15-year-old girl to compete in Young Kennel Club Junior European Championships
One girl and her dog are heading to Luxembourg – as the talented duo compete in a junior European championships for dog agility.
Hannah Thorp, aged 15, from Tipton, started training three years ago but has now developed to grade seven, the highest championship grade in dog agility.
The RSA Academy pupil, who has scooped around 50 awards so far, qualified for the Young Kennel Club Agility Team GB in October and is due to compete in the championships with her two-year-old dog Izzie in July.
The youngster, who recently competed at Crufts and came fifth, trains at Fast Forward Dog Training which has training grounds in Willenhall and Shareshill.
Mother Lisa Thorp said she was extremely proud of Hannah.
“She’s done it all herself and spends a lot of time with Izzie training her,” she said. “It all just started for fun in the beginning.
“It was a fun craft at first but then she quickly got addicted and absolutely loved it.
“She’s always had a passion for dogs and she enjoyed it so much that we got in touch with Fast Forward where they have helped Hannah get where she is today.
“Me and her father have no input and she does it all herself.”
Hannah has had Izzie, a collie cross miniature poodle, since she was a puppy.
The 45-year-old mother added: “Hannah is so excited to go and compete in Luxembourg.
“She had to go through intense training days called squad days to be able to compete in the championships. We’ll be going along with her for support too.
“It all ties in with her future plans too - she wants to go into a career to do with animal behaviour.”
Hannah will compete in the championships from July 13 to 16 alongside 31 other team members.
Mark Laker, agility team GB manager, said: “After last year’s success in Slovakia, even more junior handlers tried out for this year’s team.
“The standard of competition across all heights has been very high.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the team as we prepare for Luxembourg.
“Congratulations to all the young handlers who have been selected.”
Anyone that wants to sponsor Hannah can contact lisathorp2008@aol.com
