We started off with just a few animals. We had met a lovely lady called Brenda at the Devon show. She was prepared to sell us a mixed age group of Manx to get us started. She did, however, insist that we came to Sunday lunch first to sample the goods - an unforgettable experience - rare breed leg of lamb is so much nicer than conventional lamb.

We selected the sheep and late in the year bought a ram (and a young ram lamb to keep Tony happy when he was not in with the ewes). Tony was very efficient and threw very nice lambs. Since then we bought two more lots of Manx from Brenda, who has now moved to France

Nelson, a two horned ram on the left - now sadly dead, as Finbar opposite killed him in a head to head contest	Finbar a four horned version
The sheep and their young lambs on their way to the field after being kept in over night	A couple of hours old
Manx in Slade	Manx in Slade
A young Manx looking cool	Jon learning how to sheer

About the breed

The Loaghtan sheep is a native breed from the Island of Man. It almost died out in the 1950's, but now there are many thriving flocks across the British Isles. Loaghtan is an unusual breed given that both sexes have the tendency to produce two, four or even six horns. The ewe horns are small, but the ram horns are strong and long, or occasionally curled. A sturdy and rugged breed, which has a long ancestry on the Island of Man. The name "Loaghtan" is believed to come from the Manx words lugh (meaning mouse) and dhoan (meaning brown). This name could be referring to the light brown fleece, which most of the sheep grow. Once the sheep would have been seen along the mountains and hills in white, grey and black, but now only the brown ones remain. Lambs are born black but change from 2 weeks old to brown. Loaghtans have no wool on their legs or face and are similar to the northern short tail breeds.

Loaghtan wool is normally left undyed and used to weave lightweight garments. Manx tartans are also made from this wool.

From our small beginnings we have now over 200 Manx head of sheep - not all of breeding age. We do sell some for ongoing breeding and most of the 'boys' for meat - so please help us, and other breeders, by buying the meat, as it helps us all justify the time and expense in keeping these animals - they also taste great!!