When agility’s in your blood, the bug bites early — and in Emilia Bowers’ case, it bit before she could even walk.
She’s grown up ringside, run through YKC with success, and this year, at just 21 years old, she claimed her first Champ Ticket at DINAS with her Border Collie Creed.
That means just one thing: Crufts 2026.
Only this time, it’s the main ring for Champ.
“I used to be shouting ‘RORRRRYYYY!’ while he legged it to the burger van…” – Emilia, her first agility dog
Starting young – Emilia grew up in agility and qualified for Crufts with Rory at age 9 or 10.
Creed: The Sensitive Superstar
Creed is a 5-year-old Border Collie Emilia picked up the day before lockdown hit in 2020.
“He’s a sensitive soul — he can shut down in training. But if he loves you, expect bitey kisses and being hit in the face 🤣.”
At the side of the ring? Loud.
On the startline? Laser-focused.
“He always tries his hardest to get it right.”
The Winning Run at DINAS
Emilia and Creed won their Large Champ Ticket at DINAS on Tuesday, judged by Hannah Grantham.
He came 5th in Agility, had a 5f in Jumping (“I nearly forgot the course!”), and went 11th in the Final.
“It was hot, and he struggles with heat. But he ran a neat, tight clear – the first clear of the class.”
She was thrilled, but didn’t expect it to hold.
Spoiler: It did.
Training & Life Balance
Monday: Solo training (1–2 hours)
Wednesday: Class with Amanda Hampson
Weekends: Shows
Full-time job: Dog trainer (agility & puppies)
“It’s hard to find time to train my own dogs sometimes – or be a normal 21-year-old! My calendar is always full. I like to have something planned every day.”
What Keeps Em Going?
“Just the love of agility. Watching top handlers growing up gave me something to aim for. Now we’ve got 1 ticket, I want 3!”
Emilia’s motivation? Big dreams. Good dogs. Great training buddies.
Creed’s Favourite Toy
- Holee roller bottle toy on a red bungee - “He goes absolutely crazy for it!”
- Natchew Training Treats - “Use them for everything — agility, walks, day-to-day life.”
Advice to Young Handlers
“Don’t put too much pressure on it. You’ve got your whole life to achieve the big goals.
Keep pushing — one day it might surprise you what you achieve.”