Open Field Coursing
I recently returned from my inaugural open field coursing hunt, a milestone I've been longing to reach ever since my first Ibizan Hound joined our family in 2015. While I've enjoyed free hunting with my dogs, the thrill of an organized hunt has been a dream I'd chased for years. I'm truly grateful to the breeders and mentors who've generously shared their wisdom, guiding me into this exhilarating experience and showcase of canine athletics.
Since 2016, lure coursing (dogs chase a pretend prey on a set path) has been a part of our routine, a thrilling test of our hounds' inherent drive and instinct to chase prey. I wholeheartedly believe that this activity is a must for any sighthound owner. Providing an avenue for them to exercise their bred and innate instincts is crucial for their overall well-being. Plus, it’s just so much fun to see them open up and run-run-run with big smiles on their faces! While some may be content as house pets, those with the desire should have an outlet to express their instincts.
However, transitioning from lure coursing to open field coursing, I encountered some notable differences. In lure coursing, you are guaranteed runs; however, finding hares in the open field can be unpredictable. If the prospect of potentially not running your dog is unappealing, sticking to lure coursing might be more rewarding. This unpredictability also translates to managing your expectations for the day's events in the field. While lure coursing has a swift, predictable pace, open field coursing is slower, requiring a slow walking pace through the field to avoid disturbing hares. Admittedly, I became frustrated on my first day because of this, but understanding and adjusting my expectations on the second day made the experience more enjoyable.
If you're considering participating in an open field coursing event, it's crucial to evaluate your dog's conditioning. Unlike lure coursing with its predictable, pre-checked path, the open field offers no such guarantees. The terrain is rough and your dog must be conditioned to handle it. Their paws need to be toughened for diverse terrains, and they might encounter stickers or cactus spines. If these potential challenges are worrisome, it's worth thinking through you and your canine's readiness for an open field event.
Despite these challenges, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the powerful, joyous sprint of these majestic hounds chasing a hare across an open field is a sight to behold. The pure ecstasy on their faces upon returning is a testament to the exhilaration they feel from this primal pursuit. It's an experience that truly underscores the beauty and power of our canine companions.