Blue River’s Drivin’ A Hard Bargain, “Hardy” is a very handsome stud owned by Ken Hanson at Blue River Kennels. His pups are very people oriented, wonderfully playful with kids, and have great natural hunting instincts. Several have also gone on to become Field Trial Champions.
In Ken’s words:
Hardy is a talented dog with a big nose and covers ground with authority. He can retrieve very well, has a super pick up and delivery, and has a solid flush. He loves the water, and swims great with a big entry. He has that natural ability to use the wind and find game. Which to me is the most important part of a spaniels ability. Without that, nothing else matters. He has a gifted ability to produce moving birds, and do it well. He suits his name well because he is certainly drivin.
He is a beautiful well built powerhouse. He is great in the house, and just loves life. He flat out flies in the field, and does not shy from cover. He is getting better and better, all the time. He is a proven producer with some very nice offspring on the ground. He is CERF NORMAL & OFA GOOD.
He won every pup stakes he ran, and he did it running away from the competition with use of wind and awesome bird finding. Followed up with spot on retrieves. His littermate obtained 2nd each of those times as well….. He is taking after his mama, AFC Blue River’s Fast Track “River”. He was entered in his first all age trials that fall in the last event of the year. At just 2 years old he finished both, 6 series in two days. I felt he did a fantastic job and so did many others.
The following spring he picked up where he left off, finishing the few all age events he ran, getting a 3rd for his first taste of bling. Sadly that summer he inhaled a foreign body in his lung, and his trial career has been sidelined ever since. It has been long term care, which is still ongoing. However he has not been hindered in passing along his amazing genetics. He has been an outstanding producer of some insanely talented offspring. Every single one is successful that has been placed in field trial hands. And for the families who obtained a hunting partner, they are getting the job done as well. He is hands down the most dynamic spaniel I have owned. Even if his career as an ass kicker has ended, I still feel very blessed to have him. His kids will do the rest, and are….
