Showing

The show ring is the shop window for the breed and your flock. Showing starts at home with breeding, selection and halter training — sheep should walk well and stand square.

Before the show

• Attend a show first and watch the pens and ringside judging.
• Request schedules early — entries usually close two to six weeks before the show.
• Entries typically require health statements, a public-liability waiver and, in some states, a National Vendor Declaration.

What to bring

Water and feed buckets, feed, halters, grooming supplies, and a clean white coat with long sleeves for the ring.

In the ring

Classes usually run rams (senior, yearling, lambs), then ewes, then groups of three, with breed champion and reserve chosen from the class winners. Walk your sheep past the judge, line up square with heads up, and stay between the sheep and the judge. The judge examines teeth, eyes, back and condition, testicles or teats and udder, and feet and legs.

Don’t be discouraged by placings — judging involves opinion. Judges usually visit exhibitors afterwards, a good time to ask how your sheep performed.