Welcome to HorseThief Kennels
Professional Dog Training
Photo by Terry Farrar
Professional Dog Training
HorseThief Kennels was established to provide training for versatile and pointing dogs. In 2003, I acquired my first versatile dog, an American Brittany, shortly after graduating college. Like many new dog owners, I was inexperienced. However, I gradually learned and fell in love with the cooperation between a hunter and their dog. Particularly, the cooperation of a steady pointing dog. From there, we had Wirehaired Pointing Griffons and today we have three Pudelpointers. Our first Pudelpointer was brought home in 2018. That is when I truly fell in love dog training and bird hunting. Today I live and breathe it with every spare moment.
We train and test our dogs to NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) standards. But first and foremost, we train to hunt. We use the same dogs to hunt almost every game bird in Montana. From grouse and huns in the hot prairies of September, pheasant in the fall, to ducks and geese in the icy waters of January. We offer both versatile and pointing dog training. While we enjoy all types of bird hunting, we understand that some hunters may only require pointing dog training. Our training is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Currently, we only accept a few dogs at a time. If you're interested in discussing your dog training requirements, please don't hesitate to contact us. For new puppy owners who are considering having us train their dog in the future, I recommend reaching out to us in advance. There are several simple steps you can take to save time and money before sending your puppy to training.
Dustin Farrar
406-320-1061
dfarrar@HorseThiefKennels.com
Roundup, MT
Cedarwoods Chewbacca, "Chewie", has a very strong nose. Despite his promising potential, Chewie's early life was marked by numerous challenges. In just 15 months, he underwent four surgeries, including an emergency life-saving procedure. Despite these setbacks, Chewie developed into a nice hunting companion, particularly adept at pursuing waterfowl. He demonstrated remarkable resilience, braving freezing river temperatures as low as -16 degrees Fahrenheit without hesitation. Diving ducks were no match for him; he just dives right after them.
The first time I witnessed Chewie dive, my heart skipped a beat as he dove several feet into the water. I was surprised when he came back up with the duck already in his mouth. Over the years, Chewie's health took a turn for the worse, developing a back issue that severely limits his balance and causes him pain. Regrettably, his condition is expected to progress to the point where he will eventually lose the function of his hind legs. Due to the numerous surgeries he underwent and subsequent back issues, Chewie was forced to retire from hunting at the tender age of six. He spends his retirement days lounging in front of the fireplace, cherishing the memories of his active past.
Windy Sage Funky Snowman, "Flikr", has proven to be an exceptional bird hunting companion. We almost missed out on getting him because his breeder informed us the week before our pick-up that he had a slick coat and would likely have no furnishings, which is not ideal for the breed, especially for someone who also hunts ducks. Despite this, we decided to bring him home because we were impressed with his breeding. This decision has turned out to be one of the best choices I've ever made in bird hunting.
His breeder described his hunting style as relentless, and I concur; this dog does not give up. His relentlessness is only matched by his intensity on game. Flikr excels in hunting any game bird in Montana. He is an excellent pheasant and waterfowl dog but is most at home running the prairie for sharptail and huns. Flikr has had many exceptional days in the field. During one of those days, my son and I shared a moment of realization. Flikr cannot possibly be the last of his bloodline we hunt with. I can't say enough about his instincts so I'll just say this; if I want to make sure we get bird, Flikr is the dog that gets put on the ground.
North Texas Ride or Die, "Roach", is our youngest pup. He recently completed his first hunting season and already has a pile of birds to his credit. With Chewie retiring, Roach has taken over most of the duck and goose hunting responsibilities, especially during colder weather. Roach absolutely loves being outdoors in the cold and snow. Although it is his first hunting season, he's already demonstrated his abilities and proven himself to be a capable hunter of both upland birds and waterfowl.
Roach is already an excellent hunting companion, and we're excited to spend many enjoyable years together in the future. He is full of protentional and I expect big things from him.