Calling all rising stars of the agility world...

 The Agility Challenge celebrates much of what is good in agility and is one of the 'must try' competitions on the agility calendar for G1-4 new handlers and experienced competitors with new dogs.

Launched in 2009 at Bretford DTS as an Easter 'Egg'stravaganza, 2022 will be the 13th time the Agility Challenge is being held. It was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic. For someone, it will be lucky!

The competition started as a public exhibition with a 'large show atmosphere' for Grades 1-3 dogs, the rising stars of agility. With changes to KC grade progression, it now is open to both new G1-4 handlers and those with second/third dogs.

Initially, heats were kept close to the location of the Final to ensure that finalists did not have to travel too far. Nowadays there are heats spread across the country. There will be two new venues this year - Daventry FC and Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show

With chances to qualify across the country, 50 partnerships - five from each of our host events, will be invited to the Agility Challenge Grand Final at the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday, 25th September 2022. It's a good day out for family and friends

April 2022

  • Andoversford Point to Point Festival - Andoversford (Gloucestershire) See results

May 2022

  • Severnside at The North Somerset Show - Wraxall (Somerset) See results

  • Worcester Premier Agility Show - Top Barn (Worcestershire) See results

  • Jubilee Agility Challenge - Daventry FC (Northamptonshire) See results

June 2022

July 2022

  • Bolesworth International Horse Show - Bolesworth Castle (Cheshire) See results

  • Tuffley Championship Agility Show - Tirley (Gloucestershire) See results

August 2022

  • Welsh Kennel Club Championship Agility Show - Builth Wells (Powys) See results

  • Bromsgrove Premier Agility Show - Droitwich Spa (Worcestershire) See results

September 2022

Schedules for all our host events are available on Agility Plaza, Agilitynet and all good sites elsewhere.

Good luck all!


Agility Challenge Final 2022

Malvern' s Autumn Show must have good connections with the weather gods as there was total cooperation this year. Set at the heart of this event, the established Top Dogs Arena once again offered a dedicated stage to showcase Agility's talented dogs. The giant tortoises were great too, but the dogs had the edge on speed.

With the competition aimed towards the rising stars of the Large dog Agility community, it' s regional heats seek to attract those who desire their first taste of an Agility final, and the morning classes allowed the dogs and handlers to get use to all the hustle and bustle of thousands of visitors before the afternoon' s big event.

The Large G1-4 Agility Challenge Final 2022 was billed as the climax to the show's three day canine programme, drawing great and appreciative crowds.

Judge Natalie Webb said, 'This was an exciting event to judge. The competition was held on the final day of The Malvern Autumn Show, so there was a large crowd watching and cheering as the dogs went round.

'Whenever I design a course, my aim is to create fast and flowing lines which are fun to run. This event was for novice dogs, so I tried to design something which was interesting yet achievable. Out of the 25 starters, four went clear. The majority of faults were given as a result of missed contact points.

'Congratulations to the overall winner, Annette Parker with her dog Sage. who only started competed in April 2022. This is a very young dog, so I know Annette will be excited about what the future has in store for them.'

Winner Annette Parker who has been doing agility since she was six years old,  said, 'Wow, what more can I say. I'm so proud of Sage for qualifying for the Final at Malvern. She took the crowd and different looking jumps un her stride and winning it was just an unexpected bonus. She has only just turned two, and we're both loving our agility journey. I'm really excited for the future.'

Ruth replied, 'It was my pleasure. It was a great day. Your run was fabulous.'

This year, as sometimes happens, the fastest 5 faults dog would have won the competition but that' s Agility.

SageAgility Challenge Winners 2022 Final

  1. Annette Parker with Credit to Dee's Paws -36.061 secs (C)

  2. Nicola Wright with Chazak Winter Warrior - 36.503 secs (C)

  3. Caroline Godfrey with Darleyfalls Perfect Storm - 37.127 secs (C)

  4. Kylie Reeks with Eclipse of the Blue Eye Boy - 39.152 secs (C)

  5. Iain Patz with Comebyaway Wot the Heck - 34.514 secs (5)

  6. Paul Fowler with Dylan of Denbigh - 40.467 secs (5)

  7. Kate Partridge with Galody Nosmoke Without Fire - 44.642 secs (5)

  8. Claire Rendel with Thutamba Wulff - 48.012 secs (5)

  9. Bridgette Wyre with Ditto at Amscor - 40.058 secs (10)

  10. Lisa Glynn with Jumpin Jaxx Flash - 40.386 secs (10)

 As ever our thanks go to Championship Agility judge Natalie Webb, Scrime Jill who together with Gillian, Jane, Don, Nigel and Steve made it all work so efficiently and also to all the partnerships for joining us. We hope everyone enjoyed their day.

Lastly but by no means least, we are indebted to Lisa at Paws Off The Floor for all the images. Check them out at https://clients.pawsoffthefloor.com/


 Heat 1
Andoversford Point to Point Festival

Andoversford Point to Point Festival welcomed Agility' s rising stars for the first heat of the 2022 Agility Challenge competition.

Judge Mike Blackford enjoyed a day in the sunshine in rolling Gloucestershire countryside. The day, however, was really Hilary Lewis' . Just ask her.

She said, ' I personally like this show as it's small with only one ring and I can wander around the other attractions and stalls and have a bet or two.

The agility ring was on a slope and every course ended with us having to run uphill. I think the judge was trying to kill us oldies off! I failed in thee runs and got an E (for Effort) so I wasn't holding out much hope for the Agility Challenge either. We did go clear only to be told the timer had failed. I wasn't going to run again as it was my first clear round since 2018 and I was happy with that, but I was encouraged by my agility buddies to get back out there and do it again Regaining my breath, I did just that and BOOM. We did another clear round. I was ecstatic and, to be told that I'd won the qualifier, was the icing on the cake!

Hopefully everyone found a winner or two.

Results

  1. Hilary Lewis with Flat Out Freddy - 35.667 secs (C)

  2. Bridgitte Wyre with Ditto at Amscor - 36.929 secs (C)

  3. Caroline Ruane with Riverspell Rushing Around - 37.027 sec (C)

  4. Julie Reeks with Eclipse of The Blue Eye Boy - 37.062 secs (C)

  5. Kathy Williams with Ame Magnanime Jorrick Jaguar - 40.204 secs (C)


Heat 2
 Severnside at The North Somerset Show

It seemed that most of the local population joined us at the 162nd North Somerset Show at Wraxall this year. The show layout created good visitor footfall to the ring, and the public was able to join in with their support regardless of whether the handler/dog got a clear or an elimination.

Judge Ffion Hughes had laid a lovely course with just the right amount of challenge.

She said, 'The dogs and handlers did really despite plenty of distractions from the public and the agricultural show. It was a hot day, and  luckily we had a brilliant ring party who helped maintain the smooth running to allow all handlers and their dogs a stress free lead up to the class. Well done to all. I enjoyed having the opportunity of judging.'

This year a G1 partnership won the heat, proving that a first timer can run a dog successfully in public. Congratulations to Rob Kilby and Maisy Breeze.

There were just eight seconds separating the five qualifiers.

Results

  1. Rob Kilby with Maisy Breeze - 32.470 secs (C)

  2. Lauren O'Connor with Get Ready to Run Belle - 34.432 secs (C)

  3. Sue Morrish with Woo Dares Wins - 34.911 secs (C)

  4. Nia Rose with Todalens Rhymney AW/B - 38.425 secs (C)

  5. Claire Rendel with Thutamba Wulff - 40.901 secs  (C)


Heat 3
 Worcester Premier Agility Show

Keith WIlliams and TweedyJulie Reeks and Alfie were on form! With a second qualification for the Final in this heat, word has it that Julie  could become a serial Challenge qualifier.

    Julie said, 'Alfie is three years old and tries so hard at everything we do. He is a star and great fun to run, too.'

She was in good company with the other finalists and judge Hilary Bowden at Top Barn - all enjoying the success and sunshine at Worcester's Top Barn.

Results

  1. Keith Williams with Laetan Charmer - 36.190 secs (C)

  2. Angela Williams with Scuba at Firebolt - 38.480 secs (C)

  3. Julie Reeks with Eclipse of The Blue Eye Boy - 38.800 secs (C)

  4. Kate Partridge with Galody No Smoke without Fire - 45.225 secs (C)

  5. Ann Cooper with Flick of Light Anrojo - 47.726 secs (C)


Heat 4
 Jubilee Agility Challenge

Thanks to everyone who joined is for the Jubilee Agility Challenge. Daventry Town FC was a very accommodating host.

Honest  - All the others were in the bar at Daventry Town Football Club.

Judge Selena Bray had the honour of judging this heat on what was is 'probably the best agility surface in the world.'

She said, 'The weather was changeable so I did have to adapt my original plan to reduce turning the dogs in the conditions I was faced with at times. There were many absolutely fantastic runs and remarkable 'nearly' runs which really kept me on my toes. It was great to see so many happy dogs and handlers leaving the ring regardless of how they'd done during their run Such a lovely show, and I especially liked the cream tea!'

Results

  1. Steve Young with King Timber - 27.794 secs (C)

  2. Marta Dec with Shep Teddy - 28.762 secs (C)

  3. Jennifer Coates with Killiebrae Hudson - 29.840 secs (C)

  4. Lisa Glynn with Jumpin Jaxx Flash - 32.280 secs (C)

  5. Hannah Lyon with A Different Point of View - 38.853 secs (C)


 Heat 5
 Wye Valley Agility Show

Judge Michelle Coles stood in Welsh sunshine alongside some well known faces who were successful on the day. And what can you say about Julie Reeks' hat trick but well done.

Julie Reeks and AlfieJulie said, 'My aim for this year was to try and qualify for the Agility Challenge and I was amazed when we did it first time. Can't believe that have now qualified three times. So far this year has been an amazing experience. I loved the coursesa and the photo after with everyone is great. Makes it all special.'

Results

  1. Stuart Doughty with Pounghkeepsie Audaertas - 36.238 secs (C)

  2. Emma Haines with Jiffa Jaffa Bear - 39.977 secs (C)

  3. Lorna Goodban with Skeebee McFlurry - 41.484 secs (C)

  4. Julie Reeks with Eclipse of The Blue Eye Boy - 41.863 secs (C)

  5. Rachel Jack with Brookes Luck Be a Lady - 45.266 secs (C)

Now halfway in the competition, Heat 6 sees us join Bolesworth International Horse Trials and Heat 7 at the Tuffley Championship Agility Show - both held during first weekend of July to find our next Agility Challenge 2022 qualifiers.


Heat 6
 Bolesworth International Horse Trials

Bolesworth is quite a grand horse event, with multiple sand arenas to display very impressive horses and riders. The Main Arena sits lower than the crowd with the entrance being under a bridge and the ring surrounded by a moat! There's usually a large crowd surrounding both of their competing rings and plenty of trade stands where you can spend your money.

The dog portion of the their events is usually behind the bar (very handy) and includes a have-a-go ring and Kennel Club competiiton ring with the beautiful Bolesworth castle loverlooking the exercise area and competition.

Results

  1. Heidi Clelland with Ivormyth Kinders Pride - 7.488 secs  (C)

  2.  Wendy Smith with Sky Blue Apple of My Eye - 57.244 secs (C)

  3.  Kate Partridge with Aeron Ellan - 40.778 secs (5f)

  4.  Sue Hannasford with Yellowhill Martha - 48.650 secs  (10f)

  5.  Megan Jones with Hedfan High - 48.175 (20f)

Heat 7
 Tuffley Championship Agility Show

The weather was so awful at Tuffley' s Championship Show that no one took a photo of judge Anna Braley and her winners at Heat 7.

Though the conditions were poor, Anna was pleased with the way the course ran well and she commented that there were some great runs!

The five new names who will shortly receive an invitation to the 2022 final are as follows:-

Results

  1. James Adams with Lilhaz Spring Into Blossom - 30.459 secs (C)

  2. Jodie Brutto with Borderpops Six of Diamonds - 31.886 secs (C)

  3. Iain Patz with Comebyanaway Wot the Heck - 32.158 secs (C)

  4. Tracy Moerel with Zhanisgo Express Approval - 32.187 secs (C)

  5. Caroline Godfrey with Darleyfalls Perfect Storm - 32.949 secs (C)


Heat 8
 Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show

The green, green grass of our Welsh hosts was a pleasant surprise for most dogs here at Builth Wells after one of the driest summers on record. The Challenge joined Welsh Handler of The Year, Agility Club and Championship qualifier classes with Lee Amos in charge of The Challenge today.

Results

1.    Steph Thomas with Just Call Me Mae Bee - 32.485 secs (C)

2.    Lynne Gittins with Dragonheart Kato King Khaos - 33.960 secs  (C)

3.    Jane Sutton with Mr Flick Be Quick - 34.535 secs (C)

4.    Barrie James with Darleyfalls Oggi Oggi Oggi - 36.045 secs (C)

5.    Laura Mordecai with Sierra Purple Lady - 40.831 secs (C)


 Heat 9
 Bromsgrove DTC Premier Agility Show

Hanbury Showground was venue choice for Bromsgrove Premier Agility Show. Becky Leighton' s course provided all the qualifiers with a clear round today although one corner seemed to catch out quite a few others.

She told Agilitynet, 'I tried to design a course that I felt all the grades could succeed at, so I think I managed that. I think the most faults were in the weaves - or missed contacts . Most eliminations were for not completing the weaves.

'The winner was Nicky Wright with Ren, a red and white BC. I remember that round well. It absolutely blew me away. It was fast and pretty much foot perfect.'

Results

  1. Nicola Wright with Chazak Winter Warrior - 29.609 secs (C)

  2. Paul Fowler with Dylan of Denbigh - 33.668 secs (C)

  3. Joanna Shaw with Foxy Flake - 34.506 secs (C)

  4. Annette Parker with Credit to Dee's Paws - 35.139 secs (C)

  5. Susannah Thomas with Phantom Revelation - 36.338 secs (C)


Heat 10
 Chatsworth Country Fair

For our last five Agility Challenge qualifiers, the Chatsworth Country Fair, back after a two year Covid absence, provides us the final stage for 2022. Fortunately, the weather forecasters were proved wrong with most of long weekend bathed in warm sunshine. It certainly brought a smile to the faces of our final five Agility Challenge qualifiers as well as our judge Jackie Smith who, after a three year wait, finally got to judge at Chatsworth.

Results

  1. Lindsay Bentley with Darleyfalls Cruise Control - 32 945 secs (C)

  2. Nicola Trickett with Thorntonfern Kestrel - 47.846 secs(5f)

  3. Rosie Holmes with Custard The Dragon - 39.347 secs (10f)

  4. John Horton with Shifty Nifty Nuala - 45 808 secs (10f)

  5. Julie Plant with Jonjoo's Extremus Lexi - 41.483 secs (20f)

Graham Taylor said, 'With thanks to all the hard working host show secretaries, judges and ring parties. I am sure all would want to wish the very best of good luck to the partnerships at the final.'

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