Balancing Baa's, Boys and Border Collies

Balancing Baa's, Boys and Border Collies Join me as I weave through life, balancing my Boys and Border Collies in Mid Wales.

Hi, I'm Shell & I'm the author of this page - a mom, a "horser turned herder", Sheepdog trainer, apprentice triallist and a "Flying Shepherd" to 300 head of sheep.

The last quarter in pics.
24/03/2026

The last quarter in pics.

Beautiful day for checking sheep. Feels like spring is in the air, which is a welcome thought in what has been a trying ...
04/02/2026

Beautiful day for checking sheep. Feels like spring is in the air, which is a welcome thought in what has been a trying week!
A virus I've been incubating finally broke out on Saturday, sore throat, swollen tonsils and a general apathy for all things dog, sheep or kid related followed. Didn't stop me heading to the football game to support number 2 son Saturday, or to drive the 3hr round trip to get the panel fitted to seal the mesh on the back of my truck canopy, but it did steal the joy from the day.
I have been flying a bit low on energy since, and Monday I managed to swing my binos off the truck headrest and straight into my nose, fracturing it in the process.
Being a nose there's nothing much that can be done, I can breathe, and it's not badly misshapen, so I'm living with it. Today's sun has necessitated the use of sunglasses and I now have 2 lovely bruises either side of the cut, however after guzzling flu plus tablets I'm feeling a lot better otherwise and it's full steam ahead into work and lambing šŸ„³

So far today I've taken cull ewes to the mart, turned out the Christmas Dutch Spotted ewe lambs that Santa brought the boys, and worked a couple of dogs. Definitely feeling better!

Checking the Shetland ewe hoggs.Found out this week that my new project, "Fibre Nation" has been granted a space at Wond...
13/01/2026

Checking the Shetland ewe hoggs.

Found out this week that my new project, "Fibre Nation" has been granted a space at Wonderwool Wales 2026, this is awesome news, and it brings a lot of excitement and anticipation, aswell as some extra work.

Fibre Nation is a banner for the growing Wool and Fibre artist community within the UK to exhibit under.
My aim is to provide a platform for artisans to showcase and sell their creations, to deliver courses and workshops aswell as providing information on how to market and grow their business.
I soft launched at the Llandovery Sheep Festival in 2025, I was fortunate enough to have many talented producers exhibit with me then, most of whom are on board for this next step. I am so looking forward to this year!
I only represent those artisans who have full providence over their fibre. I'll be a voice for those often too talented to self promote, and in doing so, I hope a nurturing community will be built on. The stand is a collaboration of artists and more information will be shared over the coming months.

Meanwhile, Cen is here helping me assess the bramble damage that the Castell Shetlands have done to their fleeces.
These ewes will be wormed and vit drenched mid month, ready to ensure their fleeces will be primed for shearing come April. I may pick out the elite and seperate to feed, fleece requires a steady protein intake to ensure its quality and some of these are worth that work. With a waiting list for their fleece and many returning customers, these little sheep pack a punch.

Coalfield Cen, working the Shetland ewe lambs in the snow.Cen is a Moss son (page header) and out of "Wheatwood" Amber.
09/01/2026

Coalfield Cen, working the Shetland ewe lambs in the snow.
Cen is a Moss son (page header) and out of "Wheatwood" Amber.

Checking sheep in snow laden fields.
05/01/2026

Checking sheep in snow laden fields.

Today I'm balancing close to the edge.A much needed sunshine day, and I've 96 sheep to bring back to scan for 2.30pm.The...
16/12/2025

Today I'm balancing close to the edge.
A much needed sunshine day, and I've 96 sheep to bring back to scan for 2.30pm.
The main road is shut for bridge repairs and so my 3mile journey is now a 10 mile journey as I navigate the other river crossings.
In a rare moment of self love, I bought myself a Rose Quartz lanyard from Dafydd Davies whistles. A believer in the healing properties of crystals, and a rare lover of pink this lanyard's purchase surprised me but I am rather taken with it.
If my life continues I may need one for calming the soul instantly ;)
Dogs watered it's time to go.....

Repeat: I love my job......

I asked my mum to collect the boys from school. With good dry weather I told her I'd be working until I couldn't see any...
12/12/2025

I asked my mum to collect the boys from school. With good dry weather I told her I'd be working until I couldn't see anymore. I wasn't wrong. 11 sale ewes shed off and loaded into the small trailer. The remaining number just shapes in the dark. The sTrs are out, it's just past 5pm and the sun has set.
I've sorted and moved 3 flocks. Bec has been the dog for the jobs today, International sheds and pens into trailers. She's worked well and I'm proud of her. I may cut her feed down - high level of protein isn't the best for her ears, but the work has sorted that out. I also managed to train Jill, well, give her some experience on a flock of cobbled together groups. A Bec daughter by Neiffinn Boy, she's for sale and she'll make a good dog for someone. She needs/deserves more time than I have for her, she's straight forward and ready to get going. Shame I've too many really, coz she's got a good head on her for work. Keen, sharp but listens with super feel, kind to sheep, but doesn't back away - doesn't need to get stuck in either. She'll go on and do me proud I'm sure.
Right, now I've cooled down, time for the 4 mile drive back to the sheds and lambing duties.

Address

Tywi Valley
Llandovery

Telephone

+447484748312

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