Most nine-year-olds spend their weekends playing football or swimming. But for Peterlee schoolgirl Cassy Kitching, weekends are all about weaving through jumps, racing through tunnels and competing alongside her four-legged best friends.
Just one year after taking part in her very first agility competition, Cassy has already finished runner-up in the Young Kennel Club Jumping Cup at Crufts 2026, qualified for three Crufts 2027 competitions and, most recently, claimed first place in her class at the Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival.
For Cassy, the agility bug runs in the family with mum Sarah taking part in the sport and involving Cassy from a young age.
"I watched my mum doing agility and thought, 'That looks really fun - I want to do it!'" said Cassy.
Despite feeling nervous before her first competition, Cassy says she wasn't worried about the result and that outlook has stayed with her ever since.
"What I love most is how enjoyable it is. It doesn't matter if it goes wrong because it's fun for both you and your dog."
Cassy currently competes with SWAT, an experienced Border Collie she was introduced to through friends she has made in the agility community. While SWAT has helped launch her agility career, Cassy is also eagerly waiting for her own Shetland Sheepdog, Pearl, to be old enough to compete. At just one year old, Pearl is still too young for competitions, but training is already well underway.
"Pearl is really playful and she makes me laugh," said Cassy.
When she's not practising agility, Cassy admits she has a special squeaky voice she uses just for Pearl and says her dog's favourite treats are cocktail sausages.
Her favourite obstacle? "The tunnel!” she says, “I love how fast they zip through it, and you can hear them barking inside.”
Agility has become a true family affair. Cassy's mum has competed for more than 30 years and is delighted to see her daughter following in her footsteps.
"I'm so proud of her," she said. "Watching her grow in confidence over the past year has been incredible. It's also lovely welcoming her into a community that has been such a big part of my own life for so many years."
Cassy, however, has her own view on the family rivalry.
"I think I'm better than my mum now!" she laughed.
Although many of her school friends are surprised by her unusual hobby, Cassy hopes more young people will give agility a go.
Her dream is simple: to become an agility champion one day.
And what advice would she give to anyone thinking of trying the sport for the first time?
"Be loud and confident... and remember to have fun."