A YOUNG dog owner from Dorset is celebrating her success at the world-renowned agility festival.

Isabella Cox, 17, from Three Legged Cross, competed at Kennel Club International Agility Festival on Saturday, August 12 with her 19-month-old Papillon, Fidget.

The pair took first place in the Small Kennel Club Starters Cup agility semi-final, qualifying them to compete in the final at The London International Horse Show.

This event, taking place in December, will see Isabella and Fidget compete against five other pairs.

Isabella, who has been competing in agility for three years, said: “I was super excited to have made the semi-final and had no expectations of Fidget at all, however, she had other plans.

“We ran near the beginning due to a clash with another class so I had no idea where she was sitting place wise or how the class was progressing until the very end.”

The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, which is supported by Skinner’s, is a four-day event welcoming dogs of every size, shape and breed.

Skilled competitors from all over the UK and abroad entered the rings to navigate the jumps, weaves and tunnels.

Ben Skinner, of Skinner’s, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and competitors of The Kennel Club International Agility Festival.

“It is wonderful to see everyone enjoying competing at the festival again this year – we are always proud to sponsor this incredible event.”

“It is inspiring to see the dedication and skill displayed by all the competitors and their dogs. Everyone who has taken part should be very proud of their achievements in the ring.”

Catherine Guiver, head of events at The Kennel Club, said: “Congratulations to all the winners at this year’s International Agility Festival.

"We look forward to seeing winners of the Starters Cup return to compete at The London International Horse Show in December.

“And well done to all the dogs and handlers that have competed and shown great skill and confidence in the rings over the last four days.”