Valais Blacknose sheep Courses

We have added a Wash and show course to our schedule for 2023 which will take place on the second day at each location. Please see below for dates and locations confirmed.

Emma has been running specialist courses on the Valais Blacknose sheep helping people understand all aspects of the breed. As the first person to bring the Valais into the UK in Feb 2014, Emma has spent a lot of time learning about the Valais and has spent a lot of time in Switzerland as well learning from the swiss shepherds learning about the best way to continue the breed in the UK.

Emma is the owner of the Gemstone flock and runs Valais blacknose Sheep UK facebook page.

Dates of course

23rd March Husbandry Course & 24th Wash/ Show Course March 2024 Leek

13th April Husbandry Course & 14th Wash/ Show Course April 2024 Cornwall


Valais blacknose sheep husbandry course Covering .

Basic care for the sheep.

What to look for in a purchase .

Breed standards.

General health

including feet, teeth, fleece.

How to shear .

Lambing basics.

What to aim for in the show ring

£150 including Vat per person

10am till 4pm Includes lunch


There is a discount if you book both courses.


Valais blacknose sheep Wash and show Course Covering .

How to wash your sheep

How to prepare your sheep for showing

Practice in the show ring

How to photograph your sheep for sale

What to aim for in the show ring

£150 including Vat per person

10am till 4pm Includes lunch