Health test of FT's #3
Hypothetically, yes. In my opinion there are not too many that will actually switch. I am in the process of trying to switch, but I am not in an area where there is an active FT training group. I have to set up my own training tests using mechanical launchers and try to get some concepts on limited training grounds, here in a highly urbanized area. My dogs get to see few flyers, my 11 year old training assistant has trouble just throwing a dead duck, much less throwing a live one and then shooting it. Oh btw, I am in my mid 60's, so I am not bringing any young blood in to the sport, yet I am a "newbie".
The reason I say that not many HTers will switch is because of the financial and time requirements. Many of the Hunt Test people in my area simply cannot take off Fridays on a regular basis, their jobs will not allow it. Also, many are young with childern in school, which within it's self calls for frugel money management. I have noticed that there are those HTers whose club holds both FT's and HT's will run in their club's event, or one that is only a short drive time from their home.
There will always be sporting dog field trials. Some games are not really meant to be democratic. Let us realize that those of us playing any of the doggy games, including obedience, earthdog, confromation, etc, just as horse racing, show horses, steeplechase are using discretionary income. It only took one trip to Hilton Head Island when the "snow birds' were moving from Florida back north, to make it perfectly clear to me that some folks have a lot of money to spend for no apparent reason. And are perfectly willing to do so. And it will be the case in our sport in the future just as it is now.
I am not saying that FT's are eliteist, but those that can afford the best dogs and trainers are going to win the most. Not all, but the most. But from my point of view it is still fun playing the game because I like the competition. I don't play golf.