In the world of Dog Agility, there are two “Big” shows each year on the calendar with a total of 6 UK titles to hold: Crufts Championship, Singles, Novice, ABC and British Open) and Olympia.
James and Willow have been lucky enough to compete and win all the Crufts titles over the past 4 years. However, the one title which to this day still eludes them is Olympia!
Olympia, now known as the “London International Horse Show” hosts the kennel club agility stakes final. It is built up of 12 qualifying rounds over 12 months, a semi final in September with its prestigious final at the London International Horse Show in December, just before Christmas.
Anyone who’s been to this show before will tell you the atmosphere is electric: it brings crowds of thousands to spectate at the finals. It’s a spectacular festive event that crowns the Kennel Club Agility Stakes champion in the main arena in all its glory. An event not to be missed whether you’re an equine fanatic, dog enthusiast or just a festive-spirit lover!
Since the age of 4, Willow has qualified for every semi-final, however she has never managed to make it to the final due to a missed contact or dropped pole in their semi-final run – which is so unusual for the pair. It was almost an Olympia curse; James never thought they would get there.
However, this year as Willow turns 8 years old. Their dream came true and the have finally qualified for this year’s final on Monday 18th December at the Excel down in London – Yahoo!
Now, the courses set at this particular event are often huge, with large distances and lots of straight lines for speed and race line finishes – which is always an exciting finish for spectators! However, this doesn’t play to Willow and her little legs’ strength; she can’t beat the larger dogs on a straight line – her diddy legs can’t keep up. So, this year James is praying for a technical course in the final to showcase Willow’s skills and allow her to make up some ground time on the big dogs! James and Willow are truly so grateful and utterly delighted to finally make it to the final, and whatever the outcome, will be filled with pride and enjoy every moment.
The finals are often televised, so tune in and watch all the amazing events that the International Horse Show offers on its program, and if you wouldn’t mind, keep your fingers crossed for our little-legged spaniel.