Preparations for Achievement Day

Two completely different kinds of lambs, two methods of preparation. Kivu, the Shetland, is shown in full fleece. No trimming, and only gentle bathing allowed. Basically we added "Mane and Tail" shampoo into a bucket of lukewarm water, and gently dumped it all over her. Then, we rinsed her with 5 buckets of water poured over her. No disturbing of fleece, no massaging in of soap. It is very important that the lock structure of the fleece remain intact, so the judge can see the length of staple and crimpiness. We pressed towels on her, then blew her dry (medium) with no brushing. Here is Claire playing hair dresser:


Jasmine is our market lamb. She was fully sheared 2 weeks prior to the show. We used very warm water with her because we had to dissolve the lanolin, which was turning her slightly yellow in the cool weather that day. And she was scrubbed ... by sponge, face cloth and curry comb. And trimmed. And rinsed. And scrubbed again. Much more elbow grease involved here, but she came out snowy white! Below is the rinse cycle:


Further drying occurred on our front lawn, so they didn't go into their dusty pen and undo all the work. Jasmine amused herself by jumping over Alison.


Friends.


Prince Edward County 4H Achievement Day is now completed as I post this on Sunday night, but my news and photos from the event will have to wait until tomorrow!