What our Shearing Courses are all about?

Stephen Wilson shares his experience when he attended one of our shearing courses in May. Stephen was awarded with this year’s Training & Development Programme.

Shearing Course

On the 23rd and 24th May 2023 I attended a shearing course near the town of Ballymena, taken by the chief shearing instructor for Northern Ireland, Willie Jones.  

Having previously been on shearing courses with him I knew that the quality of teaching would be first class. This was an advanced shearing course, but was attended by participants of varying abilities. My focus was less on the number of sheep I could shear and more on how to shear effectively. 

As we all had shorn sheep before, we were able to start shearing immediately while being observed by Willie to gauge what level each of us were at. We sheared in turns, swapping around after a few sheep. The course was about breaking down each step, taking it slowly to ensure a quality job was done. I often tell people that when you go on a shearing course you will not be able to remember everything taught but maybe a handful of pointers. After a few courses these tips add up and ultimately make you a better shearer.

A Watchful Eye

I enjoyed being under the watchful eye of someone I knew was not only an accomplished shearer but also a competent instructor. Willie has instructed for many years and is keen to see the next generation progress and always willing to answer any questions and offer advice. 

Willie was able to offer me a few pointers such as correcting some of my foot work. I had not previously realised the importance of this. If your feet and body are in the wrong position there are a number of things that can happen, for example the sheep could struggle and feel she can get away or you could nick the skin of the sheep. I was reminded to think ahead and be one step ahead of the sheep to pre-empt any resisting. I also gained a greater understanding of the importance of using my free hand to prepare the way for the blows with the handpiece. 

Valuable Information

I came away from the course armed with tips and tricks that would help me when shearing to make it more enjoyable by making it easier on my body and to avoid unplanned wrestling matches with sheep. I’m not exactly built like Arnold Schwarzenegger so I have to beat them with brains rather than brawn!