From BCDS

Lesley tries her bitch Poppy behind the carriage for the first time at the 2008 trials instinct tests.

Our first Dalmatian joined us in 1978 and I have had an active involvement with the breed ever since. With my husband John I have owned a total of nine Dalmatians and bred four litters. We have enjoyed success in the show ring and were proud when Ch Konavlje Caro Nome at Kintegus was awarded Dalmatian of the Year at the prestigious North of England Dalmatian Club event. I am a championship show judge of the breed.

I assist both the BDC and NoEDC Welfare Services by undertaking home visits, assessing dogs and assisting with transport when requested.

I was drawn to the Carriage Dog Trials both from an interest in driving and also from seeing an opportunity to promote the Dalmatian as a highly intelligent, trainable working breed – watching competitors year on year I have never been disappointed!

I have been an active supporter of the Carriage Dog Trials since their inception. After an introduction as a steward on the endurance course and a year shadowing, I have been Course Steward for several years and Entry Co-ordinator for the past two. I was also Course Steward at the only Trials held in Scotland and at the Yorkshire Regional Trials.

I have wide experience of organising events both within and outside the dog world and have served on committees at both local and national level. Having taken a decision to slow down the pace of my working life I am able to commit time and energy to Committee tasks. If elected I look forward to becoming more involved with the planning of Trials and the development of the Society.

My ambition is to compete successfully at a National Trials as a whip handler – there is much work still to do!