Halter training for Dexter handlers

THE Six Counties NI Group of the Dexter Society recently held a pre-Balmoral training day at Ballyloughan Farm.

As the participants arrived they were offered tea and coffee or soft drinks and a splendid choice of homemade tray bakes provided by committee member Susan McCullough. This gave everyone a chance to relax and chat before the start of the programme.

Welcoming everyone, the chairperson Willeen Montgomery gave a resume of the equipment required for showing, both for preparation and in the show ring.

A cow was then led into the arena and James Eccles used it to demonstrate what a judge would look for in an exhibit. He explained the details of conformation and also of movement very thoroughly.

The next stage was for participants to have a go at showing a cow themselves. This resembled a show ring situation as there were five bovines of different ages in the ring at one time. A demonstration of what not to do in the show ring caused a lot of amusement, from going in the wrong direction, chatting to friends and addressing the judge.

Even the youngest participants had a go at leading and very popular was a two month old calf called Pringle who allowed the littlest ones to lead him round.

At the close of the session there were more refreshments and a presentation to the juniors of Six Counties rosettes and ‘Well Done’ certificates. Thanks go to all who helped make this a very successful day both in the ring and with the catering. The group hopes to hold another training day soon.

The group is also delighted to be recognised as a Regional Group of the Dexter Cattle Society.