25th Anniversary Awards & Gala Celebration
Full list of Nominations Click on the category name below
| Future of Agility | |
| All-time Handler | |
| Agility Personality | |
| Best Show | |
| Best Trainer | |
| Best Judge | |
| Unsung Hero | |
| Best Ever Agility Dog | |
| Agility Innovation | |
| Contribution to Agility |
Nominations and Voting are now CLOSED.
Follow the Winners link above to find out who won.
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Anthony Clarke | Whilst there are several up-and-coming youngsters to watch, Anthony has, by far, been the most successful of the current batch, both at home and abroad. Not only is he a successful junior, he competes against – and frequently beats – the “grown –ups”. At the KC Festival, not only did he win the Junior Competition, but he also beat Lee Windeatt and David Munnings in another class, on what was a terribly tricky course. Agility aside, Anthony’s behaviour completely belies his mere 16 years (just 16). He is very grown up, responsible, and even runs his own training school. Talking to Ant feels just like talking to an adult. He is an excellent ambassador for our sport and definitely the future of agility. |
| Anthony Clarke | For being an amazing handler and getting the best out of his dogs! | |
| Anthony Clarke | I have never known or met anyone so lovely, sweet, and kind, and caring of his age who is willing to give someone older the time to listen and advise. His knowledge is greater than his age, so this is the young man for the future of agility. | |
| Lucy Clifton | She's one to watch in the future! Her rescued dog Pie, is outstanding! He has won into grade 5 from competing this year! He has won 9 times and has amazing potential to get to Olympia! In fact he has qualified for the KC 3-5 semis by winning the class! (Has indeed since qualified for the Olympia finals) Amazing! | |
| Daniel Burton | Daniel isn’t 10 years old until October 2007, but he is an ideal ambassador for the sport of agility. He has a very pleasing manner, and is liked by all. Daniel is ready and willing to help at any show he attends, and is often seen ring-partying, performing any duties requested of him. He runs a variety of dogs, Small and Large (not all his), with great success, and is already in Seniors, sometimes beating the adults to take the top places. Daniel would, I am sure, be a popular winner for this category. | |
| Daniel Burton | I nominate Dan as he to me portrays the future of agility, at only 10 years old he willingly is quite often seen helping on ring party, he is a sympathetic handler running all sort of dogs including other breeds and recently won up to Grade 6 with his own dog and is always asking how other people have got on with their dogs and at such a young age is ready to congratulate others. | |
| Ashleigh Butler | Ashleigh is a delightful young lady who trains and runs her own dogs with considerable success. I have been privileged to Judge her on many occasions and her relationship with the dogs is an example to us all. On one occasion a thoughtless person outside the ring threw a ball and caused her dog to run wide. Ashleigh simply called the dog back and finished her round with her usual Thank You to the Judge. I am sure many an adult handler, myself included, would have been very upset by the incident. When asked how she has done at a show her reply always credits the dogs with the success. At Dogs In Need this year, she was leading in the Medium Final, but was beaten by the last dog to run. When I commiserated with her, she simply shrugged her shoulders and said that she was happy to come second. I feel that the future of Agility will be very safe if it is the hands of youngsters like Ashleigh Butler. | |
| Jenni Machon | This young lady started agility running someone else’s dog in competition whilst training her own some six years ago. Jenni is a fantastic, remarkable young lady that has blossomed into a teenager with maturity far beyond her years. She is a joy to watch handling her dogs and seems to have a natural affinity with them. She never blames the dogs in any way if something goes wrong it’s always because “she let them down”. Jenni has always been on hand to help with equipment setting up for classes, welcoming people, helping out whenever asked (sometimes without being asked – unheard of for a teenager!!) Outside the ring Jenni is equally as charming, always willing to help out, very polite, thoughtful and always going the extra mile. She is a wonderful ambassador of junior agility and shows great potential to become one of the great agility handlers of the future. |
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Alan Bray | It would probably be easier to list what Alan hasn't done, won or qualified for, and no shortlist of All-time handlers would be complete without him. He has competed at the top of agility for many, many years, training dog after dog to the highest standards. Crufts, Olympia, Supadogs, Dogs in Need, KC International and Agility Club are just some of the finals he has qualified dogs for, often year after year, and winning many. He has won many championship tickets and reserves, being the first person to win a CC with a crossbreed, the first person to make up both a small and a large champion, and has even won the small and large ticket on the same day at the same show (he's also done the same thing with reserve tickets too!). His dogs adore him, and its plain to see that he adores them too.
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| Alan Bray | Alan is definitely ‘the epitome of all that is great about agility’ for many reasons; to name but a few: Consistent and impressive achievements with a great variety of size, breed and ability of dogs. Obvious and apparent handler/dog connection with all the dogs that he works/has worked. Generosity and ability when passing on advice and skills to others. 16 years commitment; in all aspects for the sport. Ability to support and encourage others; whatever their personal goals may be. Friendly, humorous and genuine personality (i.e. he’ll share a beer with your anytime!!). Joint founder and trainer of 2 successful (non-profit making) agility clubs. Agility judge to Championship level. Actively encourages young handlers. | |
| Alan Bray | I nominate Alan as give him a poodle, collie or a large GSD cross he has handled them all up to Champ Level and won Tickets with them all. He has an unflappable handling style that so many aspire to. | |
| Nicola Garrett | Nicola has shown constancy from when she was in Juniors. She has competed most years at the FCI World Champs, was part of the winning team one year, and placed in other years. Nicola is now showing the same form she showed with her collies with her young Sheltie, Indie, and having equal success in Mini Agility. | |
| Dawn Weaver | Dawn shows incredible success and consistency with a wide range of dogs including Collie x beardies, a poodle, and Papillons. She recently took the CC and the Reserve with her two Collie crosses at the same champ show, and wherever she competes, she is definitely one of the ones to beat. I think her running different breeds illustrates her handling – and training – abilities. | |
| Lesley Olden | No question in my book. Agility Club Handler of the Year on several occasions. Only handler to win Olympia with both Mini & Standard dogs - and with two different Standard dogs at that. 1st handler to make up an Agility Champion. Represented GB at the World Championships. Anyone else come close? | |
| Lesley Olden | Lesley has competed at the very top of agility over many years (probably more than she would like to remember!). Her successes are too many to mention and importantly those successes have been repeated with just about every dog she has owned, notably Midge, Teazel, Mick, Bisto, Katie, Loobie, Beanie, Dot ….. even Gnat got to Crufts! There are and have been many brilliant handlers in agility but very few great handlers and in our opinion Lesley wears the crown. | |
| Lesley Olden | Lesley knows what it takes to compete at the highest levels. Her achievements are too many to list; she has had huge success with many dogs both small and large. She trains her dogs thoroughly and knows how to motivate the dog to work. While she may not be one of the fast youngsters with long legs who can run as fast as their dogs; she puts in every effort necessary to get around the ring! Just being in a sport for a long time does not make you worthy of nomination as an ALL TIME GREAT HANDLER…. Just reaching success with one or even two dogs does not make someone an ALL TIME GREAT HANDLER. Lesley, in my opinion, is the ALL TIME GREAT HANDLER for not only being in this sport since it was young but competing and reaching the top over and over with many dogs. This to me is a sign of a great handler and trainer. | |
| Lesley Olden | Since 1986 to the present day Lesley has successfully completed with both mini and standard dogs. She has won 26 major finals (at least one a year, often two or more a year), 8 CCs, 4 RCCs (making up 2 agility Champions- including the first ever Champion), numerous other first places, etc in open show (too many to mention) and winning the Agility Club’s Annual Awards on at least 10 occasions. She is one of the very few handlers who have very successfully competed for 20 years, not just in GB but also in the world championships. She’s simply THE BEST, BETTER THAN ALL THE REST. | |
| Lesley Olden | I nominate Lesley for this category because she fulfils the criteria more than anyone else! She HAS been at the top for so many years – and has developed as a handler in ways no one else, who might have been around when she started agility, has. She has been consistently excellent not for two years, or even five, but for more than a decade. Many people in this country and elsewhere in the world have learned from her handling skills over these years and continue to do so. Her flexible approach to her handling and training of her dogs marks her out and, let’s face it, how many handlers can go to the Worlds with two dodgy knees, two dodgy feet and a bad back and hips and STILL manage to come 4th!!! I vote for Lesley. No-one else can quite match her experience and success over such a period of time – pretty much the whole of agility in existence time in fact. | |
| Toni Dawkins | Toni's success with both her dogs is just amazing. She runs around the course so calmly and gracefully it's a must, to stop and watch the round. Her success goes to show that hard work and dedication in training pays off. Kite, more so than Minx, has achieved so much and this is down to their fantastic handler. | |
| Greg Derrett | OK he is ginger….but he is also a brilliant handler whose handling system is now recognised world-wide. His DVDs are a must for anyone serious about Agility who wants a consistent handling system ( death to the blind turn!!! ).
Greg has been involved in the sport of dog agility since the late 1980's.
Greg was Great Britain's "Handler of the Year" in 1999 and 2000. His now deceased
Border Collie Jay won every major tournament in Great Britain at least once, and most of them twice. Jay was Great Britain's "Dog of the Year" in both 1999 and 2000. Greg's Border Collie Fern was placed 3rd as "Dog of the Year" in 1999 and 2nd in 2000 behind Jay.
Fern won many major tournaments and I believe she was the youngest ever dog to win into Advanced. In 2001, Greg and Fern were members of Great Britain's World Cup team for the first time that GB went to the Worlds FCI competition.
Greg also represented GB in 2004 and 2005 and this year is again part of the team going to Norway (running GT - Ag Ch Withersfarm Sproglett). His young BC Detox will start competing soon, so watch out for her.
She is showing great promise. Greg has this talent to bring out the best in his dogs, and with his consistent handling he wastes no time on any courses. To compliment his training abilities, Greg also completed recently an MSc course in Animal Behaviour. Greg has become popular as a seminar presenter and has travelled to Japan in addition to Canada and the United States. He is now recognised by many as one of the top agility instructors not just in the UK but world-wide. |
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| Greg Derrett | I nominate Greg Derrett as All Time Handler. All one has to do it watch Greg run to understand why. When Greg walks a course he never has to wonder how he is going to handle it. This is because he has developed a system of handling which is logical and clear to the dog. His consistent signals never cause the dogs to question what he is asking them to do. To affirm that his skills as a handler are above and beyond the norm, he has been extremely successful with every dog that he has owned. This definitely can not be said for many handlers, even in the world. Greg has had a total of 4 dogs that he has competed very successfully with since he started agility: Hetti, Jaycee, Fern and GT all who have made it to Advanced and achieved much more. Some have said Greg has just been lucky. You might get lucky with 1 good dog (many fortunately have) but you don’t get lucky over and over again. It has to do with knowledge, dedication, skill, the handler’s ability as a trainer to get all they can from the dog they are given and of course, love for their dogs. Following is a list of some of Greg and his dogs’ accomplishments: Junior Handler of the Year in 1991 Agility Club Handler of the Year Award Barbour Pairs Winner (twice) Pedigree Chum Team Winner (twice) DIN Classic Finals Winner (several occasions) Gamblers Final Winner P&S Winner Supadogs Final 1st and 2nd (several occasions) 14th Year at Olympia (has been with all 4 dogs qualifying at least 3X with each) Olympia Winner (Twice) 2nd (once) Competed at Crufts last 17 consecutive years Crufts Junior Winner Crufts Knockout winner 1993 Crufts Team Winner ( with Fern, Jay and GT) Crufts Singles Winner Crufts Knockout Winner First ever CC Winner (Jay) GT has won four CC’s British World Team Member (with Fern and GT, Four Times) FCI World Championships Individual Silver 2004 FCI World Championships Individual Agility Winner 2005 FCI World Championships Team Bronze 2007 I am sure I have missed some of his successes, but hopefully the point has been made that since the start of his involvement in agility, Greg has probably been one of the most accomplished in the history of the sport and continues to be so. He currently is working with his new dog Detox (17 months old) who no doubt will continue the legacy. |
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| Stuart Harmes | Stuart always gives 110% when working his dogs and has proved his handling and training abilities with a number of dogs over the years getting them to the top. He has an infectious enthusiaism which cannot fail to rub off on others and is always keen to share his knowledge. He has qualified for most finals over many years and certainly must travel more than most living in North Wales .....just don't buy a used vehicle off him! | |
| Stuart Harmes | Trelogan Trim was a rescue dog, and whilst not what you would call an athlete, under Stuart’s guidance quickly progressed from Novice through to Advanced and didn’t stop there with his presence at every major final year in, year out! Trim’s accolade sadly will probably be ‘the table’ which thwarted their Olympia qualification for many years as a younger dog, a problem created by the very ‘electricity‘ that made this partnership what it was. Trim won hundreds of agility classes and during his heyday would frequently beat the best! He demonstrates an amazing bond and unique partnership with Stuart, which took them to the very top. Winning several Olympia Semi Finals, he came 3 rd in his first appearance in the Crufts Singles final at the age of 2, 3rd in the Pedigree Olympia stakes Grand Final at the age of 11! Also achieving a 3 rd place in the International event at Olympia. Noggin the Nog leapt into Advanced status in his first year and took the Beta Novice title after only a few months of competition! He also qualified for Olympia with Stuart and competed in the Final (coming a very close second) before his second birthday. Before the age of 2, Noggin won the Semi-final to qualify and was runner up at the prestigious Olympia Agility Stakes in his very first season, also winning the Speed Jumping title in the same year. He won to hold the Crufts Singles Agility title 2000, and is four times winner of the coveted Crufts Knock Out title, and has come 3 rd in the International competition at Crufts, and has been ever present at all major finals throughout his career and rarely out of the crystal. Noggin also won the International KO title during its final year at Olympia, putting in a breathtaking performance! His prolific winning ability continued right up till the age of 11 winning classes week in week out right up until his retirement following a sudden and severe accident in the ring just this year. Stuart’s current dog is Noggin’s son Binka. Stuart and Binka again demonstrate that very special and incredible partnership, coming back from serious illness and surgery to exceed everyone’s expectations and he looks to be following in his fathers' footstep after winning the CSJ Novice title 2004, second in the Crufts International event 2006, qualifying for Novice Olympia Stakes 2006, winning into G7 and continuing their winning form this year to qualify for Olympia in the Singles. Stuart is a very enthusiastic handler and trainer, a character who sums up the fabric of our fast growing sport! |
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| Natasha Wise | Her knowledge of how the dog moves, combined with knowledge of what’s required to compete successfully at agility makes her and her dogs a strong team. Natasha and her dog Maddie are a joy to watch. I look forward to watching that same team work when her Medium dog, Dizzy, comes out later this year. | |
| Natasha Wise | For producing all of her dogs to top level even though they have been very hard dogs to train which some people would had given up with. Also for being able to run any dog she picks up to the same standard as her own! Very adaptable handler! | |
| Natasha Wise | She is such a calm, cool girl. She can run any dog and make it look so, so easy. Had a very hard two years and nearly gave up. I’m just so glad she didn’t. | |
| Jayne Bray | I nominate Jayne Bray because she has consistently trained and handled both Small and Large dogs to Ticket level, making up the first Small pedigree Champion, her Miniature Poodle Portia. She has also won tickets with her Large dogs. In Portia, Jayne has had probably the most successful Small dog in agility. Jayne has not only been in all the main Finals with all her dogs, she has had success in most of them. She is very proud of the Upanova Tigers Club she runs with husband Alan, and of the achievements of Club members. She freely gives help and advice to anyone who asks and maintains a cheerful persona, even in the face of adversity. |
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| David Munnings | I nominate the above because I believe that David truly deserves to be recognised as an all-time handler, for the simple reason that I have seen him run courses with his own and other peoples' dogs that have taken my breath away. His handling skills and timing are so good that I truly believe that no-one else would be able to get that dog to run better. David Munnings is a world class handler, proven already by his many achievements with Billy (Mr Billy Whizz) which include a bronze medal at the FCI World Championships, qualifying five years in a row for Olympia, qualifying for and winning many major events, winning the Agility Eye Advanced points league two years in a row, making Billy up to Agility Champion, and coming 2nd in the Crufts Singles and in the Championship class at Crufts. All that with a dog that he didn't start to work with until he was four years old! His young dog Dobby at only two years old looks outstanding. Already Dobby has won into Grade 7, won a Championship final, and qualified for Crufts. His ability to handle not only his own, but also other peoples dogs, is second to none. He manages to get the very best out of them, he is very encouraging and motivational, and is in the right place with incredible timing and skill to get the best line for the even the very fastest of dogs. |
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Sue Rolfe | Sue is an inspiration. I want to be like her when I am in my mid fifties!! She is showing everyone that in competitive Agility it’s not just tall young men who run like the wind ( no names, but I am sure you can all think of a few!! ) that can win everything. Sheer dedication can do it too. She will be representing the UK in Norway this September. She and husband Will started Agility around 1996 with UpAndOver Agility Club run by the Lakers. They are a very committed couple. They have both trained their own dogs to Advanced level and the highlight of their career was Sue and Kes winning Olympia in 2004. They are highly motivated and keen sports people. Sue in particular impressed everyone when at a Christmas Party we had a skipping competition and most of us youngsters could only manage about 30 skips in the 5 minutes allocated, whereas Sue achieved about 200 ( I was counting them and it was bloomin hard work keeping count she was going so fast !!! ). She put us all to shame!!!! When she runs Kes, she always works so hard and puts everything into it. She is an amazing lady and I think she deserves to be up for Agility Personality. If you have ever chatted to Sue, you will also know she is a very modest person, who doesn’t think she is amazing. But we do !!!! |
| Stuart Carter | I have nominated Stuart purely because he always brings comedy to a show and always manages to cheer people up, not just through his personality but also his sometimes hilarious tee shirts. | |
| Bernadette Bay | Bernadette is a lovely, nice person who is always willing to talk, help and is so friendly, she's never rude to anyone, even people who are rude to her! She will help people who ask her for advice and is lovely to her dogs, which is great to see. | |
| Alyson Martin | The girl is known the length of the country as an outgoing bubbly person - singer over the mic at Wilton Week - seller of bingo tickets extraordinaire!!! Who mentioned Port & Lemon???? | |
| Alyson Martin | Always very loud and makes me laugh a lot, and just for knowing EVERYONE!! | |
| Alyson Martin | Although both my daughter and I are new to agility, Alyson took us under her wing, proving to be not only an excellent trainer but a good friend too. Everyone knows Alyson and everyone has heard Alyson, and most likely everyone has had a drink with her too! Her smile and her laugh are infectious but underneath that loud, brash exterior is a kind, warm-hearted person. Long may she be around. | |
| Clive Snook’s Designer Diesel Blue |
You always know when Diesel is running. This incredible, fast, and very vocal blue dog is unmistakable. The way he attacks courses, screaming like a banshee, in what looks like a completely manic and uncontrollable way, for me sums up agility. How Clive has managed to have so much success with him, I don’t know. I just know that there are few dogs I will stop in my tracks to watch, and he is definitely number one on that list. | |
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Fizz, The Wonder Flea | Many of you may have noticed Marion McIlherenes charismatic little Fizz in action. Fizz (Pinelan Lady Luck at Xelbi) is one of the smallest Papillions on the circuit, to the point there is a danger of loosing sight of her in long grass! or behind a tyre on the start line. But what she lacks in size she more than makes up for in personality. Fizz was brought out in the Spring of 2007 after a break in training whilst Marion had both hips replaced. After initial regular circuits of glee mid course! Fizz has settled and gone on to: Qualify for the 2008 Agility Club Small Starters Challenge Win Best Starter at the Papillion Show - winning a trophy bigger than herself Compete in The Kennel Club Starters Cup Small Dog Final at the Kennel Club International Festival Compete in The K9 Cages Small Classic Combined 1-2 Final at Dogs In Need With her Mum, win the 'Best Overall Gold Disabled Handler¹ Trophy at Dogs in Need They are currently flying high in the Papillion League Grades 1-2 Leading the Disabled Handlers League and In her first season she has already gained enough points for her Bronze Agility Warrant. Fizz can often be seen at Shows riding in the basket on the front of Marions scooter, or ringside sitting on Marions shoulder like a parrot. At Displays Fizz is a superb ambassador, ever tolerant of childrens attention. Additionally Marion is always happy to help out at Shows as well as being ever supportive of fellow agility handlers. We are proud to nominate Fizz for the category of Agility Personality. There is no doubt that her spirit is the perfect compliment to Marions skills. Marion, from a background in teaching Primary Children and Showing dogs, has not only been prepared to put in the hours, but also seek out the training and advice both she and Fizz need. Within her physical capabilities Marion has developed a method of distance handling a little dog big on attitude, often against the odds and expectations of others. Fizz and Marion are good for and bring out the best in, each other. Together they have blossomed into a remarkable partnership, demonstrating admirably just what can be achieved. I¹m sure Fizz is a dog to look out for in 2008. |
| Simon Chandler | It doesn’t matter what he wears or what he’s doing, he always has a smile on his face and never fails to make me smile too. | |
| Simon Chandler & Paul Moore | I know not one person but a duo, they seem to keep people laughing wherever they go and as for the Supadogs Cabaret Night....they thrive to entertain! | |
| Rob Hunter | No Agility Personality list would be complete without Rob. In my opinion the funniest and one of the nicest people on the agility circuit, he must have made more people laugh than some have had clear rounds! His performances at the Rugby Show Cabaret were always a highlight of the evening, so many come to mind - “Peters & Lee”, ballet roller skating with Tina, his version of Emu, and his brilliant take-offs of other well-known agility handlers. Does anyone else remember his one man gymnastic display at the old Leamington Show – absolutely fantastic, or him climbing up the marquee pole at one show? These days he can be found leading the youngsters in line dancing routines at Dogs in Need, and still up at 6am to cook bacon rolls with a smile for the helpers, or as the encouraging person who doesn’t let you start ‘before they are ready’ at the KC Olympia Finals & Semis. He has such a natural talent and has made me laugh until I have cried, so he’ll always be my favourite ‘Agility Personality’. |
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Burridge | I missed this year's show - but I'm going back a bit now - those warm sunny days by the coast - the backdrop of the Southsea Show (when there was plenty to see there) - the stands packed with the public - Lesley Olden in a pinny serving judges & ring party bacon butties first thing in the morning. The Toasties stand at the end of the ring for the rest of us! As it was just the one ring everyone gathered with their deck chairs to see everyone else's runs - good or bad (the congratulations or mickey take that went with it!) - & being late for your run was not an option with Sandra Watson calling! Then at the end of classes it was off down the front for fish & chips followed by the fun fair... |
| UKA Nationals Week | I have nominated this show because of many reasons, firstly because of the large choice of runs each day, also for the well thought out and run finals competition, for the classes being well spread each day to avoid clashes, for the quality entertainment each night, and lastly for all the nicest and funniest people running the show making it a very enjoyable week away. | |
| Thames DTC | The largest two-day show in the world is run by a very good-humoured team from Thames. For such a big show it manages a “laid back” atmosphere, and it is one of the very few 2 day shows (or perhaps the only) to still put on Saturday night entertainment. There is also a very generous helpers raffle. | |
| Jersey Agility Festival | Jersey Agility Festival is small compared to most other shows, but the atmosphere is just brilliant - everyone mucks in together, supports each other and cheers each other on. It is so friendly - competitors even go to a hotel for dinner together. The island is wonderfully dog-friendly and the venue is brilliant with excellent facilities. It is a lovely, laid-back show for all levels. | |
| Kennel Club International Festival | I attended the Festival this year for the first time and it won’t be the last. It was such an exciting show with the Starter and Novice Cup on the Friday afternoon, the Olympia Semis, followed by the Starter and Novice Cup finals on the Saturday , the British Open, and on the Sunday the Nations Cup. Not forgetting all the Junior finals, etc… The number of high profile events made this show extremely exciting for both competitors and spectators. It was good to watch some handlers from overseas ( some coming from a very long way ! ) running their dogs. As for the overseas judges they had set some very hard courses for the Starters / Novice level but if you were just watching and not competing ( I felt sorry for the competitors ) the design of the courses made it exciting to watch – you were crossing everything you had in the hope someone might go clear but unfortunately very few did ! The sheer size of the show was impressive ( so many rings ). The Main ring looked very professional and was enclosed by a pretty white picket fence. Most of the events took place there and they attracted a good crowd at all times. Photographers, TV crew, and a commentator added to the excitement. If you were lucky enough to get placed, the presentations were also exciting with competitors having to stand on a Podium, photos were taken, etc. All of this combined gave the Festival the feel of a “ proper “ sporting event that Agility should be ! |
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| Dordale | The shows are small, well organised, and friendly. I think the 1 hour time slot to do ring party is a very good idea. | |
| Spillers Festival of Dogs | This was the show that started all of our great weeks that we now have. Initially it incorporated obedience and other activities. I used to love the canine version of 3 day eventing which included dressage – obedience, cross country – over the horse cross country course with dog and/or handler negotiating the fences and show jumping, a jumping course over jumps made from huge horse wings and distances in-between the jumps were set for horses too!!! (God I was fit back then). There were fun classes, finals, fantastic trophies, plenty of camping space, acres of exercise area, all the ingredients that our week shows now aspire to. | |
| Wirral | Without doubt the best agility show is run each year one weekend in July by Wirral Dog Club. Held on sports fields in Bromborough, the grass is always lush, short, and flat. The adjoining woods leading to the Mersey estuary are a paradise of sights and smells for dogs. When you reach the far side there is a pub for the humans to enjoy whilst studying the various Liverpool landmarks across the water. Although camping is limited, spaces are a generous size, clearly marked and, most importantly for those who work Friday afternoons, pre-allocated. Running orders always include an information sheet with vital local details, another sheet with ring, judge, and class order, and most useful of all, a diagram of the venue showing the layout, ring numbers, camping rows, etc., with your allocated camping space marked in highlighter pen! The atmosphere at Wirral is totally different to any show, due in no small measure to Angela Morgan in her “glass hearse” (PA control box). Scousers are famed for their sense of humour and Angela is so quick with her comments and asides that you find yourself distracted when you should be concentrating on running your dog or judging contacts! You are never nagged or hassled to get to rings but you always know when a class is ready for walking or about to close. The entrance to each ring has a gorgeous tub of flowers on either side and there is never a shortage of happy and helpful ring party no matter what time of day. Rosettes and trophies are always given to far more than 10% of the class and clear round rosettes are available to all sizes and grades of dog. Every member of ring party gets a lunch ticket to be exchanged for freshly prepared sandwiches, plus crisps and a drink. Judges, ring managers, and scribes are treated to a fantastic buffet lunch in the on-site marquee, all prepared by club members who could easily win Masterchef. Presentations are a unique affair, when all rings are finished. No problem getting handlers to turn up as everyone gathers round the glass hearse to hear Angela’s quips about handlers’ or dogs’ names. For evening entertainment, Angela once again takes to the microphone. She is a natural stand-up comic and with volunteer agility folk as contestants, usually turns a well-known game show into two hours of non-stop laughter. This show is the highlight of the year. It is relaxed, fun, and enjoyable from start to finish. Wirral club members put all their efforts into ensuring that everything runs smoothly, demonstrating what is possible when thought and consideration is given to putting people and dogs before profit margins. No-one leaves this show without a smile on their face, no matter how many eliminations they may have accumulated. No wonder, then, that there is a waiting list of volunteers for judging and camping is full within hours of the schedule being published. |
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| Rugby Summer Show | Always really well organised, good selection of classes including Anysize :) Fab trophies, nice running surface. |
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Alan & Jayne Bray | Not only do Alan and Jayne give the very best advice and excellent training, they always support their club members and are always ready to offer help. They really go out of their way to help everyone, and take an interest in them no matter what level you compete at, or what constitutes success to you - whether it's winning a ticket or that first ever clear round! They have kept their club running this year despite personal problems and have been rewarded with no less than six club members qualifying for Olympia - not bad considering there are only about 15 in the club! |
| Jon Watts | I have nominated Jon because although he has now left the country without his training and help I would have had hardly any of the success I have had today and I know he helped others in the same way. He taught us how to get and keep our dogs on the fastest line round a course and gave us the right mentality to try and win. Not only did he always give us brilliant training advice he made us feel welcome and always helped when he could. | |
| Dennis Macaulay | On a week to week basis over the years Dennis has probably given me the most help & motivation (wouldn't like to quote his normal phrasing when I've done something wrong!) | |
| Natasha Wise | Tasha has helped me train my young rescue dog. Tasha's methods are always positive and my dog adores her! All her dogs that she's run have been highly successful and the way she handles them makes agility look so simple. Tash is always smiling and seems interested in how I get on at shows. Her methods of training seem logical and simple which makes agility fun - and that's what it's all about :) | |
| Niki and Den Keeler Barking Mad Dog Agility |
4 years ago I was about to give up agility and it’s thanks to Den and Niki that I am still competing. Before joining Barking Mad I had been training my rescue dog with another club and had been competing with him for nearly 3 years. He had lots of problems due to his past treatment. I was at my wits end with him. We had only won 1 rosette in three years and I couldn’t sort out his problems in the ring. I was ready to quit agility altogether, especially as the club I trained with told me to forget competing with him and wait till I got another dog. At this time, a friend of mine told me she had recently joined Barking Mad, and had found the training so different and was learning so much.
So I contacted Niki Keeler and she offered to help and 2 weeks later I joined Barking Mad and from the very first lesson I came away with fresh hope and not feeling useless. We still had a long way to go, but within a month we had our first clear round and in the next two and a half years until I retired him my boy won 48 rosettes, most of them places, and that was down to Niki and Den’s training and not giving up on us. I also started training my pup at Barking Mad when she was 6 months old. She is now 4 and we have been doing really well and have had several high places, with this year being our best. We qualified for The Agility Club Starters Final and came 4th, won Grade 2 Jumping at KC International on the Saturday, and won our of Grade 2 on the Sunday by winning Grade 2 agility. I can’t thank Niki and Den enough for all their efforts in getting us to where we are today. There are so many success stories at Barking Mad with people striving for their first clear round, to winning out of Grades, to going Senior and qualifying for Crufts. And whatever level you are at or problems you have, Niki and Den are always supportive and will do their utmost to help, and I am really looking forward to the challenge of Grade 3 with their help. |
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| Kathrin Tasker | Kathrin seems to be able to get the best out of any sort of dog and any sort of handler. I have been training with Kathrin since I started doing agility in 1991 and she turned both me and 2 of my nondescript dogs into winners. She has infinite patience. Not only does she train dogs and handlers but arranges competitions and events – like a winter league that we can all join in, even those who are just doing it for fun and not seriously. Kathrin is well respected by all her club members and is also well known abroad when asked to go on teaching trips. | |
| Kathrin Tasker | The trainer is Kathrin Tasker, she has brilliant patience, and no matter what level you are you get the same top level training. (you don't have to have a collie my Jack Russell is doing well now thanks to her) She runs club competitions so that even those who only do it for fun can join in. She has given me the confidence to start competing. | |
| Alan Bray | With his lovely wife, Jayne, he runs his own, very successful “Upanova Tigers” agility club where numbers are deliberately kept low so that every member receives quality training time. Despite this the club was Premier League winners in 2004 and 2005 and runners up in 2006. He is always patient and understanding, even when exercises have to be repeated several times and I’m sure he would like to pick the handlers up and shake them! The dogs, of course, are always right. Alan has trained many handlers to bring their dogs through from Elementary to Advanced (O.K. grade 1 to 7) and is never more pleased than when “his” trainees win classes and have success. He is tremendously supportive of all whether you are running at your very first show or about to take part in a championship final. His commitment to agility and sense of humour (well, he has been known to run a terrier!) make him the ideal candidate for this award. | |
| Alan Bray | Having done quite a few training days with Alan over the years he has so many excellent ideas for the different dog and handler partnerships - and can really make you believe in yourself and your dog. | |
| Mark & Karen Laker | I feel very lucky to train with the Lakers. I joined their club in 2000. Over the years they have been very supportive. They pushed me to start competing, which I did in 2002. They were there at my first show and taped my run! They’ve always encouraged me. They’ve also kicked my bottom when they needed to. Through the bad times and the good times, they are always there for you. Being someone’s trainer is not just about teaching handling skills ( which they do very well ! ) it’s also about the support you give to your students. Mark and Karen care very much about the people they train. To me it’s what makes them such special trainers. | |
| Jackie Griffin | I nominate Jackie because when I first got my rescue dog, I was told by a judge/trainer that she would never be any good at agility. Jackie agreed to take us on and we have never looked back. At the age of seven, my dog has finally won out of Grade 2, has her Silver Agility Warrant and has taken part in four major finals. Jackie has always given me lots of encouragement and worked out the best ways to train and work with my dog and all her hang ups. This hasn't always been easy! Jackie is a real star and I feel she deserves some recognition for the work she puts in with not only my dog but countless other dogs and handlers too. | |
| Jill Spurr | I have been doing agility for 5 years and have had several instructors, but by far the best is Jill Spurr. She has excellent interpersonal skills, with tremendous patience, encouragement when things are difficult, and the ability to explain things in a way which I (and others) find easy to grasp. My own dog has been hard to train, and Jill has looked at many ways of training to establish the best options for my dog and me. We are now achieving very positive results at shows, which is so rewarding, both for Jill and us! We have people in our club who travel long distances (some 1.5 hours each way) to train with Jill. In the past year, we have had some club members compete at shows for the first time, and they have had fantastic results. Jill is always very delighted when any of us have success. She will analyse our run constructively whether it was good or bad, which helps to achieve a greater understanding. I am now learning to instruct and Jill is my coach. I couldn’t wish to be taught by anyone more knowledgeable. My own goal is to become as good a trainer as Jill. |
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| Lauren Langman | I nominate Lauren for best trainer because she tries to achieve the best results for everybody she trains using only motivational and positive methods. I have only been competing in agility since November 2006 and in that time she has helped me to win out of the old elementary and starters and also qualify for Novice Olympia. In her classes she is always clear and is always willing to help everyone out if they are struggling. She only started her club at the beginning of 2007 and already has nearly 200 members, most of these people have joined because of all the good things they hear about her. She also structures her classes very differently to most other classes that I have seen, you don't sit and watch other dogs working until its your turn, you work with your dog throughout the class. This works extremely well as the dogs don't just sit around getting frustrated at the end of there leads. She is forever trying to take agility training forward and is always increasing her knowledge of the sport. People will travel 4 hours to be trained by her, if thats not a sign that she is a good trainer then I don't know what is. To put it simply Lauren Langman IS the best trainer in the country. | |
| Lauren Langman | I nominate Lauren Langman because she is truly an amazing trainer. Before I started going to her classes in early June, I had visited quite a few training classes but none of them were the right thing. They were either to boring for me or too slow for my dog. But already in the 4 months that I have been attending Laurens classes my dog has come on so far in his agility training. Her positive attitude and motivational training methods have worked wonders, and my dog has benefited immensely from all the help she has given. She is always willing to give advice and help out in whatever problem you may have, and at only 24 she has already competed twice in the world agility championships! This gives her the experience needed to give out tips and tricks. She is truly an amazing person, handler, and of course Trainer! | |
| Lauren Langman | I nominate the above for best trainer because: Lauren takes the individuals dogs needs into consideration when training classes and when training on a one to one basis I find the lesson both enjoyable and informative with plenty to think about and train at home. If you have a particular problem within the training she always find a solution. |
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| Lauren Langman | I am completely new to the agility world and Lauren’s name was recommended. I originally thought I’d take my Border Collie for some disciplined fun and managed – because of Lauren’s sheer enthusiasm, helpfulness, and obvious talent –to become hooked and hopeful! Lauren has true vision and a gritty determination to succeed and help others succeed. She doesn’t just want her own dogs to do well, she wants all ours to do well, too. At only 24, I am blown away by her professionalism and control. My dog is progressing SO fast because of Lauren’s methods. She is the best trainer! |
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| Lauren Langman | I have nominated Lauren because I think that her training methods are the best around. She is a very motivational trainer and her methods suit collies and other breeds alike. She has achieved a huge amount with her own dogs, especially Popi, who as been to the World Championships twice. She is constantly trying to improve her knowledge and adapts her methods to suit individual dogs. She has helped me a lot with both my dogs. | |
| Lauren Langman | I nominate the above for the best trainer because: Lauren is an amazing trainer, her lessons are small classes, all dogs working at the same, very interesting. l have never trained in this environment before but wish l had. Lauren is a special person she gives all time up for our needs and for the love of agility, by giving us all her spare time she never got time to train her own puppy, that’s what you call commitment. | |
| David Munnings | I would not have achieved as much over the last 3 years without his hard work and teaching me to understand my dogs. | |
| Angie Carter | It is natural to want to nominate your own trainer for this award ... but this award is about more than loyalty, thanks or even friendship. A trainer is responsible for so much .... in essence, training some of our future handlers and dogs. So I thought hard about this nomination and am happy to nominate Angela Carter for Best Trainer. Angie runs a small independent club in Badshot Lea. Her personality is larger than life and that, combined with her love of dogs, love of people, patience, sense of humour and passion for agility all combine to make her the very best trainer. Angie takes classes with absolutely no discrimination. Whether that be small, medium or large dogs, complete beginner to grade 7, junior, disabled, or just plain slow to learn like me – so long as you want to have fun with your dog , – everyone is welcomed; even those who train at other clubs but come to her to sort out a particular problem that their trainers cannot help with ! It doesn’t matter if you just want a 1 hour a week hobby or decide to make agility your life, every dog and every handler is given the same consideration. She is always there at shows, helping you to walk courses until you feel comfortable doing it yourself. A problem part of a course you encounter will find itself into the next training session without being asked. And perhaps her really magic quality is that ‘one solution does not serve all’, she will work and work with different approaches until one is found that works for you. She celebrates every ‘win’ with genuine joy, whether that be a 1st clear round, a spectacular E but stayed in the ring or a red rossie. Always looking for new ways to do things whilst encompassing the best of the old (have you seen the purple jackets running around like windmills, or with arms up in the air round the whole course or approaching a contact backwards?) , she shouts and swears when we get it wrong (not the junior class!) and claps and cheers when the dog gets it right. Everyone who trains there leaves feeling they have had a really good session. She has developed a really great ‘club’ feeling where everyone supports each other. Who hasn’t seen or more appropriately ‘heard’ Badshot Lea crowd cheering at a club members’ presentation? Angel? No. A damned good trainer who lies awake at night thinking of solutions to individual problems and never ever gives up? Yes. I wouldn’t train anywhere else. |
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| Greg Derrett | I think a great trainer is first and foremost knowledgeable in all aspects of what they are instructing; not only do they truly understand the theory behind what they teach but have personal experience and success with what they are training. The best of trainers are also clear, well spoken, and logical in their teaching methods. They can also instruct the very basics to beginners to training up through the top levels. I nominate Greg Derrett as I believe he not only possesses the above qualities, but his instruction is based upon his passion. Greg has instructed agility since he was 16 yrs old, beginning in 1991 to the present. When he first began instructing, he lead the club which he helped start, Prestbury Park, win the local league for 5 yrs in a row. In the past, GT Agility, his own training club, and Prestbury Park also won the Agility Club of the Year awards. Besides Greg’s numerous accomplishments in agility competition himself (see nomination for All Time Handler) he has also helped several of his students achieve the top levels in Agility. He regularly has 4-5 students at Olympia and Crufts and this year alone has 5 students qualified for Olympia. I originally met Greg from attending his seminars in the States, and was immediately impressed with the quality and logic of his handling and training. He has always been accessible to his students whether they are local students in person or at shows, or those abroad via internet, video or even phone. Not only does he have students world wide, but several of them have made their World Teams, past and present. These include Canada, USA and of course England. Susan Garrett from Canada solely uses Greg’s system of handling and has him in 3-4 times a year for instruction. Last year, Greg was the team coach for the IFCS World Champs which brought home 13 gold medals. In addition to world wide demand where he trains all levels and all kinds of dogs and handlers, he has produced 2 videos on agility training and handling with 8,000 currently sold world wide. More videos are in the works as well. Finally, Greg has not only developed and refined a consistent training system, but his education (Advanced Studies Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour) further supports his training methods. He has highlighted the necessity of positive reinforcement in agility training, instead of punishment based methods so often used. Because of this, what makes him ‘The Best of Trainers’ is that he has helped in creating not only a higher standard in agility but he has also helped facilitate better handler and dog relationships. |
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| Colin and Toni Johnson | Colin and Toni have been training me and my GSD “Angel” for the past 2 years. Angel wasn’t a very confident dog and afraid of every piece of equipment, but through Colin and Toni’s excellent coaching, patience, and encouragement, we are now at competition level and have won several places. This is something that I didn’t think we would ever achieve in my wildest dreams. So I want to thank them for making my dreams come true. | |
| Lesley Olden | I would like to nominate Lesley Olden for the “Best Trainer”. Lesley is a brilliant trainer and has taught me that it is the foundations of agility that are so important; without solid basics you just don’t have anything.
There are no excuses when you are training with Lesley! Well, you can try and give one, but the reply will usually be “Just do it”! She is right; you need to put the work in to get the success. As a trainer, Lesley does not let us get away with anything and she always inspires us to improve. The results speak for themselves; this year Lesley’s students have achieved the highest points in the Agility Club league table after only two years of being an “official” club. |
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| Lesley Olden | Leslie has trained at club level since 1986 and then in 1999 began training privately. Her successes as a trainer are demonstrated in her student’s successes. For example 4 students qualifying for the World Championships including 3 reserves, 17 qualifying for Olympia finals between 2005-7, 12 achieving Grade 7, and many, too numerous to mention, achieving wins promoting them in the lower Grades. Her club Nedlo, (where she is the only trainer), has achieved astounding results 5200 points to date (over 1500 points differences between the other leading clubs). She has trained extensively abroad in Japan, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Scotland, Poland and Portugal. Her wide knowledge and ability to teach effectively to all and understand her student’s dogs is evident in the high regard her students have of her. She selflessly explains how to get the best from the dog and more importantly how to read a course and run it to your best advantage, even though she may be competing against you at a later date. She gives honest criticism with good humour. I personally have found her extremely helpful and supportive in training a difficult but talent dog and together we have achieved success. | |
| Elaine Auty | Elaine has helped me immensely during the past 3 years. She is extremely patient and is able to diagnose and solve any problem that appears. She kept my place open for me when I had an operation last year, and helped me to get back to normal after a long lay off. | |
| Jo Rhodes | I nominate Jo because I have been competing in Agility for about five and a half years but have only trained with Jo for just over a year. In the year prior to joining Jo’s class, and after winning out of Starters, the highest place we achieved was a 19th place in Novice. Since training with Jo I have had several top 5 Novice/Grade 5
placings and won into Grade 6. Jo believes in being totally consistent and therefore giving the clearest message possible to your dog and we have benefited considerably from this approach. Any mistakes that are made in training or on courses are due to inconsistencies in your handling or training and therefore your dog is never wrong! She demonstrates her philosophy when she trains her own dogs in class and is always upbeat with them. |
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| John Gilbert | Not just because his club Faldo has won the Premier League three years running and the amount of top places members get each year, but because John gets new handlers from raw beginners to handlers competing at high levels, time and time again, but still keeping it fun. |
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Charlie Wyatt | Charlie’s courses are always something to look forward to. Whatever the level he is judging, he manages to pitch his courses just right. I have never known one not to be flowing and fun to run, without recourse to obvious “traps” and silly things like 9 weave poles. That is not to say that his courses aren’t challenging, they can be, but they are always fair. In addition, Charlie is very pleasant and good humoured, even after a long day’s judging. |
| Andy Longley | He's a great, friendly, patient judge who sets appropriate courses which are great to run and challenging. | |
| Dave Jolly | Dave generally speaking sets courses to the level required & is always consistent with his marking - so much so that any dogs at our club that are 'iffy' on the see-saw are told "Dave Jolly wouldn't give it". | |
| John Gilbert | John is the epitome of an ideal judge. He is well prepared, sets courses appropriate to the level of dog competing, he is ready to make a decision immediately on anything that occurs in his ring and he doesn’t make up his own rules as he goes along. He must be one of the longest serving judges we have and certainly, due to the time he has been in the sport, the most experienced. | |
| Jenny Lovegrove | I nominate Jenny because she always sets appropriate courses for the level of dogs and handlers, especially Grades 1 and 2. She always makes it fun when she is in the ring, and gives encouragement when it has all gone horribly wrong! | |
| Don Curtis | Don always does nice courses. He is a nice, friendly judge. I never feel hassled when things have gone horridly. | |
| Keith Brookes | I would like to nominate Keith Brookes for the following reasons: He always sets courses which are just right for the levels/grades of dog in the class His courses will always flow but require concentration and control on the part of the handler There are usually one or two little “traps”, which ensure that handler and dog have to work together to achieve a clear round, but never anything that is impossible to achieve He always looks smart and business-like when judging, giving you confidence that he is respecting the role and responsibility he has been given as a judge His briefings are always clear and precise He never sets “silly” course times He always judges the contacts properly according to KC rules and is one of the few people who runs the length of the dog walk for every single dog When I have seen him judge a final his course has been sympathetic and appropriate to the occasion He never seems to get fed up when it gets to the end of a long day He treats Mini/Small dogs and handlers with the same respect as Large dogs and doesn’t resort to building courses in a quarter of the ring. |
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| Andy Brown | Always sets appropriate courses and judges fairly and has on a few occasions stepped in at the very last minute when a Judge is needed. | |
| David Isbister | I would like to nominate David in this category as I feel that he not only sets great courses, appropriate for the standard he is judging, but that he also seems to enjoy his judging. This comes across to competitors, his patience making everyone feel they deserve to be there. David freely gives up his time to judge even though for several years he hasn't had a dog to compete with. He does this because he enjoys the sport and the people. I also feel it's noteworthy that all of David's judge's expenses last year were donated to charity. For those of you that know David I think you will agree he would be a 'fantastic' choice for best judge. |
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| Bill Glover | Courses are always very fair and pleasant to run. | |
| Amanda and Arthur Rodgers | Courses are always very fair and pleasant to run. | |
| Richard Brain | Not only does Richard always set interesting courses, always appropriate to the class level competing, but he always enjoys the job, and shows it. He is always smiling and shows the same enthusiasm for every run he judges. But most importantly, he always has time to offer words of encouragement and support no matter how good or bad the run has been. This is particularly encouraging for new/less experienced handlers. |
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Jimmy White | For years, Jimmy has been seen come rain or shine in the ring, and in all that time I've never known him run a dog of his own. At first he always undertook the unenviable task of manual timing, more recently he scribes. He is utterly unflappable and always pleasant, even in the worst of weathers and his "in your own time, young lady" is just part of agility! At a time when many shows struggle to staff rings because people are too busy doing their own thing, I think Jimmy deserves recognition for scribing above and beyond the call of duty. |
| Jimmy White | For as many years as I have been doing agility, Jimmy has spent his weekends, firstly as a completely reliable time-keeper, and then latterly as a scrimer. As far as I am aware, Jimmy has never run a dog. His immortal words “In your own time, young lady/man” will be remembered by most of us forever, I am sure. Jimmy is also a very friendly and reassuring face to see when you are full of nerves, and he is a generally lovely man. I suspect he is very much taken for granted in the agility world and I would love to see him honoured. | |
| Jimmy White | When you have heart palpitations on the line and a lovely man with a lovely voice tells you “in your own time young lady”, he makes you feel so much at ease with that great smile on his face. With a friend of mine with short legs he always added “and run like hell!!!” | |
| Jimmy White | Jimmy must have timed and then scrimed a zillion times - over so many years he has willingly helped so many judges and shows. | |
| Ann Roberts | For her outstanding contribution to agility. Over the years Ann has worked tirelessly on behalf of the sport: writing reports on major events; working in the background for same events; judging; ring partying; catering; committee member of DIN and Hinckley DTC and lots more. She is always cheerful, helpful and tremendous fun to work with! | |
| Howard Weston | I wish to nominate Howard Weston because he selflessly gives of his time and energy at every single show he enters. You can guarantee that if Howard is at a show he will be busy with some job or other, doing his best to help things run smoothly with the minimum of stress for those around him. He might be managing a ring, helping in the score tent, collecting or delivering score sheets to/from rings, building a course, giving announcements over the PA system, calling in, making refreshments for the ring party.... you name it, he can do it! He never seems to stop working from the moment he arrives on a morning when he checks if anyone is still needing help setting up and pegging down a course, to the moment he leaves – which is quite often after most people are back in their caravan or already on the way home. If a course for the next day is still being set up, he will be there, mallet in hand, regardless of the weather. I guess people would say that it is easy for him to volunteer to help as he only competes with one dog, but there are many, many handlers in this position who frequently do nothing other than run their dog. Howard could choose (as some people do!) to simply sit back and expect the show to happen but he doesn’t. And with all due respect, although he doesn’t qualify for a state pension yet, he is not really what you would call a spring chicken! It is a testament to how well respected he is and efficient at what he does that many who know him will endeavour to book him as ring manager the moment they accept an invitation to judge at a show. Howard is a gentleman in every sense of the word, and will always make time to ask how your runs are going, wish a handler good luck, offer encouragement, but most importantly to simply be there for whatever job – large or small – may need doing. If volunteering at a show were to be a salaried occupation then Howard would be agility’s first “ring party” millionaire because he single-handedly contributes so much time and effort. He will never shout or boast about how often he helps so he doesn’t always get the thanks or recognition he deserves. In my opinion, he is certainly an unsung hero. |
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| Dave Ray | I would like to nominate Dave Ray for the Unsung Hero of Agility award. I really think he should win the Lifetime Contribution to Agility but I know that nominations are not required for that category. I nominate Dave because I think it is safe to say that the huge sponsorship that came from Pedigree is most certainly down to Dave's hard work and enthusiasm for the sport. He must have spent most of his life over the past 20 years managing the agility world, including an awful lot of work at Crufts. Then, of course, was the time spent on the committee of the Agility Club and all the work he has done for the Liaison Committee. Agility owes him an awful lot. In spite of all this, he is just the same man as he always was - fame has not changed him! He is approachable to anyone and will always help if he can with any problems in as nice a way as possible. On top of all this, his commitment to his wife Mary is amazing - what would she do without him. I think his popularity and respect by so many was highlighted earlier this year when he was taken ill and it sounds as though even he was surprised at how many people were concerned for his health and sent their best wishes. |
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| Dave Ray | To put so much into Agility when not actually competing (yes I know he has run a dog a little but not for a good while!), even after a serious operation back up and helping sooner that he probably should, has helped agility to have so many major finals and played a huge part in the success that agility is now and for the future. | |
| Graham Taylor | Graham has been involved with agility for over 25 years, even though he has not worked a dog for about 15 years. He has been the innovator of many competitions and shows all over the country. I list below some of the events he has either organised or been involved with. Competitions: The Barbour Knockout Pairs, undoubtedly the most popular pairs competition to be run, culminating in the Final in the main ring at the Royal Show, Stoneleigh. This exciting competition gave dogs of average ability to feature in the placings. Barbour Clockwatcher for Senior dogs. Barbour Jump and Drive at Chatsworth. Barbour Bomber, a fun competition on Friday night before Easter. Barbour Personality of the Year. Multiple Ring Shows: Leamington 3-day show. Easter Eggstravaganza. Town and Country Show, Stoneleigh. Single Ring Shows/Demos: Chatsworth, Herefordshire Country Fair, Gatcombe, City of Swansea, Telethon Celebrity Challenge Windsor, Food and Farming Festival in Hyde Park, Blenheim, Belvoir, Gosford Park, and Norfolk. In addition to organising these events, Graham regularly helps out at the Beacon and Golden Valley Shows, and is a full-time commentator at The Pembroke 3-day show. Graham’s enthusiasm for the sport is as strong as ever and, in my opinion, he is the ideal candidate for the Unsung Hero of Agility. |
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| June & Paul Richardson (Agility Aid) | June and Paul have spent many years developing our show entry systems, ring cards & running orders as a service to many of the clubs and organisations that put on shows. We would not have been able to put on the large well organised shows that we have come to expect over the years without there dedicated efforts. We rarely see them at the shows these day but they are only a phone call away always happy and willing to resolve any problem that occurs in the preparation of the entries. |
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Ag Ch Spellcast Made in Heaven (Kite) | She is the dog that has made the biggest impact on agility since I can remember. The natural skills and ability that Kite demonstrates are amazing to watch. I can’t remember a partnership as Toni and Kite’s that has so effectively wiped the floor against all others. |
| Ag Ch Spellcast Made in Heaven (Kite) | For winning EVERYTHING there is to win except a WC individual medal. And some things twice! She is agile, fast and clever...just a perfect agility dog. | |
| Ag Ch Spellcast Made in Heaven (Kite) | The dog that everyone turns to watch, speed, control, in harmony with her handler and contacts to die for! | |
| Language Timothy | This Jack Russell, run by Keith Rump, and sadly no longer with us was rarely beatable in Mini Agility in his day. | |
| OBay Truly Balanced (Zen) | This dog is the most amazing sheltie ever! She broke records for getting the champ ticket in the shortest time for a shelite, has won Olympia at only 3 years old and is just amazing to watch. The highest drive medium sheltie around! Everyone wants a puppy from the Obay line now. She also gives them medium collies a run for their money! | |
| Ag Ch ForByFor Turbo Diesel | Diesel has a fantastic partnership with Simon Peachey. Not only being able to win the championship ticket at crufts shortly after recovering from injury but also winning many other weekend classes. Diesel has also produced some fantastic pups which also look like they have a bright future in agility. | |
| Ag Ch ForByFor Turbo Diesel | Diesel is an inspiration. Brilliant Agility dog who has overcome injuries and come back to the top of the sport. Has also produced many great pups, some of them will no doubt dominate the sport for the next years to come. | |
| Ag Ch Harvest Geld for Aprika (Portia) |
We believe this dog has achieved more over the last 10 years than any other agility dog. From the start of her ‘career’ to her recent, very reluctant, retirement she has gained prestigious results consistently over the entire span of the changing face of the mini/small agility scene. Since qualifying in 1997 for advanced status at 18 months old she has won all available finals, some many times over. These achievements have been in addition to having 3 litters of puppies (many of them now highly successful in their own right) and battling through 3 cancer operations.
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| Catch Me If You Can (Kizzy) | This award should be for the dog that has been successful over an extended period and that is certainly the fact with Sarah-Jayne Davies' Kizzy. They had such a long successful period – every final they were in for years and it was such a joy to see them work from their beginnings at Crufts in the Juniors through to beating all the grown ups! I remember watching this combination in the YKC at Crufts many moons ago and could not believe how fast and accurate this little merle collie was and handled in such a quiet manner. | |
| Rosedean Brigand (Ben) | Owned and handled by Don Horsfall won Crufts Agility in 1979. He was practically unbeatable in the early days of agility. Don even ran him at Crufts (I think in 1980) when Don had his leg in plaster – best directional round I have seen, with Don more or less standing in the middle and Ben doing the course on his own. | |
| Ag Ch Lunarlite Selena’s Tiger at Upanova (Miss Tiggy) | Tiggy is most certainly one of those dogs in a million and has been brilliantly consistent throughout her career. The partnership she and Alan have together is amazing and that special bond, respect and affection they have for each other shines through. Tigg may well come over for a quick pat but she has eyes only for Alan. Stolen for 5 months before she had even begun to compete Tiggy was recovered, bought back up to full fitness and, at her fourth show, won a Supadog Intermediate qualifier to go Senior. In 2000, at 3 years of age, she achieved Advanced status. Since then she has won 150 International, Open, Intermediate, Senior and Advanced agility classes including 17 K.C. Olympia qualifying heats. She has qualified for 110 finals winning 33 of them but being unable to run in 18 giving a fantastic ratio of winning one in every three finals run. She has won ten major Crufts finals doing the double in 2001 by winning both the Senior singles and knockout. Add to this the five finals at the Olympia Christmas show and you have a very special dog. Denied consideration for the World Championships because of her Working Sheepdog status (despite boasting a five generation pedigree) Tiggy was selected to represent England at the ISDS Home Nations Championships in 2002 where she won both the agility and jumping thus ensuring England were the inaugural champions. She was selected again in 2003 and once more helped England to victory. Tigg won the Agility Club league title in 2002 and 2004 finishing runner up in 2005 and 2006 and came third in 2001. She has won the Agility Eye Midlands Advanced tables from 2002 to 2005 and finished runner up in 2006 again showing her tremendous consistency. In 2006, at the age of nine and a half, Tiggy won the Dogs in Need Advanced Classic final, the Burguss Supadog final, came top of the Crufts qualifying heats league and won the Kennel Club Festival International British Open against 17 other nations. This qualified her to represent England in the International Pentathlon at Crufts 2007 where she was overall winner. On Mayday in 2003 Tigg hit a lifebuoy tyre resulting in a spinal/groin injury and an enforced two months absence. She returned in triumph at the Royal show in July and won the K.C. Olympia semi there. At the ISDS Home Nations the same year and despite it being on a straight, even run Tigg again hit the tyre and was out of action for five months. These injuries mean her lower spine is now virtually fused together therefore she is unable to turn tight, takes extra steps to compensate and jumps using mainly her forelegs. Despite this, and because she is obviously in no pain, Tiggy continues to enjoy competing but only in selected classes nowadays. If you get the chance go and watch this fantastic little dog run. It is a privilege to do so. |
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| Ag Ch Lunarlite Selena’s Tiger at Upanova (Miss Tiggy) | Tigg is Alan’s soul mate and watching them work together on a course is simply a pleasure to watch. Despite the injuries that Tigg has had she has come back and proved again and again that she can go out there and do it. The ability that she has reflects in the results and finals that she has won - a record that would be hard to match. | |
| Nedlo Magic Midge | (12/9/81 - 13/10/97) Handled by Lesley Olden, Midge won: Pedigree Chum Olympia final Spillers Knock Out Final Agility Dog of the Year Vethealth Final Barbour Pairs Knock Out Final Crufts Team Pedigree Chum Team Pedigree Chum Pairs Tex Chunks Started competing at 1 year (you could back then) and her last final was Olympia 1993. Fastest dog at Crufts when 13 years old, the year she won the Final. She qualified for Olympia every year of her working life. Worked 'A' in obedience. |
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| Llewellyn’s Little Gem (Lynn) | Who could forget Janet Baxter and Lynn gliding effortlessly around courses in the ‘90s? Janet’s commands were so silent, they were almost a whisper, and little collie Lynn (probably a Medium these days), seemed to work on autopilot. Such a quiet and unassuming pair, but that little dog used to have me mesmerised. If Championship classes had existed back then, this pair would have been Champions many times over. | |
| Gemmadean Black Magic | Magic has had a most outstanding career, winning Starters Jumping at Worcester in 2003. She has progressed to where she is now, at Grade 7, winning along the way all the major Junior finals as well as the YKC Agility Dog of the Year at Crufts 3 years running, and becoming an international star in Belgium in 2007. She regularly gains high places in “grown up” classes, 2007 being a fantastic year for her and her handler, Anthony Clarke, winning many firsts in Grade 7 and highly placed in Champ classes, also winning International Young Handler and British Open at the Kennel Club Festival. Magic never fails to enjoy her runs, giving her little “squeak” as she goes round in her smooth, collected way. Always a joy to watch, one you want to stop and watch. She absolutely adores Anthony and only has eyes for him. She is one in a million. As her name implies, she is simply Magic! |
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| Jaycee Sproglett | Jaycee Sproglett, owned by Greg Derrett. She was a dog that commanded attention not just in the agility ring but outside it as well. She strutted around with an air of importance that you couldn’t help but notice. If you knew her, you’d see that other dogs seemed to give her the same respect. Not only was Jaycee a remarkable personality but she was a wonderful companion and is no doubt one of the best ever agility dogs as she had so many achievements, some of which I list below: Dog of The Year (twice) Olympia Winner (twice) Olympia Runner Upper (twice) Crufts Team Winner (twice) Crufts Single Top 3 (four times) Barbour Pairs Winner Chum Team Winner (2-3 times) DIN Classic Winner (2-3 times) SupaDog final Winner (2-3 times) Jaycee proved to be an incredible agility dog throughout her career. Besides the above accomplishments she was top 3 in every major final of her time at least twice. Jay’s agility career was also credited with a couple of ‘first ever’ successes: first CC Winner at age 9 and member of the first British Team abroad - Oslo, Norway 2000. Unfortunately she died in Nov 2005. She was an amazing dog in both agility and every day life. She definitely will never be forgotten. |
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| One Moment In Time | Bex is an Advanced Agility Dog, having made his name in the 90's. He won several national titles including the RVC Knock-out Challenge and Chum Senior Classic; he has appeared at Olympia and qualified for Chum Semis on countless occasions. The Champ classes appeared as he was gaining in years but he made all but 2 finals for all the Champ classes he entered. Bex also qualified for the Advanced Power and Speed final three consecutive Years and has appeared in nearly every agility final at every level from Novice through to Advanced. Bex appeared countless times at Crufts in the Flyball ring and was one of the fastest team members. He was very keen to please and wanted nothing more than to work, work, work. At home, though, he is the quietest in the house wanting nothing more than a cuddle and to curl up on your lap. He has sired 3 litters of pups all of whom have his wonderful nature and his will to work. This year he has 2 sons and a grandson appearing at the Olympia finals. He now enjoys his retirement curled up on the rug in front of the fire. |
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K9 Time | Electronic timing has revolutionised agility, but has also caused problems when it fails or has been set up wrong. K9 Time's timing heads don't need adjusting for the height of the dog, and so when you have different heights in the ring, life is a lot easier! In addition to this, you can still record an accurate time if the dog runs under the first pole, or if a pole is knocked down on the start or finish in pairs - leading to less need for re-runs and all the problems that they cause. Finally, having introduced a great product, the company is committed to improving it to suit the needs of agility - eg trialling setting the finish gate to only stop if the dog goes over the bar, and not if it runs underneath. |
| John Gilbert | John has worked tirelessly over many years to facilitate the development of the sport. His efforts have resulted in improvements to standards right across the board. He is a knowledgeable; authoritative; approachable and highly respected individual within the agility world. | |
| Martin Pollard | The biggest change in Agility - electronic timing - no question. He was the man who made it robust & reliable enough to do away with hand held timing at all shows! Inadvertently the inventor of the scrimer! | |
| Martin Pollard | There has been lots of good innovations over the years but Martin had so many innovative ideas in his period in the agility world that I don’t think that there is anyone else who could touch him and he didn’t do it for money either. There was no way he would have got a decent return in what he put into the sport. We are not talking about jut being the first person in the UK to design and produce a reliable electronic timing system there was also competitive UVPC hurdles, a 6 piece A frame for ease of transport and the use of alloys in agility equipment, the list is endless. I’m sure if I did my research a bit more I could come up with several other innovations that were started by Martin and we accept as the norm today. | |
| Martin Pollard | I am not sure of the particular individual who should be accredited with this, but I believe the best agility innovation is the introduction of electronic timing. Not only has this equipment significantly reduced the amount of time it may take between one dog finishing a run and the next dog starting, but it has ensured that we now have absolute consistency of timing throughout any one class. Stopwatches were fine but always had the potential for error as it was simply impossible for the timer to ensure that they pressed the button on the watch at exactly the same point of the start/finish for every dog. Classes from Grade 1 upwards, including prestigious finals, and Challenge Certificates, are often decided in hundredths of a second. Electronic timing has removed the possibility of human error and ensured that if a handler loses a class by tenths of a second this is the true result and not just down to speed of reaction of the timer’s thumb on a button. I know it occasionally breaks down, but electronic timing is by far the one thing that has taken our sport forward in leaps and bounds. |
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| iShowServices (iSS) | Internet services in general provide a fast, efficient way to access and process information and iSS is no exception. Enabling a user to enter any show registered with iSS within minutes. Whether entering one dog at a one day show or six dogs at a week's show with camping, the process is quick and simple. Once entered the user receives instant confirmation of dogs entered, in what classes and category and if applicable, camping spaces booked so there's no need to worry about entries being delivered or not by post or in time. In addition iSS will assist with all queries that arise in connection with entering a show including changing existing entries for a dog measured into a different category. Once registered, the user is given a personal account that he/she credits to pay for show entries and iSS provides a multitude of options to credit the user's account. Whether payment by bank transfer, cheque, standing order or by debit/credit card. The safe, simple and comprehensive service is an innovation that has truly brought the process of entering shows into the 21st Century and made the task of entering shows a far quicker and easier task. | |
| The Agility Forum | What a brilliant idea for getting urgent messages about a show cancellation or for bouncing ideas off other experienced agility handlers and with lots of banter and keeps me entertained! | |
| Agility Aid | These days most show processors offer similar services for receiving and processing entries – but who originated and developed all of these ideas - Agility Aid. When agility shows first started ring cards were collected at the show (join the queue), running orders were pinned up on the wall and competitors had to find where & when they were running. Show secretaries had to write or type everything - ring cards, class draws (remember the days of pulling the running orders out of a hat/box), calling sheets, master list of all entries, & scribe sheets had to be written at the ringside. At the score table the way of recording time & faults was not easily understood (training was required!), and all results were recorded by ring number and the competitor’s + dog’s name looked up on the master sheet at the end of the class. Nowadays even small shows post out ring cards and a ring plan to competitors in advance, scribe sheets are pre-printed, new style scoresheets allow time & faults to be recorded by ring no., running order no., handler & dog name, and the system is easily understood by anyone. Even running a knockout is so much simpler using the system devised by AA. Without their innovative ideas agility would never have been able to grow as it has. Their ideas have been copied all over the country – indeed probably all over the world. No innovation category would be complete without giving recognition to the enormous contribution they have made over the years to the efficient running of shows. As Show Processors Agility Aid have lead where others have just followed! | |
| AgilityNet | I feel the Agilitynet deserves to be nominated because they provide an excellent service for the agility community. As long as you have internet access this service is completely free of charge. The site provides excellent information covering all subjects to keep everyone entertained and amused, as well as informed with the most up to date information. |
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Dave Ray | Mary's equally famous 'other half'. We all know the dedication he has put in to the Agility Club down the years - now on the Agility Council as well. This along with his input to the sport with Pedigree sponsorship. All this without competing with a dog! |
| Pedigree | One year after agility started Pedigree sponsored the first agility event, although someone actually said it was jumping at the time, which was held at the Olympia Christmas Horse Show. That in actual fact was 28 years ago and Pedigree sponsorship seems to have got bigger and bigger. There is no other company in the world that has supported agility as they have and we have all benefited from it. Virtually every agility competitor like myself has either tried to get into one of their finals or actually got there and when you think about it the fact that they put so much money and effort into agility must have helped get agility where it is today. We’ve had lots of sponsors over the years, most of them have been and gone but no other company that has shown the loyalty and generosity that Pedigree has. | |
| The Kennel Club | We’ve been very lucky in this country for agility to have the support from our Kennel Club and they had the foresight to recognise what a successful sport it was going to become. I am sure in every walk of life having a go at the organising body becomes a sport in itself but you only have to look at what is happening in the rest of the world to realise how good our KC have been. I sat watching the agility at Crufts last year and there was so much agility in the arena and it was being enjoyed by so many people it is obvious that it is the mainstay of the arena at Crufts and they have just announced that they now put in over £100,000 per year into agility sponsorship so there is no way they even get a return on the money on the fees that people and clubs pay to them. I know quite a few people in other countries and they are absolutely amazed at what happens in the UK because their Kennel Clubs give them next to no support at all. They just put up with agility. This year again we all had the chance to enter the KC’s own agility show at Peterborough and compete against the foreigners and talking to the people from abroad that is something else that no other country seems to have. Not forgetting of course that two or three years ago the KC has seemed to get themselves involved in the Olympia finals as well. | |
| The Agility Club | During the past 25 years, and probably a little bit before that, no organisation in the World has contributed more to the development of our sport, not only in Great Britain, but across the World wherever Agility is now a major pastime. In the early days, long before Agility had official K.C. Rules, it was The Agility Club alone who set the example, in fact they were the only voice at that time, when it could have gone so wrong, who brought all the interested parties together. The first Classification of Classes, the first rules for the competitor, the first equipment regulations, the first rules for Judging, the first Judging Seminars and the first Instructors Seminars, all of these things, albeit as guidelines, came solely from The Agility Club. 25 years later, The Agility Club is still steering Agility in the same innovative direction, most of the ideas they put to paper all those years ago, are almost unchanged, and have had a huge influence on the current K.C. Rules and Regulations that most people now take for granted. I am proud to nominate “The Agility Club” for no one person, club or organisation has made a bigger contribution to Agility. |
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| Barrie Harvey | Barrie is always there – many years as Chairman of The Agility Club; checking in campers on arrival; sorting out problems large and small, and always smiling. He has not run a dog for several years, but can still be found judging, helping his family, and supporting others at all shows, especially Linda at Supadogs. What would agility be without Barrie? | |
| Newton Heath DTC | I would like to nominate Newton Heath DTC for Contribution to agility, for championing the ABC dog through the ABC qualifiers. Heats are always well supported as are the finals, and there are some exceptional dogs that qualify. Newton Heath DTC were the first ones to see the potential of this type of competition and have worked hard to make it one of the most prestigious on the Agility calendar. Thanks to Newton Heath, many clubs now run ABC classes of some kind, whether qualifiers or not. |
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