Sheep Shearing – Bruised, Bloodied But a Total Winner

Our congratulations to Hannah, the beneficiary of our latest sheep shearing sponsorship. Hannah had two busy and exhausting days but this is what she had to say:

I feel so grateful to you Jessica, for the sponsorship of the two-day shearing course at Cloggs Farm. As I have previously mentioned, I wanted to do this to gain new skills, to further develop the farm and to really be able to push wool as ‘more than a by-product’.  Through your sponsorship I have completed a life-long achievement – a two-day beginner course with British Wool. Without the sponsorship, I do not think that I would have prioritised this, or pushed myself in the way that I did. 

The first day started in trepidation, I was worried I was too old/ too unfit/ too devoid of skill. Anyway, I was quickly put at ease by Sam Harvey, the course tutor (and David Bawden).  The sheep were Exmoor Horn – the same as our growing flock back at home.  They were pretty wild and woolly and it took some strength to control them. 

Shearing might look easy, but it definitely takes skill, patience, determination and some strength. On the first day I learnt the patterns and was able to shear a number of sheep with quite a bit of help and support. At the end of the first day I was pleased, knowing I was familiar with the steps to shearing, the footwork and the number of blows that you should take!

Day two arrived and we started to shear some mules. The first one out was for me. She was a grumpy ewe, everyone said so. I felt that I had forgotten lots of the technique from the previous day. Gradually, (one nosebleed and many bruises later!), I remembered all I had been taught and, with the help and guidance from Sam, was able to shear a fair few more sheep. 

Three in thirty minutes. It does not sound many but, as a beginner, it feels a lot. This meant that I was awarded my Blue Seal. I was ecstatic about this – although totally and utterly worn out. My focus throughout the two days was entirely on getting the technique right and being able to make progress – when I started I was petrified I was going to cut the sheep! I never expected to be able to gain my Blue Seal.

Since returning from the course, I have been shearing some of our ewes on the farm. This has enabled me to take my time, remember (and refresh) my technique and put into play all of the skills Sam taught me on the course.