The National American Kerry Hill Show will be held annually at the North American International Livestock Expo (NAILE) in Louisville Kentucky.  

Membership

All exhibitors at AKHSS sponsored shows must be a Society member in good standing.

Registration

All sheep at AKHSS sponsored shows must have AKHSS registration papers to exhibit.

Fees

In addition to the regular entry fee, payable to Show Venue, a $10.00 fee per entry (including pairs and flocks) must be paid directly to the American Kerry Hill Sheep Society.

Health Papers

All animals shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). A CVI means a legible record covering the requirements of the state of destination accomplished on an official form of a standard size from the state of origin or an equivalent form of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, United States Department of Agriculture, that is prepared and issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian.

Sheep Identification

All sheep must have a USDA approved Scrapies ear tag with permanent flock identification that corresponds with their AKHSS registration certificate. Sheep not having this identification will be barred from competition. Identification will be checked on all animals prior to entering the ring.

Fitting

Kerry Hill sheep are to be fitted and presented in a manner that reflects the traditional style of the breed as recognized in the United Kingdom, the country of their origin.

The fleece is to be well-washed, carded, and trimmed to create an even, uniform outline without excessive sculpting. Minimum length of the fleece should be 2 inches. Slick shorn trimming is prohibited. 

Judge Protocol for incorrect Fitting presentation

• If the wool is slightly shorter than ideal but close to 2 inches, the judge may downgrade the animal accordingly with a minor to moderate fault.

• If the wool is substantially shorter than the accepted minimum length of 2 inches, the judge shall treat this as a serious fault and place the animal accordingly.

Exhibitors must not use artificial substances, coatings, dyes, powders, fake hair, wool patches, or any non-natural material to alter the appearance of a sheep’s fleece, coloration, or structure.  Whitening/purple shampoo and wool fix/setting products are permitted.

Practices such as inserting foreign material under the skin, injections or infusion of substances to alter body contour, excessive “fitting/molding,” or other cosmetic manipulations for show advantage are prohibited.

Tail Docking

Tails should be docked no shorter than the distal end of the caudal fold or at approximately the third palatable joint. Tails should cover the vulva in ewes and fully cover the anus in rams. Animals with tails shorter than the recommended length may be downgraded or disqualified.

Judge Protocol for Overshort Tail Docking

Judges shall evaluate tail docking as part of structural correctness and breed presentation within the ring. A tail that has been docked shorter than the accepted standard, defined as not covering the vulva in ewes or failing to fully cover the anus in rams, shall be considered a fault related to welfare and breed correctness, not merely cosmetic preference.

    •    If the tail is slightly shorter than ideal but still functional (i.e., protects tissue and shows no evidence of prolapse, scarring, irritation, or altered anatomy), the judge may downgrade the animal accordingly as a minor to moderate structural/presentation fault.

    •    If the tail is substantially shorter than the accepted minimum length, exposing the anus or vulva fully and creating a known welfare risk, the judge shall treat this as a serious fault and place the animal accordingly, regardless of other attributes.

    •    If a dock is so short that it appears to be intentionally altered solely for cosmetic show advantage or creates visible welfare impact (scarring, prolapse, inflammation, or compromised function), the judge may disqualify the animal, or else record the concern and notify the steward or show management for further review.

Exhibitor Dress Code

No farm, flock name or logo shall be worn in the ring. It is recommended that clothing worn by exhibitors in the ring be predominantly black or black and white, to showcase the beauty of the Kerry Hill Sheep.

Exhibitor Conduct

Exhibitors must conduct themselves with good sportsmanship, courtesy and respect towards the judges, stewards and other exhibitors before, during and after the show. Criticism of judges or management at the show is strictly prohibited. Exhibitors and/or family members may be excused from the Show for any behavior deemed inappropriate by the executive committee.

Treatment of animals

Animals must be in good health, free from disease or visible illness, external parasites or other conditions that may endanger their welfare or the welfare of others. Inhumane treatment of animals will be not be allowed. Muzzles are prohibited.

Selection of Judges

Judges will be nominated and selected by the AKHSS Board of Directors for all Kerry Hill Sheep Society sanctioned shows. 

Judges will be selected based on demonstrated knowledge of the Kerry Hill breed standard, experience in evaluating conformation livestock, and a commitment to impartiality and professional conduct. Preference will be given to judges who have formal training with or direct exposure to the breed under the standards established by the American Kerry Hill Sheep Society.

The Society may invite qualified judges from the United Kingdom or international Kerry Hill organizations to ensure alignment with the breed’s global evaluation standards as the U.S. program grows. 

All judges must agree in writing to uphold AKHSS show rules, ethics policies, and the approved presentation standard. No judge may officiate in a class where a conflict of interest exists, including ownership, recent financial transactions, or close family or business relationships with an exhibitor. 

Class type allowed

Percentage Kerry Hill Sheep F1 | 50% or higher will be permitted to participate in all classes.

Classes

1. Aged Ram (Over two years old)

2. Yearling Ram (One to two years old)

3. Senior Ram Lamb

4. Junior Ram Lamb

5. Pair of Ram Lambs

6. Grand Champion Ram

7. Reserve Grand Champion Ram

8. Aged Ewe (Over two years old that has lambed)

9. Yearling Ewe (One to two years old)

10. Senior Ewe Lamb

11. Junior Ewe Lamb

12. Pair of Ewe Lambs

13. Pair of Yearling Ewes

14. Breeders Flock (5) Must include 1 ram (any age) 2 yearling ewes, 2 ewe lambs (Junior or Senior)

15. Grand Champion Ewe

16. Reserve Grand Champion Ewe

Awards

AKHSS Rosettes will be awarded through 5th place.  Premiums will be awarded in some classes and may vary from year to year.

The Downwood Perpetual Cup will be presented to the champion exhibit at the National show. This cup is a traveling trophy and will stay in possession of the breeder who wins it for one year at a time with his/her name engraved on it and the year they won. 

The Perpetual Cup is to be returned to the American Kerry Hill Sheep Society one month prior to the following years show

Miscellaneous

The American Kerry Hill Sheep Society reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions, or differences in regard, thereto, or otherwise arising out of, or incident to the show. The AKHSS will not be responsible in case of any accidents at the show.