rare breeds
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rare breeds ⚑
Rare Breeds
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.
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.
LIST OF CUP WINNERS
Primitive Sheep Champion – Judith Kingston Portland Champion – Sarah and Darren Rashley Best Portland owned by a Dorset Resident – Jo Stover Best Veteran Portland ewe – Sarah and Darren Rashley Longwool Sheep Champion – SJ & DA Champion Best Greyface Dartmoor – SJ & DA Champioin Shortwool Sheep Champion – Charlotte Attwell Heath/Hillbred Sheep Champion – David Butt Shetland Sheep Champion – Sue Watson Wool on the Hoof Champion - Sarah and Darren Rashley Supreme Sheep Champion – Sarah and Darren Rashley Best Sheep Family Group – Sarah & Darren Rashley
Fleece Champion – Fiona MacKenzie Traditional Pig Champion – Bridgette Baker Traditional Cattle Champion – Charlotte Farquhaarson Dexter Cattle Champion – Middlebrook Dexters Supreme Cattle Champion – Middlebrook Dexters Heavy Horse Champion – Danny Roberts Best Turned Out Horse and Wagon – Malcolm Kerswell Light Horse and Pony Champion and NPS Silver Medal winner – Alice Gould Best Shetland Pony – Alice Gould Best Condition Pony – Alice Gould
2026 Rare Breeds results
Our Sponsors
Symonds and Sampsons Yeovil
The White Horse Stourpaine
Stockwood Lettings & Property Management Sherborne
Young Handler Bursaries
Bursaries are available for young handlers in Dorset/Somerset and the neighbouring area. You do not need to exhibit The Sherborne Castle Country Fair to be able to apply.
Financial assistance can be requested in these circumstances:
Purchasing stock or semen to improve the breeding lines of a rare breed herd or flock.
The closing date for applications is 30th June. Please contact us after the Fair if you or someone you know is interested in applying. Thank you.
Purchasing stock to start up a rare breed herd or flock.
The bursary is matched-funding up to a maximum of £100.00.
Bursaries are open to young handlers who are under 18 years of age at the date of the Show.
Purchasing show equipment (eg, a show halter) for showing rare breed animals at local shows and events.
Get involved
Interested in getting involved at the fair? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!