6-Second Setting System

Okay, now let’s break it down to my six-second setting system. The best setting routine begins when you stop walking your lamb. Look at the rear legs and identify one back leg that is in the better place. Set the second rear leg to match the better one. Ideally you set the lamb’s right rear leg to match the left one every time. Before you move, pause and if needed, place one hand on your lamb’s hip to prevent even the slightest movement from your lamb. You may keep your hand here until you are in the bracing position. Then, go back to the front of your lamb, get a brace, and lift your lamb. You are lifting your lamb and moving his front legs into the perfect set position. In this position, the rear legs are now stretched to the exact place you want them. Once your lamb is down on all four legs, you are set. When you master this, you can set your lamb to near perfection in a matter of seconds. You are manually setting only one rear leg, lifting and bracing your lamb in one movement and setting him down exactly where he needs to be. The only thing that you need to do as you finish, is to double check that your lamb’s front legs were set correctly coming down. If they were not, then gently fix only one leg to match the other.

This will help you in getting noticed and moving towards success. Don’t expect to do it that fast right away, but practice a lot and move and set him at a steady pace. If you start getting jerky or nervous your lamb will also get nervous and not work as well for you. When you finally get into the ring with your lamb it will almost feel like you are a part of your lamb; a true partner. Your lamb will sense your anxiety, so quick, agitated movements will not work to your advantage. In order to get the legs set quickly, pace yourself. Slow, steady, and smooth really does win the race in sheep showmanship.