A seven-year-old dog handler from Cawood impressed audiences with her determination and poise during her debut at Crufts last week.
Esmée Barker was named one of the youngest people to compete in the world-famous dog show this year.
She was joined by her two-year-old border collie Rainbow in an agility course at the Young Kennel Club on Sunday, March 9.
The pair had won their qualifier during the 2024 training season and had an almost clear round before the course’s 12-pole weave challenge proved a little much for Rainbow.
Esmée’s step-mum, Elly-Mai Barker, told the Selby Times: “Esmée and Rainbow were doing so well until Rainbow got a little distracted during the weave.
“Esmée was amazing calling him back and regaining his focus, but I think all that attention drove Rainbow a little wild and they were eliminated shortly after.
“The crowd picked up on Esmée’s perseverance and cheered them on throughout the course.”
Crufts is held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, which seats thousands of spectators.
Elly-Mai said: “It was an achievement for both to have Rainbow so focused and settled initially.
“We wanted to get him used to large crowds of people by taking him into dog-friendly shops like Pets At Home and The Range, but couldn’t in time for the show.
“Despite this, I he did incredibly well and shows so much promise.”
Elly-Mai explained that Rainbow is “excellent” with children.
She said: “He really loves kids.
“People at Crufts saw this and we were approached by a representative from Dogs for Education and Support Therapy Dogs.
“I think he would make an excellent ambassador in the future.”
Rainbow comes from a long line of traditional registered working sheep dogs.
He was bred from a local breeder in Escrick under the Jhardubear affix, and is the first of his kind to make it to Crufts.
For more information about the Young Kennel Club, please visit https://crufts.org.uk/dog-exhibitors/young-kennel-club/.
Esmée and Rainbow were cheered on by large crowds during their debut at Crufts last week. (20-03-202 SU)
(20-03-203 SU)
