Kevin Evans has been described as ‘one of the most talented young handlers of his generation.’ His ever growing list of credentials lends credence to this. He’s an eight time member of the Welsh Team for the International. He’s made it to the Supreme Championship five times, winning the event in 2008 with Mirk. He qualified two dogs for the final of the 2008 World Trial – Mirk and Spot. Not to end there, he’s also won the Welsh Brace Championship twice (the first time when he was just 18 years old) and he’s been the Reserve International Brace Champion. In 1994, at just 13 years of age, he won One Man and His Dog ‘Young Handler’competition with Maid – his first trial dog given to him by Mostyn Isaacs when he was 10. And now, he’s once again representing his country at the World Trial.
Kevin grew up around dogs. His playground was the family farm (Penclyn Farm) in Libanus under the Brecon Beacons, a part of Wales that contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe. A builder by trade, Kevin’s life revolves around dogs. Kevin’s father, David or Dai as he is known, is a top handler and trainer in his own right and has represented Wales five times. Dai has had a huge influence on Kevin. Kevin also likes watching and learning from other good handlers. He urges new handlers to watch the best handlers and try to get help from them. He says “Never get dejected when things are not going well. You must keep trying!”
Kevin likes dogs to have good sound temperament and lots of stamina. They must enjoy training! He has no tolerance for slow, sulky dogs that shy away from work. He has qualified Spot to run at the 2010 World Trial. Spot is by Kevin’s Jaff (ISDS 231424) – a dog that took him within an inch of winning the coveted International Supreme Championship if not for an argumentative ewe in the shedding ring. Jaff is now in retirement. Kevin has since gone on to win the Supreme with Spot's litter brother, Mirk (ISDS 272009). A dynamic duo.
Trialling in Wales is of a very high standard. With that in mind, Kevin’s accomplishments to date are outstanding. In preparing for the World Trial, he won’t be doing anything different in training other than getting his dog in peak condition. While Kevin will no doubt be taking a winning attitude to the post, he truly enjoys meeting new people, making friends from around the world, and travelling to places he never dreamed possible.
A glimpse of Spot's Accomplishments:
2010
Finalist 2010 Supreme Championship
Welsh Team Member 2011 International
11th Welsh National 2010; 4th in Qualifying Day 3
Talgarreg Double Fetch Trial - 1st
Royal Welsh Show Champion
Llangadog Trial 1st
Indoor Trial, Pontrhydfendigaid - 2nd
2009
Victor Ludorum (South Wales) - 3rd
Llanddewi Brefi Centenary Trial Champion
Royal Welsh Show Champion
2008
World Trial Finalist
North Wales Open Championship double lift final Champion
Selattyn Trial double lift final Champion
D.O.B. 21 July 2004