User:Kelly Evans-Pigden

I never acquired the Dalmatian they acquired me! I was born into the already established family of Tyrodal, where I've grown up with the breeding, training and showing of the Dalmatians before I could walk (I thought I had 4 legs!). At the age of eleven (1991) I was the youngest handler to have shown and made up my first champion "Dixie of Tyrodal" (I think this still stands today).

At 13 my parents gave in, after years of me crying for a pony (they hoped this would keep me away from the boys!) and my passion for horses and Dalmatians merged. From then on my Dallys have always been trained to work alongside my horses. When the trials first began, it was a dream come true to show off what I had already been doing for years and a chance to show off "Tyrodal" for what they were bred for, other than the show ring and obedience training, that we as a family were already passionate about.

Regarding my horse experience, my parents didn't realize what they let themselves into when they bought me that first fantastic pony. What followed on in the years to come was me gaining up to my B grade in pony club, representing the Pony club on the area eventing team. Breaking in, breeding and training harness race horses from when I left school on a successful racing yard, competing my own horses in driving trials, showjumping my own horses up to grade B in BSJA, which is still on going to this day, gaining all my BHS exams including Riding and Road Safety and being a freelance trainer with me breaking in numerous riding/driving horses and ponies. And now I have the pleasure and success of breeding my own showjumpers.

I have been extremely successful in competing at C.D.T with my fabulous Disco (Dominica Of Tyrodal) where we have gained the unbeaten Road Dog Champion title 3 years in a row. We also won Road Dog silver at Scotland and was the first Road dog competitor to complete the title of Road Dog gold and winning Highest scoring Gold competitor in 2006. I have also been lucky to have judged the trials at Yorkshire with a great response from other competitors. I have also, with much pleasure taught my husband to ride my highly powerful showjumper in 6 weeks prior to his first trials which he won on his first attempt with his bitch Tyrodal Abbydal Heavenleigh (Molly) in the largest class of the day Road Dog Bronze.

I would bring to the committee a wealth of knowledge in both aspects regarding the working Dalmatian and all aspects of the working horse both ridden and driven. I would also bring with me the vast knowledge of being a successful competitor who can understand the high training needed and work involved to be successful at the C.D.T. I would also like to think of myself as open minded and approachable for anyone wanting help or advice regarding any of the above.