Fletcher – The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina announced it would host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial over Memorial Day weekend, from May 23 to 26, 2025. The event will take place at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher, with hours set from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday through Sunday and 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday. Admission is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend, although dogs should be left at home.
Over 300 Dogs Compete in Various Classes
The trial will feature over 300 purebred dogs from across the Southeast, competing at various levels of difficulty. Approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds will participate, showcasing the diversity and talent within the canine community. Agility is a competitive sport that requires a handler to guide their dog through a timed obstacle course, which includes jumps, weave poles, tunnels, and climbing apparatuses. The focus on safety ensures that both dogs and handlers can enjoy the competition.
“Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both,” said a representative from the Blue Ridge Agility Club. The sport has gained popularity in the USA, becoming one of the fastest-growing dog sports.
Special Classes to Challenge Competitors
The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be available from Friday to Sunday, testing dogs’ athletic abilities through strategy, accuracy, speed, timing, and distance handling. This class allows competitors to attempt the distance challenge at any point during their run.
Additionally, the Time 2 Beat (T2B) class will be offered each day, where dogs can set the “Time to Beat” for their jump height. This interactive class pits novice, open, and excellent class dogs against each other on the same course, fostering a competitive spirit.
All four days will also feature AKC’s Premier classes, designed to challenge both dogs and handlers at increased skill and speed levels. These courses are set above the Master class and include varied approach angles, spacing, and discrimination obstacles.
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs.
For more information about the trial or the Blue Ridge Agility Club, interested parties can visit www.blueridgeagilityclub.com.