[smithshillfarm]

Hello - I'm trying really hard to find some British Alpine or Toggenburg goats for sale of show quality. I'm failing miserably! Could anyone offer advice or point me in the right direction? I'm hoping to get two females and show them with my 5year old daughter. We have a 3 acre small holding with pigs, lambs, turkeys etc... (The usual!)
We're in Oxfordshire and willing to travel a reasonable distance to collect if someone had some I could buy (far north and Scotland is a no go... Husband would be less than amused!)

Thanks for reading and looking forward to reading any advice anyone might have!

[wytsend]

Fay Ogden is the person for Toggenburgs.....she is in Warwickshire.
You will be very lucky to get any BAs  they are rather like hens teeth !!!!

[plumseverywhere]

This link is useful -   http://www.allgoats.com/contacts.htm  it includes contact details for BA's and Togg breeder societies. Like Wytsend says, Fay Ogden would be a good local ish contact for Togg's (mine come from her!) she is listed under 'worcestershire goat society' on the link I've given you.

If you PM 'Katie' on here aswell, she had 2 sets of Togg twins this year. Not sure if show quality but wouldn't hurt to enquire.  Fay will definitely point you in the right direction though 
 

[smithshillfarm]

I did kind of get that impression about BA's... and that was my first choice! Why are they so hard to come across?

Will definately use the information you have given me. Thanks for you input.

X

[plumseverywhere]

We were at a show with Horsehay Herd in the summer - they have BA's (gorgeous they are!) not sure if their contacts are on that list but the club will put you in contact, or ask Fay 

I am slightly biased towards Toggenburgs though 

[ballingall]

There are not many BA's around- and I know some people who say there are none that are really good show quality left! I don't think that is necessarily true though.


Beth

[kja]

There are not many BA's around- and I know some people who say there are none that are really good show quality left! I don't think that is necessarily true though.


Beth

they are certainly not what they were a few years back, BA's have lost size over the years.

a friend has just brought 2 BA show goats after a breeder / show judge decided to give up goats, will ask around.

[smithshillfarm]

You know, reading that some of you think BA's are not what they used to be makes me want them even more. I don't know what it is about the breed, but I have just fallen in love with them and that's what I really want.

I do like the Toggenburgs too, but something about the British Alpine stands out more to me. I will be sending out lots of emails in the coming weeks to anyone that breeds them in the hope I may get closer to getting some!

I'd still really appreciate any input or help anyone can give me.

Many thanks

[Anke]

If you are new to showing goats it may be best to start with kids and goatlings - and getting in touch with breeders now to put your name down for new arrivals next spring can put you ahead of the game. I started with goatlings and kids, and really found that a good way into showing, you then have the time to watch the milking procedures and also can chat to people more.
There are some nice BA's around, and quite a few are just not shown... it is a lot of work to prepare goats for the show and there is absolutely no (direct) financial reward!
Also if you are seriously interested in showing - being a member of the BGS is probably necessary and will give you a lot more info on breeders etc through their database.

[smithshillfarm]

I'm absolutely not interested in a financial reward from showing, I know that there is not a lot to gain. I'm just looking for something for my daughter and I to do together (I have 2 sons also and feel our time together as mother and daughter is often swamped by younger male siblings!) we both share a love for goats, and she (as I do) love going to the country shows and seeing all the goats... I/we often wish we were there competing to!

My quest continues...

[ballingall]

You know, reading that some of you think BA's are not what they used to be makes me want them even more. I don't know what it is about the breed, but I have just fallen in love with them and that's what I really want.

I do know what you mean, BA's are my second favourite breed. If it was up to me I would have my AN's and a few BA's alongside. Especially when they are in full bloom, with a shiny glow on their coat, they just look stunning!


Beth

[Lesley Silvester]

We were at a show with Horsehay Herd in the summer - they have BA's (gorgeous they are!) not sure if their contacts are on that list but the club will put you in contact, or ask Fay 

I am slightly biased towards Toggenburgs though 

You can google them as they have a website.  Their Horsehay Jinsimon wins a lot of prizes.  He's actually my Curry's dad and a very handsome fellow.  They are in Telford, Shropshire so not too far to travel.

[Bumblebear]

I have 2 BAs (1 goatling and 1 milking doe) and we got them from Diane Parker in North Norfolk telephone - 01263 710245.  We love ours  they are fab!