[SavageU]

I am thinking about entering one of our lambs this year. So my children can be involved and we all learn from it.

What's the deal with shows - do you take your own hurdles for the pens? Or just feed boxes/sheep/ aditionaltackle?

How necessary is the white coat for contestants? A must?

Any advice appreciated. I know show season is nearly done with, i'm also wondering about entering some fleeces if I can.

[silkwoodzwartbles]

There aren't many left this year but it's never too early to prepare for next year.

The pens will all be set up when you arrive at the show (having entered in advance of the closing date - you cannot just turn up) and your name will be on any pens allocated to you so that you unload into the correct place.

Are you planning to do young handlers or breed classes?

White coat is a very good idea - you will look smart and not detract from the sheep. You'll also feel more at ease not standing out too much from the competition.

Sheep should be halter trained, stand for the judge and be clean and turned out according to breed/type.

My sheep show list is:

- Cable ties and string (some pens are ropier than others, and if you have a banner and/or tarpaulin/gazebo to put up, it's always handy to tie it down well.
- Halters.
- Show coats and a change of clothes (plus waterproofs/coat/etc).
- Jakotis, carder and electric trimmers for last minute tidy ups.
- Sponge, soap and 2 buckets - one for them to drink out of and one for washing water if it is needed.
- Hay and haynets.
- Movement forms (you usually need to bring two - one to and one from the show) and MV declaration (if MV accredited).
- Show paperwork and entry passes.
- Camping chairs, coolbox full of grub, plenty of bottles of water (and cider if you're that way inclined).

My motto is it's always better to bring stuff that you don't need, than to need stuff that you didn't bring. Good luck!

[Fleecewife]

Ah, the steep and slippery slope that is showing 


SWZs list is a good one but I would add to check the regulations for your breed and the particular show first.  For example, Hebrideans are shown 'off the hill'.  This doesn't mean they are not tidied up a bit before the show, but doing it in full view of the judges is not a good idea! Hebrideans, (Jacobs) and Shetlands are not shown washed or brushed, unless for a specific class, and can be disqualified if wet.


Have you been to a few shows this season?  That will give you some idea of the set-up in advance.  As you want your children to have a go, familiarise them with what they will need to do well in advance and get them to the point where handling their lamb is second nature long before show day. Most judges love the young handler classes but they do expect some work to have been done.
I would say that white coats are essential, including for the children and demonstrate your respect for the show and the judge.
You are probably too late to enter any shows this year, so good luck  for next season

[SavageU]

Yes I’ve been to a few last year and GYS this year.

I have asked the show contact and friends and I have a little list.

Got a pal coming this week to look at the lamb and talk to us a bit about what’s what a bit more.

Still a handful of shows happening here and cannot get a white coat for him at all! So white shirt and smart will have to do.

Honestly, I just want to let my son have a go and see if other people think she’s as lovely as we think she is.

[silkwoodzwartbles]

The lamb won't be judged in Young Handlers - it's all about how well the child handles the sheep and how well they demonstrate their knowledge when questioned. Very best of luck though, hope it goes well! 

[SavageU]

Well to update you all.

The lamb I wanted to show did not respond well to the halter. So change of plan thought we’d show some of last years lambs.

Basically with 3 days to sort halter training plus wool, plus it been school holidays, I decided against it.

I’ll show my own lambs next year and be more prepared.

[twizzel]

Well to update you all.

The lamb I wanted to show did not respond well to the halter. So change of plan thought we’d show some of last years lambs.

Basically with 3 days to sort halter training plus wool, plus it been school holidays, I decided against it.

I’ll show my own lambs next year and be more prepared.

They never react well the first couple of times    I’ve had them turn themselves inside out, throw themselves on the ground. Tie them up and let them learn that pulling back doesn’t achieve anything, and get used to the pressure. Then introduce walking on day 3 or 4. It took me a week to get mine halter broken well enough to let children loose with them for young handlers. Keep it short and sweet, 5 mins a day is plenty.