Dog Agility Star Anthony Clarke to Headline New Dog Agility Masterclass
London International Horse Show (Excel London, 17-21 December 2026) is delighted to announce that leading dog agility expert Anthony Clarke will host an exclusive Dog Agility Masterclass at this year’s Show on Sunday 20 December. One of the disciplines most recognised names in the UK, Anthony will bring his considerable experience to The Thomas Family London Arena with a session designed to demonstrate that agility is not only for elite competition dogs, but an exciting and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by dogs and owners at all levels.
Drawing inspiration from his introduction to dog agility for the Royal Kennel Club, Anthony will take a range of dogs – including breeds not traditionally associated with the discipline – through the foundations of agility and demonstrate how the sport can be adapted to different dogs and partnerships. Explaining the fundamentals, from the foundations of obedience and communication to negotiating some of agility’s best-known obstacles, the session aims to inspire spectators to see the potential in their own dogs and discover how they can take their first steps into the sport.
Anthony’s own career has taken him around the world as a competitor, coach, trainer and judge; representing his country at major international championships and achieving considerable success from a young age. His international agility endeavours continued in 2026 and included competing at Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, further demonstrating the global reach of a sport that continues to attract participants and audiences around the world.
Looking forward to inspiring a new generation of agility enthusiasts at London International Horse Show, Anthony said: “Agility is a sport I’m incredibly passionate about, and one of the things I really want to show in this Masterclass is that it can be for any dog. You don’t have to start with a traditional agility breed or have ambitions to compete at the highest level. It’s about finding something that works for you and your dog, building that relationship and, most importantly, having fun together. Hopefully spectators will go away thinking, ‘My dog could do that’, and feel inspired to give agility a try.”
Anthony Clarke and Hustle, winners of the Crufts Singles Jumping Stakes 2025 Credit Anthony Clarke
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive, Royal Kennel Club said: “London International Horse Show provides some of the country’s top dog agility competitors with an opportunity to qualify for Crufts. At all levels it is a fantastic way for owners to build communication and confidence with their dogs while having fun together. Anyone can enjoy the sport and there are opportunities for dogs and owners of all abilities to get involved. We hope Anthony’s Masterclass will inspire people watching at London to give agility a try and discover what they can achieve with their dogs.”
Anthony has already qualified to compete in the Royal Kennel Club Dog Agility in the International Arena on Agria Super Sunday, giving visitors the opportunity not only to learn from one of the sport’s leading figures during the Masterclass, but also to see him put those skills into practice in competition.
Across the five days of the Show, talented dogs and handlers will compete in a variety of agility competitions, with the Royal Kennel Club Dog Agility an established part of the London International Horse Show programme. The combination of top-level competition and Anthony’s accessible Masterclass will offer both established agility fans and newcomers an insight into the skill, communication, training and partnership at the heart of the discipline.
Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said: “Dog agility is always enormously popular with our London International Horse Show audience, and we are delighted to have Anthony joining us for this special Masterclass. He has achieved so much within the sport and, importantly, has a real passion for encouraging others to discover agility for themselves.”
For those inspired to get involved, the Royal Kennel Club offers a number of ways for owners to explore activities with their dogs. Owners can register their dogs on the RKC Activity Register and find clubs and training opportunities through the Royal Kennel Club, helping them take their first steps towards enjoying agility and other activities together. More information is available at https://www.royalkennelclub.com/agility.
London International Horse Show takes place at Excel London from 17-21 December 2026, bringing together international show jumping, dressage and driving alongside dog agility, shopping, festive entertainment and family attractions.
For tickets and further information, visit www.londonhorseshow.com.