I just want to say a big thanks to all the people that organise the lure coursing, it is a brilliant day out and watching all the dogs run is fantastic. Im sure they prefer this than going to shows!
There are not only Deerhounds, but other sighthounds too, and the Whippets were a joy to watch.
I have attached a couple of photo's.

Not sure what is 'not' happening here with the pictures

More hounds running

Turning in the field

Brilliant pictures. I just changed the size a bit - hope thats ok. We took the lurchers a couple of years ago (Nebworth I think), Hettie became some sort of a vicious thing, Tousie ran the wrong way and Marra came second in the veterans/fun race (got beaten by a spaniel). How did yours do, did he run?

Thanks, never know how to make them smaller!
Yes he did run, he did it once before in March and ran against a greyhound, which was good. Today however, a whippet ran first in the practice and stopped suddenly and started to roll around in something, possibly fox poo! Poor owner. Murphy then did his and pulled up in exactly the same spot, though he never rolled in it, it spooked him, so they had to send a marshall out to see what it was. He ran against a Deerhound bitch in his proper run, got halfway round and decided she was too fast for him and came bounding back, oh well, another day!!

This is deffo something I would like to do with Murray - how old do they have to be to take part?

I am not exactly sure, but if you go onto the BFSA website (linked t this site) I am sure they will tell you. That was the last meet of the season, the new season starts in March 09. Do you live near Newbury?

I live in Pembrokeshire but it is a straight drive of about 4 hours to Newbury so not a huge problem to get there. Have you got anymore info about the event and coursing?

www.lurecoursing.org.uk/
Visit the above website, or search lure coursing in your area.
We've just driven through Pembrokeshire from Ireland, visiting my sister in law in Hayscastle (Nr Fishguard) I wouldnt want to do that drive too often!

Thanks for link. Once you get onto the motorways it's not too bad. I was working in Kensington a few years back and did that journey every other weekend. I've done worst trips.. Because I am not really interested in the show scene I thought that Lure coursing would be something that Murray and the family would enjoy

I really enjoy it, though hubby likes the real thing! My brother in law is doing that journey from Watford to Hayscastle every Friday night, back to Watford every Sunday. I vowed next time we go to Ireland, we fly!
BTW everyone is really friendly at the coursing event, I didn't stay to the end, a big pile of ironing was waiting for me! But it goes on for the best part of the day, so that would be 8 hours driving plus 6 hours coursing for you!!! Bring a tent!

I have just been on the link that you gave me - very helpful - thank you!

The marathon journet would only be once a month - is it always held in Newbury?

I wouldn't recommend lure coursing a deerhound under 12 months as they are still growing. When you do start to run them, make sure they are quite fit before hand and give them a good warm up on the day, to help prevent injuries.

Bundaleer wrote:


Thanks for that - I couldn't remember if it was a year or 18mnths before they could start running. Murrays is 7 months now so should be track for next season

It was great to see you and Murphy at Newbury. At least Murphy made some sort of effort.
Mallie just was not interested at all. Thank god for Charlottes whippet. At least we didn't go home in complete disgrace. Here's some photos of Helen (Lurch) and Murphy before he found the poo.

And Murphy's off!

This is Charlotte and her whippet, Demerlay Elegante (aka 'Ells Bells). This was taken after Ellie's 2nd race. At least we were able to go home with some pride still in tact.
Mallie (the deerhound) just turned around and walked off the course the minute she was slipped.

I am wondering - how many trials are you able to attend in a season there? Where abouts are you most of you located? Here in canada we have quite a few trials...but due to the distance i am not prepared to drive more than 12hrs for a weekend show or trial...except in the case of specialties. We need 100 points for a field Ch. and 200 for Field Ch. Ex. - of course you need your own breed to compete with. Best in Field is an optional run at the end of day. I had an Afghan in '96 - she went top Afghan in Canada, but she hated to do conformation, so once she was titled she retired from shows except for specialties...but than she would simply sit down in the show ring...hmm, getting back at at mom for dragging her out. She won an incredable bronze tropphy made by an Arizona artitist for winning the lure coursing at the Canadian Nationals Afghan show - dare I hope this for our Zippo....

Cassandra, are you talking ASFA when you mention points? I'm in Florida and there are several events from 21/2 hours away to eight hours. tTe only thing is that I seem to have the only Deerhound doing ASFA--the few others tend to do AKC and there few if any of those here in Florida, more in North and South Carolina. It's frustrating because my girl is in the top twenty but not having enough competition she may not stay there and it's hard to get points. I would guess that you don't have that problem where you are? or do you?