Ian McRae, our shearer, came at 7 a.m. today and as always, I enjoyed seeing the ballet of the shearer. Shearing is an art, not a technical skill. I’ve been watching shearers for 15 years now, and I can’t get over the strength, skill, and intuition it takes to catch a sheep – they fight every step of the way – flip them over, trim them, trim their hooves, calm them.
It is literally backbreaking and difficult work, especially when the wool is being saved for yarn and needs to be as clean as possible. Shearers carry all the tools they need, and even the young ones need to break for water and to stretch their backs.
It is a beautiful and fascinating thing to watch, no matter how many times I see it. I saved three images.
Ian is in his 20’s. His grandfather, Jim McRae sheared our sheep for eight or nine years before retiring. He’s taught Ian well. Ian, like most shearers, is a good talker and teller of tales. He’s a good listener too.
Shearing is a very difficult life, it pays poorly, is seasonal and the number of flocks have significantly decreased. We were lucky to have Ian’s father and lucky to have him.
Jon, I found it interesting and very thought provoking (for me) that you describe shearing as an art, and not a technical skill. Thought not having sheep myself, I’ve seen some shorn on a few occaisions and I really have to give some thought to what you said. There is definitely *some* technique involved there…….and a lot of heart and soul, along with art? Always food for thought in reading your posts……always.
Susan M
I think it is an ancient art to learn how to work with sheep, shear them, and not harm them…It feels like that to me..