The first thing I like to do is to dip the sheep along about May or June, in time for the early shows - usually about ten weeks before show time - and then trim them up. Before trimming, however, the sheep's feet should be trimmed so it can stand square on its legs. For this work I use a pruning shear.

About the middle of April the Lincolns are stubble sheared and then dipped along in May or June. After they are dipped, I part the wool down the back and pour in a little light oil to keep it from becoming dry. The dock is cut square. I always take my cane or walking stick and fluff the wool up a little. Then the fine tips of the wool are cut off with the shears. Lincoln sheep are not blanketed at all after trimming.

The Rambouillets are also stubble sheared about the middle of April. After they are shorn, I usually take a card and card up and trim them so the wool will grow smooth. Then just before show time they are usually trimmed up a little again. I usually use just a wire brush for trimming them up smooth. Rambouillet sheep are dipped, never washed. Take a pure dip, usually a coal tar dip, and coat the wool with this. Then I use a little fine drying oil, such as linseed or corn oil, so the wool won't get brashy or harsh. Those who understand the show ring standards trim the Rambouillets round and don't block them off as in the case of the down breeds. This breed of sheep should not be blanketed any more than necessary during the hot weather, as blanketing causes them to sweat and usually discolors the wool.

On the down breeds, such as Hampshires and Southdowns, I start trimming them hard down on the back after dipping, that is on the lambs and yearlings, along about the middle of June. Then again just before show time they are trimmed all over again. In the trimming of Hampshires I usually put a little soap in the water. In going over the wool the second time I use coal tar dip as this gives kind of a bloom to the coat. Be careful not to wash it too often, for washing makes the wool harsh. Hampshires should be blanketed after they are trimmed the last time just before showing in order to keep their wool clean and compact.

Corriedales are stubble sheared in April and trimmed round too, just like Rambouillets and are not cut down hard on the back as are the Hampshires or the Southdowns. Corriedales should not be blanketed either, as it causes them to sweat, except of course just a few days before the show in order to hold the fleece. If the fleece gets dry, I usually use a fine oil. This also helps in trimming and it gives them a better appearance.