The school’s Poll Dorset ewe named ‘Roxy’ was named Champion Ewe of the Show and Supreme Exhibit of the Show after three days of competition between May 26 and May 28.
Teacher Gary Webb said it was a proud moment for the school, and for Roxy’s handler, Year 10 student Caitlin Griffith.
The ewe, born April last year, had the look on the day, with judges praising her as a good representation of the breed.
‘‘The judges commented on her style, correct Poll Dorset characteristics, correctness and depth, and width of her muscling,’’ Mr Webb said.
‘‘She was a well put together and had great, soft skin and judge Paul Routley could not speak highly enough about this ewe.’’
Mr Webb said Roxy sometimes needs a little extra attention during shows, because she gets a little nervous.
But he said Caitlin knows how to relax her, and it paid off at Holbrook.
‘‘Caitlin showed patience and skill in the ring, setting the ewe up to perfection. It paraded beautifully.
‘‘Caitlin has been to a few sheep shows.
‘‘She is an accomplished handler of livestock, particularly sheep and cattle.’’
Mr Webb and fellow teacher Robyn O’Leary took 23 students from Year 7 to 10 to enjoy three days of showing, judging and fun.
The first day of the fair was Schools’ Day, which is dedicated to educational workshops for participating schools, before they compete with their school sheep in the Schools’ Interbreed Competition.
Thursday was the Open Sheep Competitions between the different breeds and the judging of fleeces.
It concluded on the Friday morning with the Open Sheep Interbreed classes and a presentation of trophies.
Various judging competitions were also conducted throughout the event, including novice and senior sections for Merino sheep, meat breed sheep and fleece judging.
‘‘Each student also participated in a junior judging competition,’’ Mr Webb said.
‘‘Jebidiah Meyervale brought home the silverware, winning both the meat sheep and Merino group finals. This qualifies him to compete at next year’s Royal Easter Show in Sydney.
‘‘Caitlin was second in the merino judging.
‘‘It was a great experience for all the show students.
‘‘They were able to learn a lot and even took initiative getting extra judging tips from Paul Routley, who showed a real enjoyment in judging sheep and working with youth.’’
Mr Webb said sheep of the show was one of a few awards the school at Holbrook.
The school also claimed champion Poll Dorset ram and ewe and the group of three Poll Dorset sections.
Each of these also went on to become champion of the short-wool breeds.
Holbrook was the show team’s first multiple day excursion since Melbourne Show 2019, and Mr Webb said they’re now looking forward to the Bendigo Sheep Show in July.
In the meantime, he said thanks must go to the locals who supported their trip to Holbrook.
‘‘Thanks must go to Gordon Close for helping prepare the sheep and Ryan McGrath who shore the sheep a few months ago,’’ he said.
‘‘We are also grateful for the help from Genstock at Jerilderie and the Frost family of Hillden Poll Dorsets for their services and quality genetics to allow us to breed great sheep.’’
