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Hebridean Sheep
(Click on the thumbnails to see large versions of the photos)
In the late eighties, Allan Heaton, noted Triallist from Yorkshire, introduced me to his flock of black sheep, which he trained his dogs
on. Despite being a commercial sheep farmer, he found Hebridean Sheep much easier to work with and didn't cost valuable pounds of fat loss at
market time! I bought a few off him and rented some land at Broughton Astley not far from home in Leicestershire.
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| Ewes and lambs |
Cories Leo |
The Cories flock |
Together with Bruce Kilsby and Nij Vyas, I managed the sheep and the land as well as having a go at sheepdog trials locally.
Of my two illustrious companions, Bruce went on to win open trials with his bitch, Polly (Ma Biche of Whenway), who was jointly bred by Sheena
and myself - then went on to qualify her on merit with the I.S.D.S. - a very unique occurrence.
Nij has become a very well known triallist in his own right, having started with a bitch from my Sadghyl Merrye, Cories Lara. He has recently
qualified for the National trial on more than one occasion.
My flock of Cories Hebrideans have also had a notable show career, having gained 100% red cards (True to type and suitable for breeding) at
every specialist show and sale since I started showing. My ram, Leo, was the sire of a Champion Ram shown at Stoneleigh Rare Breeds show and
sale, Cories Byron. Byron still holds the record for the top price for a Heb Ram.
Heb sheep are ideally suited for work with dogs. They are free-moving, tough , non aggressive and easy to look after. They lamb outside with
no assistance and can be cross-bred with larger commercial breeds producing large lambs that grow quickly on the rich Heb milk. Hebs are also
delicious to eat!
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| Taboo, my Kelpie, in charge |
Where's our dinner? (Cade lambs) |
Kerry, full speed ahead |
Sheepdog training classes are offered to anyone who would like to have a go at this great pastime.
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| Andy and Sam on their 2nd lesson |
Sam, looking the part |
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