For many of us, KCI means checking the weather forecast every five minutes, packing the van (and then unpacking it because we've forgotten something!), giving the dogs one last tidy up and getting excited for one of the biggest weeks in the agility calendar.
So, who better to feature in this month's Saturday Read than the judge of this year's Large Championship Final at KCI, Amanda Luttman.
Amanda has been part of the agility world for over 30 years and has turned that passion into a full time career, coaching handlers across the country while continuing to compete and judge at the very highest level. This year she's not only judging the Large Championship Final at KCI, but also has the incredible honour of judging at the London International Horse Show.
We caught up with Amanda to chat about where it all started, what life as a full time trainer is really like, how much planning goes into judging major finals and, of course, whether she'd give us any hints about her Large Championship course at KCI...
It all started with a dog called Spud...
Like many of us, Amanda's journey started with one special dog. Back in 1992, her family brought home a rescue Labrador cross called Spud. "He literally ran wild when we first let him into the house!" Amanda laughs.
After joining a local obedience club, Amanda soon found herself asking if they did "that jumping stuff". As a sporty 16 year old, agility looked right up her street... and she's never looked back. Her first show came in 1993, she started judging in 2001 and, by 2018, had taken the leap into coaching full time.
Becoming a full time trainer wasn't actually the plan...
Interestingly, Amanda never set out to become a professional agility coach. She previously worked in procurement and genuinely enjoyed it, but after leaving a company that no longer shared her values, she decided to take a leap of faith.
“I put a post on Facebook saying I was starting teaching and honestly thought nobody would want to train with me. An hour later my diary was bursting!” Safe to say, things worked out rather well.
Today she coaches handlers across the UK and says one of the biggest rewards is that her clients have become genuine friends. "It's like meeting up with friends every day."
The biggest challenge? British weather!
Ask any agility trainer what the hardest part of the job is… The answer probably won't surprise you.
"Too wet. Too cold. Too hot!"
Amanda laughs that the weather is the bane of every trainer's life. Teaching outdoors means constantly juggling lesson times, moving sessions around and making the most of those rare perfect weather days.
"I think it's getting harder as the climate changes. Though there are more indoor venues now too. When I win the lottery, I'll build one!
Why coaching means so much
Whilst winning Championships is always exciting, Amanda says some of the proudest moments actually happen away from the podium. Seeing someone finally master an obstacle they've struggled with for months can be just as rewarding as a Championship win. She also spoke about something many of us can relate to. Sometimes agility isn't just about agility. People arrive carrying the stresses of everyday life and leave smiling simply because they've spent an hour with their dog.
"Seeing someone finish a lesson with a smile and having just had fun can be as rewarding as agility results."
So... any hints about KCI?
We had to ask! Without giving too much away, Amanda says competitors can expect something very much in keeping with her usual style.
"Nice big flowing distances."
But don't mistake flowing for easy. Amanda enjoys creating moments where handlers have genuine decisions to make.
Do you slice or wrap? Threadle wrap or backside wrap? She loves seeing different handlers solve the same challenge in different ways, and admits weave poles and single obstacle discriminations are among her favourite skills to test. We're looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks!
Does competing make you a better judge?
Amanda certainly believes so. She feels that having years of experience as a competitor gives a much deeper understanding of what dogs and handlers are actually facing on course. She also spends a huge amount of time studying other judges' courses, looking at trends, analysing what competitors enjoy and taking inspiration from great sequences.
One dog changed everything
When we asked which dog had the biggest influence on her journey, there wasn't even a pause.
Jag.
Jag was the first dog to take Amanda to Crufts, Olympia and a Championship Certificate. “He changed the journey.” He also gave Amanda the confidence to start teaching, something that ultimately changed her life.
One piece of advice...
Amanda's biggest piece of advice for anyone chasing Championship level? Don't rush. Don't compare your journey with handlers who've been doing this for decades. Focus on building the partnership in front of you and trust that you'll move up when you're ready.
Looking ahead...
Amanda's ambitions haven't stopped. As a coach, she wants nothing more than seeing the people she trains achieve their own goals while continuing to enjoy every step of the journey. As a judge…Well, she'd love to judge the Crufts Championship Final one day. And as a competitor? Getting back to Crufts and the London International Horse Show is firmly on the list.
Quick Fire Round
Favourite show?
Empingham... although Synergy runs it very close!
Jumping or Agility?
Agility.
Favourite show food?
Pancakes whenever they're there!
Favourite PawsTrading product?
The Paws Pocket. It makes rewarding ahead so easy when you have a foodie dog.
Indoor or Outdoor shows?
Outdoor... unless it's Ogilvie Dogs!
Tight technical courses or fast flowing courses?
Fast flowing.
A huge thank you to Amanda for taking the time to chat with us. We know just how busy this time of year is, so we really appreciate her giving us such a fascinating insight into life as a coach, competitor and judge.
If you're heading to KCI or DINAS, don't forget to come and say hello. We'd love to catch up with you all. We'll have our Natchew Goat Milking Challenge with Goaty McGoatface, our £500 Natchew Giveaway, lots of exciting new products and, hopefully, plenty of sunshine!
Whether you're competing, judging, helping or simply soaking up the atmosphere, we wish everyone the very best of luck.
See you all at KCI and DINAS!