Introduction to Shearing

Shearing a sheep is hard work, and it requires a strong back, patience, and stamina.  But anyone can learn to shear!  You must control the sheep and at the same time maneuver the shearing equipment so that it cuts the wool efficiently.  Because of this, the position of the sheep is paramount so that it is a) immobilized, and b) positioned with its skin taunt to minimize cuts.  The method presented here is one that is fundamentally based on how they shear sheep in New Zealand.  There are other ways to shear -- but we have found this to be the best, especially when using electric hand clippers that do not have the same power and cutting ability as commercial clippers.  In the end, any way that you get the wool off so that it is useable and the sheep gets shorn, you are successful!  If you shear for any time at all, you will develop your own style and methods.  Use these instructions as a guideline and starting point. 

As you begin your course on "How to Shear a Sheep," use the navigation links to the left to find the various sections.  You can come back as often as you like, print these pages for reference, and certainly send us an email if you have specific questions.  Click on any of the images to see a more detailed and enlarged view - it will help.

Begin your path to shearing by studying the diagrams, and even print them out for reference.  Then read the descriptions and study the photos, comparing them to the diagrams.  Finally, grab a sheep and get started.  And don't start with the Ram -- save him for last!

Good Luck.  Happy Shearing.