From BCDS

Mr Darcy at his backstep with handler Ron and driver Maggie Gallop at the 2010 Nationals.

Maggie readies Jos for the off in the yard at the 2009 Nationals with husband Ron and Mr Darcy behind.

Mr Darcy is a rescue dog. At the age of three, when he met his new owners, he was unfocussed and aggressive to other dogs. After three months attendance at dog training, he was awarded the Club’s shield for the most improved dog. Mr Darcy has since earned a silver award for obedience and is now going for gold. To simulate what would be expected of him as a carriage dog, Mr Darcy was trained to run with a bicycle using a ‘springer’ which attaches his harness to the bike while allowing him to run safely by the side. He gained a bronze award at the British Carriage Dog Society’s National Trials in July 2006, qualifying with second highest points. He achieved over 90% in all sections of the competition (the pass mark is 50%). This was the highest score for a rescue dog and he was presented with a silver cup.

Here he is in the axle exercise in 2008.

Mr Darcy in the axle exercise in 2009

Mr Darcy working at speed at the 2006 national trials with Maggie driving and husband Ron as groom

In 2007 he was entered in the Silver Carriage Dog class and passed his obedience and endurance tests to gain the Silver Award. In 2009, he was entered for Silver again, having had a break from competition. He passed the obedience, only dropping 10 points. Unfortunately, Jos's harness broke and he could not complete his endurance course as a result. The 2010 trials saw Mr Darcy, now aged 7 years achieve 100% in all his obedience tests. He completed the 24 mile endurance course with 17 minutes to spare to be awarded Gold Carriage Dog.

Mr Darcy is fed on Burns food. Burns have supported the trials for many years and we're pleased to have them as one of our primary sponsors.