I  remember Dad  had  Dorset  Horns,   stud  stuff  with pedigree,

        They looked down haughty  noses  at  mere  kids   like  Sis. and  me,

     But  we  pulled  'em  down  a  peg  or  two,   showed  'em  who  was Boss,

        Though  if  Dad had  seen our  antics  he'd  have  been - put mildly - cross!

     He  used  to  take  those  snooty  beasts  around  the  Agi. Shows,

        Blue  ribbons  and  certificates  hung  on  our  walls  in  rows

     Proving  that  they  really  were  the  top  reps.  of  their breed

        Worth  the  many  patient  hours  spent  teaching  them  to  lead.

     Fleeces  batted  into  shape,   teeth  and  faces  cleaned,

        Hoofs  and  horns  so  polished  you'd  think  them  Mr.  Sheen'd!   

    To  keep  them  quiet  and  well  behaved,   Dad  haltered  them  and led

        Them  daily  to  be  tethered  on   grass   behind   the  shed,

     All  farm  kids  had  chores  to  do,   our  last  chore for  the night

        Was  to  check  the  water  dishes  and  see  the  sheep  were right.

     The  love  of  my  life  those  days  was  never boring  sheep,

        I  lived  and  breathed  for  horses,   awake  and  when  asleep!

     I  eyed  those  placid  ewes  and  rams,   struck  by  a   sudden notion

        No  sooner  thought  than  promptly  put  into   exciting  motion!

     Under  my  instruction  little  sister  counted  down

        As  I  jumped  upon  each  woolly  back,   my  feet  just  clearing ground, 

 Surprised and stunned  my  mounts stood still,   shock made them sort of  freeze

        Before  exploding  into  action  on  jolting,   stiffened  knees,

     They  plunged  and  twisted,   threw  themselves and  leapt  a hundred  ways

        Would  have  out-bucked  even  Chainsaw  (and  on  his   better days!)

     Hand  held  high  I  yelled 'Yippee' and  vowed  to  ride   or  bust,

        Picked  me  up  and  tried  again  each  time  I hit   the  dust.

     - - Dad  was  sorely  disappointed  next  time  he  trod  the  ring,

        Came  home  empty  handed,   didn't  win  a  thing!

     The  judges  wanted  explanations,   it  seemed  those  weary  sheep

        Kept  leaning  on  the  haybales  and  falling  fast   asleep

     Twitching  uncontrollably, -- they  also  asked  Dad  why

        The  poor  things  almost  went  beserk  when  children   wandered by !