From Grant and Mary Davis (May 2009):
We went to Boswell OK for the weekend to course our saluki Jizan in the American Sighthound Field Association International Invitational lure trials. There were 184 dogs in 14 breeds from the US and Canada entered. All had at least 20 points (out of 100 required) towards their ASFA titles and had at least one first place win. Jizan had 87 points, several firsts and BOBs, and a Best in field to qualify.
The day before the trials Boswell OK had 6 inches of rain in a few hours so the ground was soft and wet - good for the dogs, not so good for parking. Saturday all day saw more rain, and a couple of short but strong thunderstorms in the afternoon. The trials were held at Windy Glens Ranch, a good site with lots of room for running. The parking was in a pasture – not so good after 6 inches of rain, for parking and traffic for over a hundred exhibitors in vehicles ranging from small cars to big motor homes. The owner, Don Papin, spent most of the weekend towing people out with his tractor (including us Saturday night).
On Saturday, Jizan ran in a stake of 5 dogs. This resulted in two courses – one with three dogs and the other with two. Jizan ran in the 3 dog trio scoring first in his first run and third in the second run. One of the dogs in the remaining brace out scored him so he was awarded third place (and 10 points) in the stake on Saturday. The bitch that took first in the open stake went on to Best of breed beating the champions stake and veteran stake winners. No Best in field was run on Saturday so that a single BIF could be awarded on Sunday for the two-day event.
On Sunday, although the rain had stopped, the fields were extremely soft and wet – shoe sucking mud and water over the tops of your shoes in many places. Again, good for the dogs, not so good for people, although it was hilarious watching these ‘sensitive’ dogs try to pick their way thru the wet grass and mud going to the field (you could just hear the mental ‘euw’s’ as you watched them try to tiptoe thru the mud). Once they were on the field, the whole attitude changed and the mud literally flew as they raced after the ‘bunnies’.
Jizan ran in a stake of three dogs on Sunday and again won both runs of the trio. He then ran against the winners of the champions stake and veterans stake for the Best of Breed title and won. He also earned 20 points towards his title – more than enough to finish – we now have a new Champion!
He ran in the Best in Field stakes with 16 other dogs divided into 6 runs. He ran against an Ibizan hound and a greyhound. No scores are reported on the BIS runs, but a clear winner was identified. A young Afghan bitch named Yousha (imported from Germany I believe) belonging to our host, Don Papin, blew everyone away with her speed and follow as well as enthusiasm, endurance and agility.

I have posted a video of Jizan’s first run on Sunday to Youtube.
Take a look at www.youtube.com/watch

Boswell OK, May 2009

Jizan in motion - first run Sunday.

Jizan (in yellow) with Baby (in blue) and Spiro (in pink) -second run Sunday.

The parking area Sunday morning after nearly everyone was towed out Saturday night.  We parked on the road that day (about 1/4 mile of cars).

Our host, Don, on his tractor with his helper.