A 25-year-old woman from Bawdsey says dog agility has transformed her confidence, given her a sense of purpose and introduced her to a close-knit community as she prepares to compete at the Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival this week.
Jasmine "Jas" Gedny, a Technical Support Officer, will compete across all four days of the festival with her Springer Spaniel, Fern (RKC registered Fern Up the Heat), and Cocker Spaniel, Lily (RKC registered Purple Blossom Jasmine). The trio will take part in a range of graded classes, with both dogs also competing in the Novice Cup, while Fern will additionally contest the ABC Stakes.
Jas first discovered agility after her mum suggested trying a local club around four years ago. What began as a fun hobby quickly became a passion, with Jas now planning much of her life around training and competitions.
Fern, who was Jas' first agility dog, qualified for Crufts in her very first year of competition, while three-year-old Lily has rapidly climbed from Grade 2 to Grade 5 in just one year and has already earned her second win towards Grade 6.
Beyond the competition ring, Jas says agility has had a lasting impact on her life, helping to boost her confidence, improve her mental wellbeing and introduce her to a supportive community of friends from across the UK.
Jas said: "Agility has changed my life in so many ways. Before I started, I didn't really have a hobby, but now I have something I'm incredibly passionate about and a community I get to see almost every weekend.
"Everyone supports each other, no matter how your run has gone, and that's one of the things I love most about the sport. I've made amazing friends, grown in confidence and had so many experiences I never thought I'd have.
"It's also something really special that I get to share with my mum. We've made so many brilliant memories together through agility, and I'm really looking forward to competing with Fern and Lily at the International Agility Festival."
The Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival, held at Rutland Showground, is one of the UK's biggest celebrations of dog agility, attracting almost 2,000 handlers and more than 3,200 dogs from across the UK and overseas.