Introducing the New Agility Liaison Council

Aly Gilchrist

Aly has many years of experience in agility in both the UK and Canada and is now based in central Scotland. She has competed and judged extensively, with particular interests in course design and the health and wellbeing of dogs. Her appointment to the Agility Liaison Council reflects a deep commitment to giving back to the sport she loves. Aly is focused on representing the community’s voice, supporting the sport’s progression, and fostering effective communication between the council and competitors.

Connor Harley

Connor has competed in agility for over 20 years across the UK and remains as passionate as ever. A Kennel Club–approved Championship Agility Judge and Accredited Judges Trainer, he also serves as Show Secretary for a Premier Agility Show and has organised Championship events. He shares his life with two Border Collies—retired Veteran Tango and Grade 3 competitor Yogi. As a member of the Agility Liaison Council, Connor is committed to representing the voices of competitors, judges, and organisers to ensure agility remains fair, inclusive, and enjoyable for all—dogs, handlers, and judges alike.

Debra Tedds

Debbie has been involved in agility for nearly 20 years, competing in small and medium heights, with success also in large. Highlights include Crufts, Discover Dogs, the London International Horse Show, and representing GB at the 2025 SOAWC in Portugal. A committee member of her local club for over 12 years, she helps run a three-day show. As a Kennel Club Accredited Judge, competitor, and organiser, she brings a broad perspective. Debbie has served on the Agility Liaison Council for two years and is currently Chair. She is passionate about supporting all levels and shaping the sport’s future.

Jackie Gardner

Jackie has been involved in agility since 1984, bringing extensive experience as a competitor, organiser, Measurer, Championship Judge, and Judges Trainer. Passionate about fairness and enjoyment at all levels, she takes a collaborative, solution-focused approach. As a member of the Agility Liaison Council, Jackie serves as a key link between the agility community and the Kennel Club. She understands the needs of competitors, judges, organisers, and manufacturers, and advocates for practical, inclusive rule development. Committed to open communication and continuous improvement, Jackie works to ensure agility remains a supportive, evolving sport where all voices are heard and valued.

Jo Bale

Jo lives in Farnham, Surrey, and has been actively involved in agility since 2015. A familiar face at shows across the UK, Jo can often be found helping, judging, measuring, or competing. She has served on the Agility Liaison Council for the past three years and is committed to keeping grassroots agility issues firmly on the agenda throughout her current term.

Jonathan Hallam

Jonathan (Jon) has been involved in agility since age 8, growing up in the sport with parents active for over 40 years. Originally from Macclesfield, he moved to Andover 10 years ago for work. He has competed at all levels, qualified for Crufts in Teams and YKC, and won silver at the Para Agility World Championships. A Championship Judge since 2019 and KC-accredited judges trainer, he has judged across the UK and Europe. Jon has helped organise shows from Wilmslow DTC to The Agility Club and supports the KCI Festival. A Kennel Club member and long-serving member of the Agility Liaison Council, he is committed to inclusion, show development, and representing the community.

Nic Jones

Nic brings extensive experience to agility through her roles as trainer, competitor, judge, club and committee member, both in the UK and internationally. Her broad involvement gives her a well-informed voice within the community. Since 2013, she has been a Kennel Club Judges’ Trainer and now contributes to the Activities Judges Sub-Group. As a member of the Agility Liaison Council, Nic plays an active role in shaping the sport’s future. With deep knowledge of both agility and its governance, she is committed to supporting its continued development in a fair, inclusive, and forward-thinking way.

Rebecca Sargent

Rebecca is a passionate and experienced member of the UK agility community and proudly serves on the Agility Liaison Council. She has competed for nearly 20 years and spent 12 years coaching alongside full-time work before becoming a full-time agility coach in 2024. She competes at Grades 2 and 7, while her partner Matthew and young daughter Elsie are also involved. Rebecca owns Warrior Agility at Cheshire Showground, running classes and two KC-licensed shows annually. With 25 years in health and safety, she brings strong risk management skills and remains committed to supporting a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable agility environment.

Ruhina Miller

Ruhina has a deep passion for dogs, centred around her 3-year-old Border Collie. She trains and competes in agility, does therapy dog work, and is committed to canine welfare. Outside of dogs, she's an endurance athlete, often swimming, biking, or running. Professionally, she works in customer strategy in the pet care industry, blending data and analytics with empathy and real-world insight. This shapes her thoughtful approach to decision-making and engagement. As a new member of the Agility Liaison Council, Ruhina aims to be approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in listening to and representing the agility community

Sarah McConnell

Sarah has been training and competing in agility since 2018 with her four non-standard breed dogs, two of whom have reached Grade 3. As a passionate grassroots competitor, she understands the joys and challenges of balancing everyday life with a love of the sport. Sarah is delighted to join the Agility Liaison Council and hopes to represent the voices of handlers who train and compete for the enjoyment of agility itself — fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all

Toni Davis

Toni lives on a farm in Somerset with her husband and two teenage children, both active in the Young Kennel Club. With over 25 years in agility, she has competed at Championship level with various dogs. For 20 years, Toni has run her training club, SWAT, and organises Kennel Club licensed shows. An experienced judge and accredited trainer, she values clear communication from her corporate background. Passionate about grassroots agility, Toni supports the sport’s growth and community. She represents competitors, instructors, organisers, and ring parties, committed to openly and transparently shaping agility’s future.

Tracy White

Tracy has been involved in dog agility for over 30 years, competing at Grade 7/Championship level and judging many events. She has held leadership roles, including Chairperson and Secretary of Trent Park Dog Agility Club, and coordinated numerous Kennel Club Licensed Shows. Tracy is an official Agility Measurer, admin of the Agility Mums Facebook group, and mentors juniors at YKC Summer Camp. She runs Whiteway agility club and lives in Hertfordshire with her family and four dogs. Passionate about safety, fairness, and inclusion, she focuses on supporting juniors and newcomers and brings enthusiasm to the Agility Liaison Council.