2023 Barn Hunt National

The 2023 Barn Hunt National will take place October 27-29, at Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds, hosted by the Ozarks Mischief Barn Hunt Club. The National is a non-regular event where the best of the best in Barn Hunt are tested on a series of courses over three days to achieve Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in Grand National, Games, and Versatility.

Rules

Premium

Schedule (tentative)

National Merch & Annual Awards Banquet Tickets

Discovery Center tour also available if enough sign up, many science exhibits and hands on displays. Will be directly after the banquet.

2023 Commemorative Collars and Leashes

Entry Qualifications

In order to enter the Barn Hunt National, each dog must have attained a title of Master or above on or before May 31, 2023 or have a Bye from a Regional. The National opens July 1 and closes August 31. There will be a staged opening with preference given to Dogs with Gold Medals from the previous year's National, then Regional Byes, then an order to be determined. The National will fill when entry limits are met, and there are no guaranteed entries for RATM dogs. Check the Rules for more entry information.

Location

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
3001 N. Grant
Springfield, MO 65803

Our building used in 2021 and 2022 has been torn down. A new building is going in its place. We will be in that building or another building nearby, and will not know until early summer 2023. The alternate space is covered and walled.

The NADD National will be held in conjunction with the Barn Hunt National.

NOTE: We unfortunately will not be able to reschedule individual runs around the NADD National from our end, with the possible exception of their Finals. Please keep in mind if entering both events that the Barn Hunt run order will take priority. NADD will work with competitors.

RV Info

There are RV hookups and plenty of parking. RV hookups will be shared with NADD competitors, with Barn Hunt slots opening a week prior to NADD slots. Barn Hunt is guaranteed a certain number of slots. There is also a beautiful KOA campground nearby. RV reservations will not be available until sometime between mid-August and September 1. We will update that info as soon as we have it.

Springfield Facts

Springfield is alive with history from Wilson's Creek National Battlefield to the birthplace of Route 66. Springfield has the only drive through cave, Fantastic Caverns, which is dog friendly! We are home of several breweries that are also pet friendly. While here, one would be remiss if they didn't see the original home of Bass Pro where polite, leashed dogs are welcome. There are many beautiful parks as well. For more fun things to do with your dog while here, visit Springfield MO Pet Friendly.

The Springfield Airport services American, Delta, Allegiant, and United with non stops to many major hubs. http://www.flyspringfield.com/airlines.

There are many hotels and restaurants near the fairgrounds.

Weather in Springfield in mid-November averages 30s for lows and 50s for highs. Spingfield weather can be variable, so layers and rain gear are strongly encouraged.

Judges

Friday

• Team: Dan Mata, Portland OR and Sandra Distefano, Shoreline WA. (relief judges Cathy Hoese and Nicole Birnbaum Team takes priority.
• Course 1: Colin Ratcliffe, Millersville, MD. Split ring judge Jennifer Riess. (relief Judges Don Beisert and Traci Murdock).

Saturday

• Course 2: Jennifer Riess, Columbia MO. Split ring judge Colin Ratcliffe. (relief Judges Dan Mata and Sandra Distefano). Course 2 takes priority.
• Hurdles Round 1: Traci Murdock, Ft Worth TX and Don Beisert, Frisco TX (relief judges Nicole Birnbaum and Cathy Hoese).

Sunday

• Course 3: Cathy Hoese, Mayer MN (relief Judge Jennifer Riess).
• Course 4: Nicole Birnbaum, Lewisville TX (relief Judge Colin Ratcliffe). Course 4 takes priority.
• Hurdles Round 2: Don Beisert and Traci Murdock (relief judges Dan Mata and Sandra Distefano)

National Committee

• Trial Chair: Jennifer Kimberlin
• Trial secretary: Emily Wright
• Committee: Christan Fowler, Janet Williams, Dan Wright, Karl Cuschieri, Riddoc Ferrier, Heather Ferrier, Avery Miller, Angela Nelson, Joyce Criswell, Lori Smith, Misty Bowen