Taylor Borden, 13, is one of 90 4-H children participating in a variety of events at the British Columbia Northern Exhibition until Sunday.
Borden raised three sheep this year. One is for market, his name is Butterball and he was born Feb. 15 and two females are for show, Paisley is a yearling and Aria was born Feb. 17.
Borden had to raise the sheep herself and then before the show, she washed each one to make sure they are as clean and bright as they can be.
Borden spent time grooming, including carding (brushing), hand sheering and shaping their wool so they look as appealing as possible.
"You have to train them to head lead, so first you start off with a halter," said Borden, who is in her fourth year of 4-H. "After you master that, you would practice head leading them."
Borden demonstrates by placing one hand under Butterball's chin and the other on top of his head, just behind his ears.
"You take him around the rink like this," said Borden. It demonstrates the handler has control of their animal.
During the sheep show, participants walk their sheep around the rink and then follow further instructions from the judge. As the sheep stands still, handlers will set up their feet so they are square and it's good advice to always be on the opposite side of the sheep from the judge so that the sheep is fully displayed, Borden explained.
During the exhibition there are judged competitions for beef cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, pigs, horses and dogs.
Borden participated with two hens and a rooster in the poultry category, as well as the sheep.
"I chose sheep because I really like working with them," said Borden. "They're just really cute and fuzzy."
Have you ever had a sheep that's a bit rowdier than the other ones?
"That would be Paisley," laughed Borden, who's been around animals all her life. "It's definitely harder to do but you can still do it."
Borden credits her keen interest in 4-H to her grandparents, Earl and Val Jackson, who have a sheep farm with more than 100 ewes. Earl did his first sheep project at 13 years old and is still involved today in 4-H and farming at 60 years old.
The 4-H events will culminate Saturday at 6 p.m. at the exhibition with the animal and livestock auction.
