Top tips for showing

Helen Babbs looks at getting started with sheep showing

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Many smallholders began their sheep-keeping journey at an agricultural show, meeting that eye-catching breed in the pens or out in the show ring, and knowing it was the very one for you. As May brings the start of the summer show season, why not go ‘full circle’ and take the stars of your flock back into the ring?

GETTING STARTED

To start showing your sheep, it’s usually best to start small at a local or county level show. Your sheep breed society will be able to give you a list of shows with dedicated classes for your breed. Nearby breeders and smallholding friends may also be able to suggest other local shows with good ‘Rare Breed’ or ‘Any other native breed’ classes, if there isn’t a dedicated show near you. The show website or schedule will list when the entries need to be booked by - don’t leave it to the last minute!

Once you have a list of the available classes, take a good look at your flock. Focus on comparing them against the breed standard, as this is what the judge will be measuring them against on the day. While it can be fun to go along and make up the numbers, you don’t want to put a poor quality animal on display, even if they're your favourite. Most successful show sheep have “presence” - good conformation, good fleece, and a confident attitude which makes them stand out in both the field and the show ring.

GROOMING & TRAINING