Riseholme College students shine in Stock Skills competition

The Stock Skills competition, which is a highly anticipated event at the college, is designed to enable students to experience what it is like to prepare for a large show; with students competing in Cattle, Sheep and Equine classes. Participants practice grooming and clipping skills and ensure their animal’s diet means it is in optimum condition. They prepare for months, developing the skills and knowledge needed not only to compete, but also to take into the workplace when they complete their studies at the college.

The event, held at the college’s Riseholme Park campus, near Lincoln, was attended by students’ friends and families, along with dignitaries and industry representatives.

The judging panel comprised of former Riseholme College alumni Will Brooks, who was the Cattle and Master judge, the Sheep class judge was Riseholme degree level student Emily Boby, who has been showing animals for many years and will be showing at the Lincolnshire Show this year, and Natalie Britcliffe was our expert official for Equine. The judges considered the entrants based on the presentation, handling and knowledge of their animal. Students were also judged on their own personal presentation.

Assistant Principal, Kate McDonald, commented “This was my first Stock Skills competition and I was genuinely amazed by the hard work and dedication that went into the event both on the day and in preparation. Its clear to see why Stock Skills is a highlight of the college year, as it showcases and enhances so many young peoples’ skills and behaviours. They should be incredibly proud - huge congratulations to them all!”

Under the guidance of master judge, Will Brooks, officials named Hannah Cruse as the Overall Champion of the day.

In the Equine classes Danielle Evans was named the Overall Equine Champion and Lorna Goddard received the Grooms Award. In the Livestock classes Hannah Cruse was the Overall Cattle Class winner, Travis Beaman was awarded the Overall Stock Skills title and Eve Ashcroft was the Overall Sheep class and Stock Skills winner.

Riseholme College is one of the leading land-based colleges in the country, dedicated to supporting the future of agriculture through a partnership with the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. Through this relationship and a pioneering student mentor scheme with experienced local farmers, the college is at the forefront of developing higher-level, technical skills in precision agriculture and precision technologies.

Stock Skills Winners 2023

Equine

Overall Winner: Danielle Evans

Grooms award: Lorna Hubbard

Cattle

Overall: Hannah Cruse

Stock Skills: Travis Beaman

Sheep

Overall: Eve Ashcroft

Stock Skills: Eve Ashcroft

Overall Champion: Hannah Cruse