Somerset duo race to victory at international agility festival
A local dog and her handler are celebrating after clinching the top spot at The Kennel Club International Agility Festival.
Kirsty Armitstead, from Yatton, Somerset along with her dog, Cuba, triumphed in the Intermediate Kennel Club Agility Stakes quarter-final on Thursday 7 August, a win which qualifies the duo for the semi-final taking place in London in December.
Kirsty reflected on the win: “I am over the moon that Cuba and I won the Intermediate Kennel Club Agility Stakes quarter-final. To win against so many partnerships I really admire was really surreal; I'm still in shock to be honest!
“Cuba has been spoilt with a new toy, cuddles and lots of treats - although she'd be happy to just play more agility!
“I've been doing agility for seven years, but Cuba is only in her 3rd competitive season and she's making lots of my dreams come true so hopefully there's more to come in the future. Fingers crossed for December - we'll give it our best shot!”
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, which is proudly sponsored by Skinner’s, brought together dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds over four days (7-10 August) at Rutland Showground. Competitors from across the UK and overseas took to the 18 rings to showcase their agility skills by weaving through poles, soaring over jumps and darting through tunnels in more than 250 competitions.
Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Officer at The Kennel Club, commented: “A huge well done to Kirsty and Cuba on their impressive performance and win.
“It’s fantastic to see so many talented dogs and owners taking part at the festival, it’s a true showcase of this amazing sport and the strong bonds it builds.”
Ben Skinner, of Skinner’s, added: “Congratulations to all the winners and participants at this year’s Kennel Club International Agility Festival. Watching these incredible dogs and their dedicated owners is always a privilege.”
Full results and more details about The Kennel Club International Agility Festival can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/IAF. For those curious about starting agility with their own dog, there’s an introductory video available online at thekennelclub.org.uk/newtoagility.