"Life is a rollercoaster, you just gotta ride it"
Three years ago I relocated to Driffield, ready to start a new chapter in my life.
Dogs have always been by my side and it's hard to explain how special it is to have that bond and companionship. I have been very fortunate to train my dogs with great trainers in various activities. However there was one sport in which I had never had the opportunity to get involved.
Then in January 2024, I saw a Facebook post from Jason Smawfield-Huby of Agility at Wagtails....a beginner's space was available in one of his groups. One phone call later and Jason said yes to a tryout. 🐾🏃♀️🎉 My partner in crime is Luca a medium-sized labradoodle, my little ginge😁 He is sensitive, eager to please and enjoys learning.
I was like a rabbit in the headlights for a few weeks.......more than a few if I'm honest!! Jason has always been supportive and encouraging and has an eye for developing you and your dog as a partnership whether it's building foundations or fine-tuning skills for top level competition.......with positive, reward-based
training. As a championship handler competing at national and international level...... AND the first ever senior world champion with his super poodle Hope🎊🤩........you know you are in safe hands. Jason is clear and constructive with his training and doesn't shy away from pushing you out of your comfort zone. He wants you to succeed as much as you do whether preparing for competition or reaping the rewards of developing your bond with your dog. Wagtails is a friendly and supportive agility community. At our first independent show in July 2024 I was so proud of Luca's clear second place 💖 We entered a few more independent shows and I hoped to enter RKC shows in 2025 and dare to dream of winning out of Grade 1!!
As our partnership grew in confidence, my nerves began to settle and I was enjoying being in competition. After our first competitive year we had won into Grade 5.....WOW....Such an incredible feeling! 2026 has been another phenomenal year with us competing in 4 agility finals - 3 clear rounds including a win and a final later this year. We have now won into the top
grade, 7, and can compete against the best agility partnerships in championship classes. Luca also has a gold agility warrant🤩
What we have achieved still seems rather surreal and I keep having to pinch myself. We have an amazing haul of rosettes, trophies and certificates but most of all I have a wonderful companion who loves travelling around the country, camping with friends and running around the agility ring as much as the woods, then chilling out in the evening 💖
Our Wagtails training continues as Jason helps Luca and I improve our skills and who knows what could happen next year?? 🐾🏃♀️🌈
Our agility adventure is full of ups and downs as anything can happen when you're dealing with humans and animals!! I have to constantly remind myself of that.......as does Jason🤣
I am soooo proud of my little ginge, and all that we have achieved has only been possible thanks to the expertise, patience, support and good humour of Jason and Agility at Wagtails. I am so unbelievably grateful that you said yes! 🐾🤩