Youngster hopes for ewes
One of the youngest exhibitors at the show this year was today hoping for a prize for her award-winning Charollais sheep.
One of the youngest exhibitors at the show this year was today hoping for a prize for her award-winning Charollais sheep.
For their birthday most girls would be asking for an iPod or clothes but Abbie Moseley, 16, from Knockin Hall Farm, Oswestry, asked for two ewes from her father as her present. She is the youngest exhibitor in her category and won best newcomer at the show last year.
She said: "I have always been interested in sheep since I was young and then my dad bought my first two ewes for my birthday two years ago.
"Last year, I showed the lambs I had from the ewes. I got second place with my ewe lamb at the West Mid Show and first place with her at the Oswestry Show and first place with my ram Samson when he was a lamb.
"I have brought him back again this year to see if he can win another prize."
The Shrewsbury College Sixth Form student said: "My friends think it's great. They are coming to watch me tomorrow.
"You have to present them to the judge and make sure their legs are all correct and when the judge comes past and the judge has to hold them to look at their teeth.
"It's quite unusual for someone so young to be showing."
Dave Reynolds, from Buildwas, who has shown Charollais sheep since 1989, although he was not showing this year, said: "I think it's great Abbie is showing the sheep.
"Charollais sheep are extremely well fleshed and they are hardy and have a tremendous width of loin.
"They are sheep which have come to the forefront in shows in the last 20 years.
"They always do well in the interbreeds and championships."
Numbers of sheep at the show were up on last year's schedule and all the popular breeds were represented including Blue Faced Leicester, Jacob, Lleyn, Suffolk and Shropshire.
By Rebecca Lawrence