The Hebridean Society Winter Event 2007

The Hebridean Sheep Society Winter Event Willey, Nr Lutterworth, Leicestershire - 4th February 2007

Having prayed for fair weather during the preceding week or so, it was clear that our supplications had not fallen on deaf ears! Whilst sharp, bright and, yes, cold, the day was refreshingly fine and even sunny, holding all the promise of both spring and a thoroughly enjoyable winter event. There is no doubt that the twenty-five or so who attended all wanted to enjoy the day and learn all there was to be learnt from each other and from the sheep! It is hard to say how any non-member hearing the buzz of conversation over the much welcome cups of tea and coffee in Willey’s Village Hall, our starting point for the day, could have possibly kept away!

First off and all very grateful for the hospitality of Cathy Wainwright and Darren Cassie, we congregated in the poly-tunnels to have a good look at some Hebridean sheep. Why in poly-tunnels? No, this isn’t a trick of the showing trade; simply the sheep had been brought off wet ground.

Card Grading

Cathy Wainwright gave a comprehensive explanation and practical demonstration of the principles of card grading. The Hebridean Sheep Society uses a two card grading system, a purple card for a good sheep and a yellow card for a minimum standard sheep. The system involves grading animals against set criteria of the breed description. It provides a reassurance to the possible buyer that, first and foremost, the animal is a sound sheep and then, that it is true to type as a Hebridean.

Animal Husbandary

Cathy included additional husbandry information in her presentation, which we all found useful. Discussions covered foot rot, how to prevent it and what to do if it appears; vaccination regimes; worming and feeding. Also, as we are all at this time generally caring for our ewes as they enter the final phase of their pregnancies, we discussed careful monitoring of the flock, a key to problem minimisation at lambing. Learning really is life-long, certainly where keeping sheep is concerned, and sharing information and topical tips can make all the difference very quickly as we all encounter varying issues. So, the winter event got off to a really good start, experienced sheep keepers and novices alike generally asking lots of questions of Cathy and each other.

Demonstration of 'foot trimming' by Cathy Wainwright

Over Grown Hoof	Hoof Before Trimming	Hoof Being Trimmed	Hoof After Trimming

Click above pictures to get a closer view of the hoofs from overgrown to trimmed

Checking the Teeth

Positioning the Sheep for Examination of the Head/Teeth	Gently Cupping the Sheeps Chin in the Hand to Exam Teeth	Using Thumb to Check any Difference between Teeth and Pad	Example of Teeth being well off the Pad

Click above pictures to get a closer view of the mouth and teeth of the sheep

The Pub Lunch and the Commonardary

The time simply flew by, the sheep were all very compliant and even the rams were in lazy Sunday mode! We emerged from the poly-tunnels enthused and invigorated, both for keeping sheep and for a very enjoyable Sunday lunch at the Sarah Mansfield Pub, back in the village of Willey. A rare treat of relaxation for any sheep keeper, we did linger a while over our lunches, although this was facilitated in part by the also relaxed approach to service although it is likely that things were rather hotter in the kitchen! The benefit of the social element of the Sheep Society’s events must not be underestimated; it is truly a very important facet to keeping sheep. The friendship groups which form as a result of the common interest in sheep go well beyond sheep keeping and events such as these oil the social wheels for people who live many miles apart.

The Final Activity

By the middle of the afternoon and all feeling the need to walk off some of the lunch – we were treated to a farm walk by Darren – which was again informative and useful, as well as hugely enjoyable. Then, back to Willey Village Hall, for a closing cuppa!

The temperature had dropped quite a bit and the light was just fading by the time we pulled away from yet another great day together. Hebridean Sheep Society events have to be experienced to be appreciated and, if you have yet to do so, join us at the next one!