The Lab

Inside UK Retriever Field Trials: Simon Capstick’s Story

In this episode of The Lab, Barton Ramsey sits down with UK field trialer and judge Simon Capstick for an in-depth conversation on retriever training, trialing, and the traditions behind British gun dogs.Simon shares his journey into Labradors through the legendary Drakeshead kennels owned by his Aunt, Sandra Halstead. They discuss how he learned the foundations of training and how his philosophy has evolved over the past decade. The conversation explores UK field trials, judging across Europe, the importance of picking up, and what truly prepares a dog for championship-level work.They also break down Simon’s recent run at the IGL Retriever Championship, discussing difficult retrieves, scenting conditions, and the fine margins that separate success and failure at the highest level of the sport.This episode offers valuable insight for anyone interested in advanced retriever training, game finding, and how British trialing traditions shape reliable, capable gun dogs.Learn more about Simon and Gunnerspeg Labradors at this website: https://www.gunnerspeglabradors.com/Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?Visit: Cornerstone Gundog AcademyNeed gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?Visit: Retriever Training SupplyInterested in sponsoring the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast?Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Clay Forst - Stewart Ranch, Hunting Outfitter, Labs, and Legacy

#027 Step into the rich heritage of the American West as Clay Forst shares the remarkable story of Stewart Ranch, Oklahoma's oldest continuously family-owned ranch dating back to 1868. As the sixth generation steward of this legacy, Clay offers a fascinating glimpse into modern ranching life while explaining how his family has adapted their traditional cattle operation to thrive in today's world.Clay walks us through the fascinating journey of how a calf becomes the steak on your plate, changing hands up to six times over 18-24 months. Meanwhile, his 70-year-old mother Terry (affectionately known as "Miss T") continues to ride daily, breed performance quarter horses, and display remarkable resilience—even recovering from being trampled by cattle to brand calves just weeks later.The conversation shifts to Clay's development of Stewart Ranch Outfitters, which he's built from humble beginnings in 2009 to a premier hunting destination. We explore his decision to construct an extraordinary hunting lodge rather than a utilitarian facility, revealing how this calculated risk represents an investment in future generations. "It really boils down to legacy," Clay explains. "What can I leave for my boys in the next generation to grab ahold of and make their own?"Along the way, Clay shares hilarious stories about his Lab, Choctaw, including a memorable moment when he accidentally tried to command someone else's dog during a goose hunt. These lighter moments perfectly balance the deeper discussions about faith, family, and purposeful risk-taking that have sustained this remarkable operation for over 150 years.Whether you're fascinated by the cowboy lifestyle, interested in conservation and land management, or simply appreciate stories of family businesses adapting to changing times, this episode offers authentic insight into an American tradition that continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Subscribe now and join us for more conversations with passionate outdoors people who are creating their own legacies.

Reagan Renfroe - Renfroe Creative, Outdoor Photography, Purpose Hunt

#026 Remember when social media wasn't just about mindless scrolling? When photograph quality mattered more than viral potential? When online connections regularly turned into real-life friendships? Barton and his guest Reagan Renfroe take us back to what they call "the golden age" of outdoor social media—that sweet spot between 2013-2017 when platforms were still about genuine community.Reagan shares the origin story of the once-legendary Sitka Gear Fanatics Facebook group that connected thousands of outdoor enthusiasts before algorithm changes and corporate interests transformed the digital landscape. Their conversation reveals how a small circle of content creators—photographers pushing the boundaries of outdoor imagery—built an ecosystem where everyone benefited from shared exposure and authentic engagement.The episode takes hilarious turns, including Reagan's memorable fainting spell at Blue Canoe restaurant after hearing Barton's graphic medical story, and chronicles how their friendship evolved through hunting adventures and shared values. Most powerfully, Reagan opens up about founding Purpose Hunt—an annual gathering where men can be vulnerable about struggles in business, fatherhood, and faith while pursuing outdoor traditions.When their conversation turns to extreme weather hunts and "traditions over conditions," you'll feel the camaraderie that develops when people push through challenges together. What emerges is a thoughtful examination of how meaningful connections form and endure even as platforms change.Whether you're nostalgic for social media's simpler days or looking to build more authentic community in today's digital landscape, this conversation offers both entertainment and wisdom from two friends who've witnessed the transformation firsthand. Check out Reagan's work at Renfroe Creative to see how he's bringing the same authenticity to brand storytelling that he brought to outdoor photography.

Addison Edmonds - Gunner Founder

#025 Ever wondered what drives someone to completely reinvent an essential product that everyone takes for granted? Meet Addison Edmonds, the visionary founder of Gunner, who transformed dog travel safety by refusing to accept the status quo.Addison's journey began with his beloved chocolate Lab, Gunner, and a simple frustration: why don't travel kennels actually protect dogs? From humble beginnings at Ole Miss to bootstrapping a revolutionary product design, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of building a brand that's saved countless canine lives. You'll hear the raw emotion as Addison recalls the loss of his best friend and how that pain fueled his determination to create something meaningful.What makes this episode particularly compelling is the unfiltered look at entrepreneurship alongside fatherhood. While developing crash-tested kennels that could withstand forces no other product could handle, Addison and his wife were also raising four children under four years old. The parallels between nurturing a growing business and a growing family create a relatable narrative about pursuing passion while maintaining perspective.Whether you're a dog lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates seeing a problem solved through grit and determination, this conversation delivers authentic insights about building something that matters. From working directly with customers to managing a team of nearly 40 employees, Addison shares the challenges of scaling without sacrificing the soul of what makes Gunner special.Ready to be inspired by what happens when someone cares enough to fix what's broken? Listen now and discover how one man's love for his dog created an entire category of products that pet owners never knew they needed – until they couldn't imagine living without them.

Dr. Lee Payne - Lab Breeding, Genetics, Gundog Health

#024 What happens behind the scenes when champion Labradors are bred? Dr. Lee Payne, one of the most sought-after reproductive veterinarians in the Labrador world, pulls back the curtain on the science, skill, and precision required to maintain top-quality working dog genetics.From his unexpected journey into veterinary medicine to becoming the go-to expert for breeders across the Southeast, Dr. Payne shares invaluable insights on health testing that every prospective Lab owner should understand. He breaks down the differences between testing methodologies like OFA, PennHIP, and BVA, explaining why technique matters just as much as the results themselves.The conversation dives deep into the reproductive science that serious breeders need to master. Dr. Payne explains progesterone testing with remarkable clarity, walking through the hormonal cycles that determine optimal breeding windows for different methods. His practical approach to timing—whether for natural breeding, chilled semen, or frozen semen—reveals why successful reproduction is truly a numbers game.Working dog handlers will find practical guidance on managing pregnant females, maintaining healthy stud dogs, and preventing potentially deadly heat stroke. Dr. Payne shares his wealth of experience on breed-specific tendencies, noting that British Labs typically show more elbow issues while American lines struggle more with ACL tears—knowledge that can save owners thousands in veterinary bills.Whether you're a professional breeder, a competitive handler, or simply a dedicated Lab enthusiast, this episode provides rare access to specialized knowledge that typically requires years in the field to acquire. Ready to understand what makes breeding programs successful and how to maintain the health of your working retriever? This conversation is an essential addition to your education.