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Trials?

What is a Trial?

A lure coursing event is called a trial. A designed course is usually a distance of 500 to 900 yards. Several white plastic bags are tied to the end of a nylon cord which is pulled by an electric motor through a prescribed course of turns and straight sections. No more than 3 dogs run at a time, after being given a signal to start the run from a huntmaster. Each dogs wears a different colored racing jacket so that the judges can tell the dogs apart. Judging is done by two judges who give points for speed, agility, endurance, follow, and enthusiasm. There are at least two runs, or courses, for each hound in a trial. First are the preliminary runs. Each breed has a number of different stakes. At a minimum, these will be the "Open Stake" and "Field Champion" Stake. Other options are "Veteran's", "Singles", "Breeder", and "Kennel". Some of these are non-regular stakes, and are not offered at every trial. After all of the preliminary runs are complete, all of the dogs who received at least 50% of the points available to them in the morning are allowed to advance to the finals. After the finals, there will be run off courses for any of the dogs who ties for placement. Then come the best of breed runs where the winners of the different regular stakes in each breed run off for Best of Breed. After the Best of Breed runs, if Best in Field is offered, then the Best of Breed dogs have the option to run off against one another.

What should I bring to a Trial?

1. Plenty of water to drink and, in hot weather, a sponge or spray bottle to wet your dog down.

2. Slip lead and running jackets (pink, blue, and yellow colors). These items can be bought at most trials and fun runs or they can be homemade, especially the jackets.

3. Vet wrap for the legs (which can be bought at most pet stores) in white or black.

4. First aid kit for your dog. Suggested items include styptic, gauze and gauze pads, vet wrap or adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment such as Bag Balm, scissors, and ice or ice pack.

5. Shelter from the sun or rain, such as a tarp, for yourself and your dog(s) is suggested. Crates or folding pens help keep dogs safe. Also, folding chairs are nice so that you don’t have to stand all day.

6. Food and non-alcoholic drinks for yourself. Most trial days are long and fast food restaurants are not usually conveniently located nearby.

7. Plastic bags to pick up after your dogs.