I haven’t always participated in Agility, in fact I have only been competing for the past 7 or 8 years, and also now I also run a successful Agility Training business. Prior to my agility career I have been riding horses since very young. Alongside my Agility hobby, I’ve been a paediatric nurse for 13 years, working in various healthcare settings, general paeds, PICU, managing respite units etc. and I feel that with all of this experience and my teaching qualification, it has contributed to my current Agility Training business success.

The Beginning

I originally started participating in Agility with my beautiful American Bulldog “Talli”. I had always wanted a dog, from a very young age, but unfortunately due to family & work commitments I was unable to own a dog for quite a while. So, when I was old enough and “responsible” enough, I got Talli, my American Bulldog. I took Talli to puppy classes and then met Andrew Dicker (Chairman of Thames DTC) and the rest is history so to speak. I started training and competing in Obedience with Talli. I’ve always enjoyed being with animals and forming a bond, building relationships and participating in activities. I really enjoyed the obedience and wanted to do more with Talli and so I went ahead and started Agility.

Talli

Born - August 2007 · Passed - June 2015

Talli was a fabulous dog, one in a million with the kindest and biggest heart. She enjoyed her agility career, albeit a little short. Talli qualified us for many finals, and got us to Discover Dogs multiple times. Being a much heavier dog, and my passion for maintaining full fitness and health especially in later life, I retired her early at 6 years. A decision I was very happy to have made.

My Current Dogs

Bond

Born September 2016 · Present

Bond has brought a little more “crazy” into the Stevens household. He is full of fun and loves to work. I have learnt so much from Bond and he makes me laugh every day due to one reason or another. He has been a lot of fun to train, and we started our competitive Agility career in 2019 where he won up to Grade 6. I love this little man so much, he has taught me so much in a short space of time, and I’m sure will continue to do so.

Rambo

Born – September 2015 · Present

We had moved to Cheltenham, Grace was nearly 2 and Graham’s work had increased quite a lot. We made the decision to let me continue with Rambo’s agility training and Agility career.

Rambo has taught me a lot, especially as he has a strong eye and a strong work drive. We are currently competing in Grade 6. I’m loving our journey together – Rambo likes to keep me on my toes!

Jade

Born - March 2011 · Present

Jade was my first collie, she has taken me all the way from Grade 1 to Grade 7. She has competed at Crufts and Discover Dogs multiple times. She has had a litter of beautiful puppies, including Rambo, who are all doing well in their own disciplines. In 2017 Jade and myself were selected to be part of Team GB and in 2018 have been selected as part of the Team GB to travelling to Vienna, Austria to compete in the European Open in July. Jade is the most sweet and honest girl and I feel very lucky to have her in my life. She has taught me so much and without Jade wouldn’t be where I am today.