By Claire Taylor

c.taylor@thesf.co.uk

ONE OF the oldest breeds in the UK attracted some of its youngest enthusiasts when the Scottish Belted Galloway Club held its first young handlers day.

Organised to encourage a new generation of Beltie breeders to get involved with livestock management and showmanship, breeder Jennifer Taylor, of Tobergill Belted Galloways, hosted the recent event at her farm near Ayr. A total of 30 people were in attendance, including 10 youngsters which were keen to try their hand at the art of livestock showing.

Experienced stockman, show producer and renowned judge, Ian Anderson from Cumnock, Ayrshire, led the day delivering talks on conformation, handling, show preparation and health and safety when working with livestock. Mr Anderson judged both the competitive young handlers class and the stock judging competition which rounded off the day.

Jane Landers of the Cairnsmore Belted Galloway and Shorthorn herds from Bargaly Farm, Newton Stewart, then drew on her vast showing experience to capably and humorously teach showing techniques to both youngsters and parents.

Beef and dairy farmers, Caroline and Adam Montgomerie, from Lessnessock, Ochiltree, also held an informative workshop educating the youngsters about stock judging.

The 10 youngsters which ranged between eight and 15-years-old and hailed from as far east as Cupar and as far south as Newton Stewart, also had the opportunity to work with a selection of young heifers and bullocks from the Tobergill herd.

Some had little or no experience prior to the event but by the end of the day they were happily striding out with their animals around the yard, showcasing their new-found skills which was deemed an all-round success for the society’s first ever young handlers event by the organisers.

It was 2009 which marked the first year of specific Belted Galloway young handler classes, introduced by the society and three Scottish shows now host them annually – Ayr, Straiton and Stranraer.

However, the wider showing circuit has been known to have younger competitors partake. At Stewartry Show on August 6, 2015, Callum Ross, son of Robert Ross, Speddoch Farm, took part in the general beef young handlers class at the age of six leading his seven- month-old Beltie bull calf, Speddoch Tornado. His sister Caitlin, now six-years-old is following very capably in his footsteps training and showing her Beltie calf for local shows.

The society have struggled to get breed specific classes at other shows across the country which usually results in the youngsters having to compete in general beef young handler classes.

In 2016 the World Galloway Conference was held at Gretna Green, with the Belted Galloway and Galloway National Shows taking place at Dumfries. This saw a record number of more than 100 Belties turn out to compete.

A one off young handler class attracted 16 handlers including Lynsey Brown from Cupar, noted as one of the more experienced at the YH day, and it was Lynsey who won her class at Dumfries where she very capably led her stock bull. The Scottish Belted Galloway society will look to host future young handlers events given the success of their recent open day and will continue to focus on encouraging youngsters who are the future of the breed.

Next Friday, October 27, Castle Douglas will hold the Belted Galloway sales which will see a strong number of entries including over 100 Belties, eight White Galloways and three Riggit Galloways. The sale will commence at 12 Noon at Castle Douglas Auction Mart.