Willow, a four-year-old Bearded Collie x Border Collie x Kelpie cross has qualified as a member of the first ever Canine Hoopers Team GB.
Willow, a four-year-old Bearded Collie x Border Collie x Kelpie cross has qualified as a member of the first ever Canine Hoopers Team GB. A newcomer to the sport and underdog competitor due to her size and mixed breed, Willow and her owner, Jodie Forbes impressed in qualifying and are now set to compete in the World Hoopers Open Championships (WHOC) in Italy on 4th-7th September 2025.
This year’s WHOC is only the second event of its kind and will be run on natural grass at the Campo Sportivo Comunale "Torrani" in Golasecca (VA), in the northern lake region of Italy. Each nation can enter one team for each height category for the title of WHOC World Champion TEAM Small and WHOC World Champion TEAM Large.
Canine Hoopers is a relatively new and rapidly growing agility sport that focuses on smooth, flowing courses using ground-level hoops, tunnels, and barrels. Unlike traditional agility, Hoopers does not involve any jumps, making it a low-impact activity suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities, including puppies, seniors, and those with joint issues.
Despite her mischievous personality at home – mainly sneaking food from the kitchen worktops – Willow is a dogged competitor with natural speed and agility. Owner, 28-year-old Jodie from Bournemouth credits her secret weapons: Freeze Dried food, supported by a lifelong raw diet, for Willow’s health and performance.
“Willow isn’t the type of dog you typically see at Hoopers World Open Championship level,” Jodie comments. “She’s a farm mutt, and while she’s a very small build for a Collie type dog at just 10kg, in the Hoopers world, she’s smaller than most competitors.”
As well as fuelling Willow’s athletic prowess, raw feeding provides high-quality nutritional ingredients that's ideal for training.
Jodie adds, “I switched all my dogs to Natures Menu frozen raw food around seven years ago, and I noticed the difference in health and performance really quickly. For starters, they love the taste, and on raw food they’re just pure lean muscle, so fit and fast. One of my older dogs, Bramble, is now a healthier weight and still fit enough to compete in agility at fifteen. It was a no-brainer to feed Willow on Natures Menu from day one – and look where it’s got her.”
Jodie is a dog trainer specialising in agility training, Canine Hoopers, puppy classes, trick training and behaviour work, meaning no two days are the same. From all-weather adventures to travelling to competitions, it’s essential that she has a feeding format that’s adaptable and convenient.
“Every day is ‘bring your dog to work day’ in this job! Feeding top-quality food is my top priority, and I need options that work with my busy routine. Feeding frozen raw works perfectly throughout the week at home, but freeze dried is my ideal weekend solution – it’s the same quality as frozen, but with no need to thaw it’s so much more convenient. When I take Willow to Italy for the World Championships, my suitcase will be filled with Natures Menu Freeze Dried.”
But the road to the World Championships is still ahead for Willow, Jodie, and the rest of team GB. The team is currently hard at work both training and fundraising to ensure their place in Italy this September.
Jodie said, “I’m so proud of Willow for making it to the finals, especially as March’s qualifier was only her second ever competition. We couldn’t do it without the support of GB Hoopers team. They’re so committed to making this an inclusive dog sport that’s accessible to all dogs and handlers, regardless of breed, size, and mobility needs.”
To find out more about Natures Menu, and explore their delicious and nutritious Freeze Dried range of Dinners, Treats and Toppers, visit: www.naturesmenu.co.uk
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