The Kennel Club’s International Agility Festival wrapped up on Sunday, 11 August 2024, after four days of intense competition and canine agility displays.
The event, held at Rutland Showground in Oakham, brought together thousands of dogs and handlers from across the UK and around the world. Participants competed in over 200 events, showcasing their skills across various agility courses.
A Festival of Diversity and Skill
Supported by Skinner’s, the festival welcomed dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds, competing in four size categories across 18 rings. The 200 classes featured a range of obstacles, including hurdles, poles, and tunnels, challenging competitors to demonstrate their training and agility.
The festival not only provided an opportunity for handlers and their dogs to compete at a high level but also served as a qualifying event for prestigious upcoming competitions. Some of the top performers earned their spots at the London Arena agility events, set to take place at the London International Horse Show in December. Others are now preparing to compete at Crufts, the world’s largest dog show, in March 2025.
Recognition for Excellence
Ben Skinner of Skinner’s expressed his admiration for the participants, stating: “A huge congratulations to each of the winners and participants of The Kennel Club International Agility Festival. It is a pleasure to see all these amazing dogs and their owners take part in the competitions – we are always proud to sponsor this wonderful event. It is inspiring to see the dedication and skill demonstrated at these events. Everyone who has taken part should be very proud of their achievements in the ring.”
Catherine Guiver, Head of Events at The Kennel Club, also praised the participants, saying: “Congratulations to all the winners at this year’s International Agility Festival! We were so impressed by the talent displayed and we look forward to seeing many of them return to further competitions at Crufts and the London International Horse Show. And well done to all the dogs and handlers that have competed and shown great skill and confidence in the rings over the last four days.”
The International Agility Festival continues to be a significant event in the canine sports calendar, providing a platform for dogs and handlers to showcase their hard work, dedication, and agility. As the event concludes for another year, anticipation builds for the upcoming challenges at London International Horse Show and Crufts, where many of the festival’s participants will aim to continue their success.
Image by Yulia Titovets and The Kennel Club
