[Bionic]

...what he is looking for in my Ryeland lambs?.  I am hoping to show them at the local show this Thursday in an "any other native lowland breed" class
I was thinking of showing a Ryeland ram lamb and a Coloured Ryeland ewe lamb. I understand that the coloureds don't need much prep but the Ryelands should be washed and trimmed is the judge likely to know that? Well I have just washed my ram (yes I know I am late doing it) and he doesn't look clean. Short of bleaching him (which I wouldn't do of course) how do I get him clean and can I get away without trimming him?

[roddycm]

Hello,

There are special shampoos for washing sheep, I get mine here http://www.peasridge.co.uk/acatalog/Showing_Sheep_-_the_essentials.html
I would say that its best to trim both your sheep a little if it is to be a commercial judge! Trimming is actually very easy, don't take too much off and just level out the topline and sides if you are not sure what to do! It just makes the animal look tidy! I've even seen shetland ppl do this at some of the larger shows and they are meant to be shown "as from the field"! Get your carding brush, brush you sheep and then with your shears you cut the stragly ends... Then you get a flat board/paddle and tap it all down again! By not taking too much off you really can't mess up but your lambs will look tidy and the judge will see you have made the effort!

Good luck! I'm sure you'll be fine!