be useful for more experienced handlers.
- Mullenscote Gundog Training, Quarley, Andover, Hants SP11 8PX
- Maximum 12 dogs
- Principles of hunting workshop for all, then retrieving workshops and an opportunity to point two pigeons
- Closing date: 17th May 2026
- £80 (Members), £90 (Non-members)
Download the entry form using the button below for full details.
HWVA Geoff Saint Training Day
Saturday, 4th July 2026
Training day with Geoff Saint of Ribble Valley Gun Dogs at Skipton, Yorkshire.
A fantastic opportunity to progress your training for the working test season on Nina and John Halsted’s super ground.
Geoff Saint is a highly experienced trainer who specialises in the HPR breeds. He has won the HPR championship and made up three field trial champions to date.
This training day is aimed at handlers with some experience looking to progress their training.
- Location: Brocklebank Labradors, Carleton, Skipton, Yorkshire. By kind permission of
Nina and John Halsted - Saturday 4th July 2026.
- Meet 9am for 9.30am start
- Maximum 8 dogs/handlers
- Training can cover hunting, retrieving and water retrieving.
- Closing date: 13th June 2026
- £80 (Members), £90 (Non-members)
- Please bring your own lunch and refreshments.
Should the event be oversubscribed a draw will take place with preference given to
members.
Download the entry form using the button below for full details.
HWVA HPR Field Trial Schedule 2026
ID 752 Field Trial Schedule
Licensed and run under The Royal Kennel Club Ltd Rules and Regulations
Basic requirements of dogs entered – See KC Field Trial Regulations J(A) and J(E)
All dogs must be registered with the Royal Kennel Club Breed Register or have recorded authority to compete (ATC) number to be eligible to compete in a field trial.
As part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations this year the HWVA are pleased to announce THREE field trials, by kind permission of Viscount Clanfield, Head Keeper David Coates and Mr David Atkinson at Grinton Moor in September 2026.
As part of the 30th Anniversary Celebrations there will be prize money for the top three dogs awarded at each trial – £30/£20/£10
Novice Stake :: Monday 7th September 2026
Maximum 12 Runners
Venue: Grinton Moor, Richmond
Judges: Mr Nigel Dear (A3263) and Mr Francis Briley (NP3929)
Closing Date: 24th August 2026
Draw: 25th August 2026
Fees: £65 (Member), £85 (Non member)
Entry Form and Schedule via FossedataAll Aged Stake :: Tuesday 8th September 2026
Maximum 12 Runners
Venue: Grinton Moor, Richmond
Judges: Ms Jean Robertson (A2798) and Mr Rory Major (B3359)
Closing Date: 25th August 2026
Draw: 26th August 2026
Fees: £65 (Member), £85 (Non member)
Entry Form and Schedule via FossedataOpen Stake :: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Maximum 12 Runners
Venue: Grinton Moor, Richmond
Judges: Ms Jean Robertson (A2798) and Mr Geoff Saint (B3730)
Closing Date: 26th August 2026
Draw: 27th August 2026
Fees: £75 (Member), £95 (Non member)
Entry Form and Schedule via FossedataThe Working HWV
In Hungary in the 1930’s an all-round hunting dog that was more robust, in both coat and bone, than the smooth Hungarian Vizsla, was needed and to produce this hardier type a brown German Wirehaired Pointer was selected. The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla was the result of this cross, the aim of which was to produce dogs who could work in the harsh Hungarian winters and in dense undergrowth. It is thought, and is very possibly true, that other breeds including the Pudelpointer, Red Setter and even Bloodhound might have been used in past breeding, but there is no absolute proof. Whatever its history the breed today is one that is both loyal and intelligent, and a truly versatile gundog.
The Hungarians, before and during the second world war, worked their dogs solely for feeding themselves and their families, so the dog needed to work quite close to the gun, think of it as a ‘one man, one gun, one dog’ arrangement, and the last thing needed was a dog too far away, on point, to get to for the shot. This has resulted in the HWV being the dog who works closest to its handler, not ranging a great distance and has developed as a very close bond between man and dog.As a shooting dog it will Hunt Point and Retrieve instinctively, will work on game birds (pheasant, grouse, partridge, snipe, woodcock), water fowling, rabbit and hare, fox, as well as deer stalking. It is just as happy on low lying sugar beet fields as it is on the high moors of Yorkshire and Scotland. It is also an ideal breed to work under a hawk. It is also known for its work in water, being a strong swimmer, is said to be able to follow a scent across moving water or up and down stream.For a working gundog of this ability it will come as no surprise that the build, strength and conformation is crucial to its working ability. The breed standard is built around the attributes needed, the nose for scenting, the strong jaw and neck for carrying heavy retrieves, the gait and reach for quartering in all terrains, tight feet to prevent damage, even smooth ears so as not to get caught up in thorns.
The HWV can use its attributes in many other ways, its ‘Hunt, Point, Retrieve’ abilities also lends itself to many other activities. Today they can be found taking part in just about all working dog disciplines, such as tracking and scent work, mantrailing and rescue work. Take a look at the Kennel Club Events and Activities page for more information.
Training your HWV
For those of you who have an interest in understanding the breed, training or competing in Working Tests or Field Trials, the HWVA run training days, experience days, Working Tests and Field Trials.Many other HPR breeds also put on similar events, and will usually welcome the HWV and their owners. All HPR Clubs have a website and advertise their regular or one-off training days. There are also many gundog clubs across the country who have regular or individual training days. There are many excellent private trainers available. It can also be a good idea to talk to your local obedience training club who may be able to help you find some local gundog training.
All events will be announced on the website and Facebook page first, keep a look out!
The HWVA Committee and the Working Secretary are always happy to help and advise in all aspects of working the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Please contact us via email.
Hunt Point Retrieve Field Trial Association (HPRFTA)
Assocation of the HPR Field Trial Clubs
Today, the core objectives of the HPRFTA are much the same as they were when it was originally formed; a) To encourage and promote discussion between subscribing Clubs and Societies on subjects of common interest concerning Field Trials. b) To present the Kennel Club a united viewpoint of HPR Field Trial matters.
The HWVA is a member of the Hunt Point Retrieve Field Trial Association giving us a voice, with other member breed and gundog clubs, to give a united voice to the Kennel Club on Field Trial matters.
If you have any Field Trial matters you would like discussed, please contact the HWVA Working sub-committee.
The Field Trial secretary attends the HPRFTA Meetings and AGM, to bring forward your submissions and to represent the interests of the HWVA working members.
Please take a look at the HPRFTA website to see their remit , and how we work together for the benefit of all.
The HWVA Working sub-committee are working with the HPRFTA to encourage helpers and anyone interested getting involved and to promote HPR Field Trial Judges. We don’t have any new judges on our sponsors list at present but are actively looking for some.
Total Beginners:
Would you like to come and watch a trial, and find out what all the people and dogs do?
Would you like to help at a trial, holding the red flag, game carrying, picking-up with your dog?
If you are a prospective show judge for any HPR, it is now a requirement to attend a working event.
Novice Judges:
Are you field trialing or working your dog?
Would you like to begin a judging career?
It does take a long time and many boxes to tick, guidance given.
Would you like to shadow a judge (Book Carrying)?
Would you like to be considered for a first non-panel judging appointment?
Non Panel Judges:
Are you looking for help and recommendation for appointments?
Are you looking for chances to red flag/steward/game carry/picking up dog for your CV?
Are you looking for sponsorship for B panel application ?
B panel Judges:
Are you looking for sponsorship for A panel application ?
Please get in touch – working@hwva.org.uk – we will help all we can.
We will also have a list of prospective ‘J’ regs seminars and management of a field trial days here on the website listed as soon as available.
HWVA Working Event Results
The HWVA holds various working events throughout the year which can included Training Days, Grouse Counting, Pointing Tests, Gundog Working Tests and Field Trials.
See the links below for results of previous years