Student's TikToks set to offer unique insight into the world of canine agility

A student whose TikToks are giving viewers a unique insight into the world of agility has just returned from this year’s Crufts competition.

Lucy Tarpey, from Preston in Lancashire, first attended the competition as a teenager – and found the event so enthralling she both returned several times as a competitor and decided to train to become a Veterinary Physiotherapist.

Now in the third year of her BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy course at Harper Adams University, Lucy has been recording her progress – and that of her Border Collie, Moss – towards this year’s competition on her TikTok account.

 She said: “Crufts and competing in agility has always played a large role for me since my early teens.

“I first attended Crufts whilst working with Afterglow Show Kennel helping to prepare their standard poodles for competition in the show ring.

“After experiencing the electrifying atmosphere, I knew this was where I’d fit and thrive and motivated me to compete with my own dogs in agility.

“I compete all year round at a variety of agility shows with my border collie and toy poodle and train for Young Kennel Club (YKC) qualifiers, which I am proud to say I have achieved four times for different events. This year my border collie Moss and I competed in the YKC Jumping Cup at Crufts 2025.

“Exhibiting at Crufts is an exciting highlight greatly anticipated months prior to competing. It is an amazing experience to share with your dog and to achieve qualification means so much to me.”

As Lucy’s love of competing in agility events deepened, she decided to pursue a role linked to her passion – which drew her to her current course at Harper Adams

She added: “After competing in agility and being involved with dogs for several years I knew I wanted to work with owners, their beloved pets and sporting dogs.

“I wanted to pursue a career associated with agility and therefore veterinary physiotherapy was something I became interested in and have become very passionate about as I have progressed through the course.

“The veterinary physiotherapy facilities and the variety of theoretical learning and practical application is what attracted me to Harper Adams.

“I enjoy learning and so experience with small, large and farm animals appealed to me and has broadened my knowledge and interest in farm animals, in particular, along with companion animals.”

Lucy is currently undertaking an industry placement year with Taylored Pet Therapies, a small animal rehabilitation and fitness clinic located in East Lancashire.

She added: “My year in industry so far has been a valuable time for me to apply, expand my knowledge and complete research on evidence-based therapies allowing me to use clinical reasoning when in the clinic.

“Working practically within a team has not only allowed me to develop my therapeutic techniques but has advanced my personal confidence and communication skills too.”

As she continues to work towards her graduation next year – and a role working in the industry she loves – Lucy has some words of advice for those inspired to follow in her footsteps: “Be passionate, dedicated and hard working.

“Enjoy learning and seek every opportunity to learn that you can. Everyone is really supportive and becoming part of the Harper community is also an important aspect of university life - and for looking after each other.”

_{Harper Adams students and staff at Crufts were at Crufts this year, where our digital ambassadors caught up with some of the stars of the show.} 

_{And if you’re not following Harper Adams on TikTok yet, you can do so here.}