The Kennel Club is delighted to announce a new partnership between Agility Team GB and Hartpury University and Hartpury College.
As one of the leading education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing, Gloucestershire-based Hartpury University and Hartpury College joins the Kennel Club and Natural Instinct in supporting Great Britain’s top dog agility team, ahead of next year’s European Open 2020, which will be held at Rutland Showground in Leicestershire from Thursday 30th July – Sunday 2nd August 2020.
As well as their support for Agility Team GB, through the provision of the venue and facilities for both squad and team days, the partnership will also see a collaborative approach to sports science research in competitive canine activities. Providing opportunities for research and evidence-based practice that will benefit both dogs and human athletes, the relationship between the two organisations will bring together the Kennel Club’s commitment to dog health, welfare and training with Hartpury’s reputation in cutting-edge animal and sport research.
Kathryn Mansfield, Kennel Club Secretary, commented: “Agility Team GB represents the highest standard of agility on a global stage, as well as showcasing the benefits of the sport which caters for all breeds and all ages of handlers.
“We are delighted to have Hartpury as a new partner, their support will provide the team with the opportunities to flourish and develop, as well as advancing research into canine activities and sport as a whole.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Lucy Bearman-Brown, Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University, said: “The partnership with the Agility Team GB and the Kennel Club is very exciting for everyone at Hartpury, especially our students. To see the country’s best handlers and dogs training on Hartpury soil will provide exciting research opportunities and contact with the best coaches and trainers through guest lectures.
“Working with an industry like this is at the heart of what we do here, so to expand this to our new partner really enhances our teaching and research opportunities.”
Team Manager, Mark Laker added: “This new partnership with Hartpury marks a really exciting new chapter for Agility Team GB. Having the opportunity to train and develop alongside world-class researchers and academics will benefit not only the team, but ultimately the sport as a whole.”