04/24/2026
Larry Smith Heartland Open All Age-
By Tommy Smith
The Pony Express field trial club members came together and hosted a successful event! This year’s event was not only highlighted by amazing performances but also maintained the camaraderie that everyone looks forward to each spring! The club is honored to carry on the tradition and standard that Mr. Larry Smith envisioned for Smith Farms while continuing to live up to Larry’s well-known statement of “whatever is best for field trials”!
We would like to thank in advance all the bird dog breeders, owners, handlers along with all of the sponsors for this year’s National Qualifying event!! Without their support this event would not be possible!! Sponsors for this year’s event include Purina Pro Plan, Sport Dog, Gun Dog Supply and Good Life Fitness.
The Heartland Open All Age commenced on March 12th over the rolling north Missouri countryside known as Smith Farms west of Gentry, MO. The field trial venue owned by Mrs. Linda Smith has been laid out with 3+ continuing 1-hour courses to showcase all-age dogs. The grounds include covered horse corrals and 55 dog kennels that are available on site for all participants.
For all spectators and owners present, a Polaris Ranger UTV was provided for those in attendance that did not want to ride a horse to view the field trial. The Pony Express Field Trial Club provided horse hay and all meals for participants and spectators. We would like to thank Mrs. Donna Gladstone and her niece Wendy Hanson for all of their work in the kitchen ensuring that nobody leaves Smith Farms hungry! These ladies do an amazing job and we appreciate them greatly. Thanks go out to Mr. Bill Westfall for utilizing his Can Am UTV and assisting with the dog wagon duties along with Mr. Kelly Kain and Mr. Wes Bowlby who are close personal friends of Larry and Linda who graciously assisted with driving the dog wagon on very short notice. These gentlemen stepped up to ensure that all dogs were accounted for and ready when needed.
Smith Farms has a quail program with habitat designed to sustain wild quail and pheasants PLUS birds are released every day prior to the days running, to provide every entry ample opportunity to find and produce game.
The judges for the Heartland Open All-Age Derby and the Larry Smith Heartland Open All Age were Mr. Kirk Swanson of Red Oak, IA and Mr. Howard Burbach of Pleasant Hill, MO. The Pony Express Field Trial Club is truly honored to have these fine gentlemen in the judging seats. The judges had many great performances with multiple pieces of bird work and good races. The judges noted they enjoyed the field trial, grounds, great performances and multiple bird contacts from the dogs and the hospitality from the Pony Express Field Trial Club.
Heartland Open All Age Derby
Miller’s Inspiration named 1st with Westfall’s Florida Line 2nd, and Lester’s Thunder Road 3rd
This year’s derby contest was an exciting stake to watch with many solid performances. All this year’s contenders have had a very successful derby season thus far, which made for an exciting stake all around. 1st place was credited to Miller’s Inspiration, handled by Mr. Gary Lester. This nice young pointer male proved that his future potential looks extremely bright showcasing his speed/class on the ground with several huge all age casts and multiple broke finds on birds. 2nd Place was Westfall’s Florida Line, handled by Mr. Andy Daugherty. This young dog did a nice job with several all-age casts and multiple finds. 3rd Place was Lester’s Thunder Road, handled by Mr. Gary Lester. Thunder Road put on a nice performance with a nice stylish finish to secure his spot in the top 3.
Larry Smith Heartland Open All Age
Wild Covey Strike Zone is named 1st with Lester’s War Bird 2nd, and I’m Gallant 3rd.
The Winners
Wild Covey Strike Zone handled by Mr. Andy Daughtery, scouted by Mr. Ryan Westfall. Strike Zone ran a nice forward all age race and was credited with several finds. Strike Zone was seen at time with a strong forward finish showing his endurance and stamina!
Lester’s War Bird handled by Mr. Gary Lester and scouted by Mr. Kory Rinehart. War Bird started off strong and was credited with multiple finds showcasing his strong desire to find birds along with his all-age stamina/endurance.
I’m Gallant handled by Mr. Allen Vincent and scouted by Mr. Andy Daugherty. I’m Gallant had several nice finds with nice style and intensity. Gallant continued to push the front showing his independence on several nice casts. He finished the hour strong to lock in his 3rd place performance.
