Sherborne Castle Country Fair - 27 May 2024

Rare Breeds

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The rare, minority and native breeds show includes cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, ponies and poultry with commentaries about the stock and their history.  It is one of the largest standalone rare breed shows in the country with some 50 different breeds of animals typically forward.  Judging starts from 9.00am.   To download a copy of the show schedule, entry form, etc, please click on the headings below.

The Fair offers a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn a little more about a wide variety of our native rare and traditional breeds of domestic farm livestock. Many of these breeds originated in relatively confined areas becoming specialised and adapted to their local environment. The names often represent the home of the breed, for example Portland sheep, Berkshire pigs, Belted Galloway cattle, Suffolk Punch horses and Dartmoor ponies. Displays include heavy horses, rare breed poultry, rare breed goats and a grand finale parade.

The Rare Breeds' tent is open all day and here you will find the fleece competitions, displays, crafts, demonstrations and information about rare breed livestock.

 

Rare Breeds Show

The Sherborne Castle Country Fair Rare Breeds Show schedule and entry form is available via these links:

Rare Breeds Show Schedule

General Information

Entry Information

Entry Form

If you would prefer to receive a paper copy in the post, please contact us using the email link below and include your postal address and post code.

 

Rare Breed Bursaries

Sherborne Castle Country Fair offers bursaries to young handlers who wish to improve their stock lines.  Financial assistance can be requested, for example, for:

  • purchasing stock to start up a rare breed herd or flock
  • purchasing stock or semen to improve the breeding lines of their rare breed herd or flock
  • purchasing show equipment (eg, a show halter) for showing their rare breed animals at local shows and events.

Applications must be made in writing by 30th June.  Bursaries will be awarded for 50% of the total cost, ie, applicants must fund the remaining 50% themselves and a valid receipt must be supplied in order to receive the bursary.  The value of the bursary awarded by the Fair is up to a maximum of £200.00.  Bursaries are open to young handlers who are aged up to and including 16 years of age, as at the date of the Show.

Please contact us for further information.