Sheep on Display

Just over a week ago, I showed you an image of Masham gearing up for its annual Sheep Fair. It’s a weekend when the town itself is on display, and sheep in their hundreds turn up to be examined by judges who come from all over the kingdom and beyond to this special event. We go without fail. Our first visit had us astounded at the sheer variety of types of sheep on display. At other times we’ve focused on watching sheep dogs doing what they do best … herding … ducks.

So I have photos by the score. This year, then, I thought I’d limit myself to black and white. I’d look for sheep on display, the humans who handle them, some as young as five years old. I’d look at dancing displays, at those sheep dogs, and at humans also worth a second glance. And show them to Ann-Christine, and to you, for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge: On Display.

Sheep first then, of course…

… then their handlers…

… then there were dancers. You can see they’re not happy putting up with black and white photos. We’ll revisit them another day in glorious technicolor.

There were the passers by…

… and not forgetting the duck-dog.

And after that the walk back through the town, through fields of sheep who’d somehow dodged presenting themselves in town to the car, parked in the Nature Reserve car park.

I’m offering this to Jo as a Monday Walk too. Of course the WI had tasty soup and home-baked cakes on offer. We scoffed everything down without thinking even once of the photo-opportunity they represented.

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Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

80 thoughts on “Sheep on Display”

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      3. In the North Island of New Zealand. He used to judge sometimes too, in the South Island, being part of the Perendale Breeders Society. He farmed country that had no flat paddocks, they’re a lean, hardy breed that does well on the hills. 🥰

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  9. I wonder how the sheep in the field feel about the sheep on show? A touch of envy or glad to be at grass, in peace? A grand day out, I’d like to see it for myself if I ever make it back up north.

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    1. I’m sure you would. A sheep, I’m sure, would sooner stay put than be poked, prodded, brushed and cleaned – many many times – during the day.

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  10. They all look so sheepish… 😉 🙂 made me think of my morning drives to my work place and passing a field round like a ball, on a nearby hill. When it was dotted white I knew the sheep were out and I began my working day smiling!

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  13. I remember the sheep fair from a previous post of yours, it sounds like a fun and lively event 🙂 The sheep work really well in black and white! Having seen the 400 Roses dancers once at Hebden Bridge (Rushbearing festival) I know just how colourful they are, so I’ll look forward to seeing your colour shots of them 😀

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    1. 400 Roses are lots of fun: though I was surprised at how – well – elderly most of the dancers are – though not lacking in energy! You’d have had fun at the Sheep Fair!

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    1. Plenty of vegans and veggies there! They focussed on the wools available. Many of the sheep there end up in nobody’s cooking pot. They’re kept simply for the pleasure of having them, and the grazing they do.

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      2. You’re right of course. I don’t wear wool, either, but only because it’s itchy. Our diet is almost entirely vegetarian, and if it weren’t for cheese (I can’t seem to give it up!), would be pretty much vegan too.

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  17. Wonderful display of sheep! And so many different breeds obviously. In NZ we saw a lot of sheep, and sheep shearing, but never that many different breeds. A duck dog? I remember watching the border collies work with sheep in NZ, but also in Isle of Skye. I wonder if it is the same fun with duck dogs…?
    Splendid young guys there too. I know you must have had great fun!

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    1. In truth, the sheep dogs are sheep dogs. It’s just for displays they use ducks, because it’s easier in a limited space We had great fun. It’s a firm fixture in our annual calendar. We country hicks have to get our entertainment where we can!

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  20. What a wonderful festival, Margaret. I love the texture of the sheeps’ horns and wool in b & w. That was quite a crowd! I do the same thing…I eat too fast and can’t take a photo of it. 🙂 🙂

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      2. I will. Oh, here, I’ve found it: 28/29 September 2024. Do come and stay! If you use Facebook – I don’t so I’ve no idea what their page is like – try looking for Masham Sheep Fair.

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  26. Loved those adorable sheep Margaret. It looks like such a fun day! We never, ever see anything like that here – although I’ve seen them in Scotland where they were really beautiful. Thanks for the fond reminder.

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