Dogs and handlers have been competing in a number of agility competitions hosted by the Royal Kennel Club at The London International Horse Show, which took place from 18-22 December. The event showcased the skill and teamwork of dogs and their handlers, with winners awarded across ten competitions. Several of these winners have also secured their place at Crufts 2026, taking place from 5-8 March.
The London International Horse Show, held at ExCeL London, featured the highly anticipated Kennel Club Agility Stakes finals. Renowned as some of the most prestigious agility competitions globally, the finals brought together the year’s top-performing dogs and their owners, who competed in six categories.
The winners of the Kennel Club Agility Stakes, held in the International Arena, were:
- Medium - Jo Gleed and Ag Ch Devongem Firing It Up (Topic).
- Intermediate ABC - Jo Nash and This Is What Lu Came For (Lulu).
- Large ABC - Lynne Gittins and Dragonheart Red Destroyer (Red Dog).
- Intermediate - Michelle Waugh and Ag Ch Manicjax Summer Dreams (Otto).
- Large - Max Glover and Soldaze Dark Side Of The Moon (Sushi).
- Small - Helen Roberts and Art of Gold (Arty).
The London Arena saw the exciting Crufts semi-finals with dogs attempting to gain a spot in the final, held at Crufts, in March 2026.
The winners of the Crufts Semi-Finals were:
- Small Novice Cup - Lauren May and Naxshivan Witching Hour (AWS) (Luna).
- Medium Novice Cup - Kimberley Wilson and Auchendinny Hakuna Matata (AWG) (Nala).
- Large Novice Cup - Helen Anderson Postle and Montaki Race The Waves (Ragnar).
- Intermediate Novice Cup - Rachel Frost and Fandabidozi Soda Dream (Soda).
- Medium ABC - Lindsay Lightowler and Devongem Once Upon A Time (Wanda).
- Intermediate ABC - Rhia Turnball and Gitdoon Gee Uz A Shimmey (Twist).
- Large ABC - Jessica Clarehugh and Avonwolf Beanies Dizzy Dora (Dora).
The top eight winners of the Novice Cup Semi-Finals as well as the top 10 winners of the ABC Semi-Final are invited to Crufts for the final*.
The winners of the Discover Dogs Small/Mixi Pair Challenge Final were:
- Alan Bray and Ticita (Ag Ch Devongem Firestarter At Upanovatigers), and Stacey Irwin and Ticket (Ag Ch Devongem Blade Runner At Upanovatigers).
Catherine Guiver, Head of Events at the Royal Kennel Club, said: "Congratulations to everyone who competed at the 2025 London International Horse Show agility competitions. The level of talent on display across all classes was outstanding, and it’s been wonderful to see so many teams earn their place at Crufts 2026. We’re incredibly proud of all those who took part and look forward to welcoming many of them back to future Royal Kennel Club events, including Crufts in just two months time.”
All agility competitions were hosted by the Royal Kennel Club at The London International Horse Show, at ExCeL London, from 18 – 22 December 2025.
More information and a full list of results of the events in the London Arena are available here. The Agility Stakes results can be found here.
For handlers interested in getting started in agility with their dog, the Royal Kennel Club has created a guide which can be found online at royalkennelclub.com/newtoagility.