What to wear...

[jemski]

... Before you start, I've been asked to judge the young handler sheep classes at our county shoe. I graciously accepted, but have no idea
A. What to wear (please don't say I have to wear a hat)
B. What am I actually judging? The sheep or the child's handling ability - or both?

 

[Kevtherev]

@neilo

 

[Spartacus]

https://goo.gl/images/dEutf1

 

[abitdaft]

Haha think Hyacinth Bucket!

 

[abitdaft]

 

[MRT]

A stab vest

 

[Downtrodden Dad]

First assess the size of the parents. They are the ones that will be after you when their little Johnny doesn't win[emoji48]

 

[yellowbelly]

A. What to wear (please don't say I have to wear a hat)

I think nowadays you ladies can more or less please yourselves. As it's a county show you ought to wear something smart. Our breed society judges always wear white coats, so if you're a bit self conscious you could do that - then it wouldn't matter what you had on underneath (as long as it's not that 'canoeing outfit' you had on the other week)
Don't bother with a hat if you don't like them. The rule I follow (male judges) is that if the stewards wear bowlers, I wear a bowler.

B. What am I actually judging? The sheep or the child's handling ability - or both?

The few I've done it has just been the children as they usually turn up with all different breeds and ages of sheep.
Usually 2 or 3 different age groups. The really little ones are not so serious - it's more of the oooooh factor.
For the older ones judge them on how they handle their sheep and ask them questions about their breed, age of sheep,feeding etc.
It's just a bit of fun really. You'll enjoy it.

 

[abitdaft]

I think nowadays you ladies can more or less please yourselves. As it's a county show you ought to wear something smart. Our breed society judges always wear white coats, so if you're a bit self conscious you could do that - then it wouldn't matter what you had on underneath (as long as it's not that 'canoeing outfit' you had on the other week)
Don't bother with a hat if you don't like them. The rule I follow (male judges) is that if the stewards wear bowlers, I wear a bowler.

The few I've done it has just been the children as they usually turn up with all different breeds and ages of sheep.
Usually 2 or 3 different age groups. The really little ones are not so serious - it's more of the oooooh factor.
For the older ones judge them on how they handle their sheep and ask them questions about their breed, age of sheep,feeding etc.
It's just a bit of fun really. You'll enjoy it.

Trust a grown up to come along, we could have had loads more fun!

 

[fermerboy]

My son(5yrs) won the young handlers section at our show.
To me it's the child not the sheep that's being judged.
Ask them questions, What breed, How old the animal is? Has she had lambs? Etc Assess their knowledge making allowances for age.
Also general competency with the animal.
Some will be using a quiet pet lamb or the like, (younger ones especially) so the sheep isn't so important. My lad had an non too fancy ewe that stands no bother of his grandads.

One of the others lost control of their sheep and that tipped my boy over and he eventually had to let his sheep go when the other went over him. But despite near crying, he got up straightened himself up, got it together, and once he got his sheep again carried on. Think that tipped things his way, as the judge saw what he did.

As for what you wear, i think as long as your smart, it doesn't really matter. Some would wear a suit, others a nice jacket over trousers. Depends on the show i suppose.

 

[milkloss]

Yoga pants

 

[Wolds Beef]

I can't say I have ever seen @yellowbelly in a Bowler!! I better not say anything else as I may see in June if not before.
WB

 

[Ukjay]

I think nowadays you ladies can more or less please yourselves.

 

[neilo]

... Before you start, I've been asked to judge the young handler sheep classes at our county shoe. I graciously accepted, but have no idea
A. What to wear (please don't say I have to wear a hat)
B. What am I actually judging? The sheep or the child's handling ability - or both?

A miniskirt might distract the Dad's, but then it might wind up the mums too. Best play it safe with smart and tidy, probably a frock and a hat, but not necessarily.
If I'm judging at a County Show, I will always wear a suit, but quite a few don't seem to bother any more, mores the pity.

As to what you're judging, I'd suggest judging the child's handling ability and their knowledge of the sheep they're holding. Quite a few will have been handed Dad's prize winning lamb to parade around, and have had nothing to do with it before that day. Of course, the cutest child should always get first prize though.

 

[tr250]

Judge on the kids handling skills, knowledge of their sheep and how much work they have put in. If I was the judge I think I would be looking at them getting it ready to see which ones wanted to do it and got it ready themselves as apose the those who just turn up and hold the halter of any old sheep this pic is of my son last summer he loved halter training getting it ready and stayed with it in the pen all day

 

[It was already broken.]

 

[yellowbelly]

Trust a grown up to come along, we could have had loads more fun!

You still can, don't let me stop you

I can't say I have ever seen @yellowbelly in a Bowler!!

Of course you have - don't you remember when we both had this picture taken?

 

[neilo]

You still can, don't let me stop you

Of course you have - don't you remember when we both had this picture taken?
View attachment 507640

Bugger. Now I have to go to Lincoln and Dorset County Shows.....

 

[yellowbelly]

Bugger. Now I have to go to Lincoln and Dorset County Shows

I reckon @jemski would suss you out if you turned up in a young handler class

 

[unlacedgecko]

If I'm judging at a County Show, I will always wear a suit, but quite a few don't seem to bother any more, mores the pity.

That's shocking that some don't bother. At the very least it should be a sports jacket and cords to show respect for the efforts of the stock and handler.