1 Training/handling sheep: The technique for training sheep is much quicker and less complicated when compared with beef or dairy cattle. A sheep is held under the jaw with one hand while the other hand is free to position the legs. Holding a ram under the jaw stops him from bolting forward. In order to familiarise your ram to handling, stand him for 15 minutes at home, holding him under the jaw. Do this a few times. He will get used to it quickly. If a ram is well trained, he will stand by just using one hand.

2 Dress code: Presentation of the competitor is very important. It’s recommended to wear a white coat, a shirt and tie.

3 Entering the ring: After entering the ring, line up randomly with your ram. Ideally, kneel down beside your ram. This makes him look bigger.

4 Set up your ram: Using your spare hand, position the legs. The two back legs should be parallel to each other. The two front legs should also be parallel to each other. Keep the head up at all times. Always keep an eye on the judge.

5 Judge’s examination: The judge will examine each ram individually. When the judge walks in front of your ram, turn and face the judge. When the judge walks behind your ram, turn and face your ram. Ensure that the ram does not bolt forward or start reversing. The judge will ask you questions such as the age and the pedigree of your ram.

6 Making a selection: When the judge is finished the individual examinations, he will go about making his final selection. The judge will be looking for a ram that is standing correctly, has a straight top line, has its head up and looks alert. A ram that looks alert has a better chance of catching the judge’s eye. To do this, you should make a whistle sound. This will help to make him prick up his ears and look alert.

7 Final lineup: In the younger handler classes, the judge may not ask the competitors to move their sheep into the order of first, second, third etc. If there are six rosettes, he might tap out six sheep and ask the handlers to step forward with their sheep. From there, he will announce the order of his winners. In the older handler classes, the handlers will be asked to move their sheep into the correct position for the winning lineup.

8 Enjoy: Graciously accept the outcome and congratulate your fellow competitors on either side of you. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself, whatever the result.

To read the full Show and Showing Focus Supplement, click here.