Sighthound Lure Coursing
Lure Coursing is a sport that is near and dear to my heart. Many of the dogs showcased on my website participate in this fun event in which dogs get to do what they do best - RUN! Lure Coursing is actually the sport that really sucked me in to pure breed dog sports and I am fortunate to have some of the top ranked dogs in the country year over year. Here is a little excerpt taken from the AKC.ORG website:
How many times have you seen your dog bolting outside, running as fast as he can after a squirrel or a windswept plastic bag or paper cup? He’s going after his “prey” of course, and he’s doing exactly what sighthounds are supposed to do. They’re born and bred to chase their prey! Their natural inclination to hunt by sight, not smell, is literally in their DNA.
So how do you satisfy your dog’s high-energy, inner instincts? AKC Lure Coursing may be the perfect answer! It’s an exciting way for him to do what comes naturally, but in a safe, controlled environment. In this event, dogs chase a mechanized, white plastic lure around a 600+ yard course that simulates the unpredictability of chasing live prey. Zig-zagging across a big, open field is simply heaven for these dogs! At the same time, it helps improve their focus, agility and sportsmanship.
Until you’ve actually seen it in action, it’s hard to imagine the complete and utter joy on your dog’s face as he runs the course, following the lure from start to finish. So if you’ve been looking for an activity that takes full advantage of your hound’s energy and natural ability, look no further than AKC Lure Coursing.
Getting Started in Lure Coursing
If you are interested in this sport please come and join us at some of our local trials in the spring and fall. We typically hold trials in McKinney, Ponder, Sanger, Prosper, Florence and several other areas in Texas and Oklahoma. Team Zanata or anyone from a local trial will help show you the ropes by helping you sign up, lending equipment and explaining the rules so you can participate safely. Our Current 2023 Calendar for local events is as follows:
April 15,16 - Ponder High School, Ponder Texas
April 22, 23 - Fayetteville, Arkansas
May 13, 14 - Vinita, Oklahoma
May 20, 21 - Meyers Park, McKinney Texas
September 2,3,4 - Limestone, Tennessee
September 23, 24 - Ponder High School, Ponder Texas
November 4, 5 - Olive Branch, Mississippi
November 11, 12 - Meyers Park, McKinney Texas
November 18, 19 - Fair Grounds in Chickasha, Oklahoma
Helpful Links for finding events, host clubs
Lure Coursing Websites:
Find Local Events:
Lure Coursing Event Search AKC
Region 4 Facebook Page Event Search
Host Clubs:
Trinity Valley Rhodesian Ridgeback Club
Oklahoma Racing and Coursing Association
Lure Coursing Equipment - Helpful Links
Once involved in the sport of lure coursing it is important to have a few key pieces of equipment. The following are some links to some vendors where you can acquire custom slip leads and coursing blankets:
Slip Lead Vendors
Lure Coursing Jackets