National sheep judge impressed by Westmoreland Fair lamb show contestants

Brian Barkley has judged sheep shows throughout the United States and Canada. He called the youth participants in the Westmoreland Fair’s market lamb show “exceptionally good.”

“I was really pleased with how good they were,” said Barkley, from Bedford County.

Dozens of spectators filled the fair’s Small Arena on Tuesday night to watch the show. Barkley said the competition was tight, and picking winners involved “nitpicking” and “splitting hairs.”

Brystoll Ament, 11, took home several titles, including grand champion.

Ament from Acme said her family has owned lambs since she was born. She began showing them at 3.

Preparing for the 2022 show meant ensuring her lambs, Cuffs and Polo, knew her and would listen to her.

“You need to make sure you build confidence because the sheep isn’t going to just listen to you as soon as you grab it out of the barn,” she said.

The 2022 Westmoreland Fair Princess Addison Heeter earned the title of champion showman. Heeter, 17, of Clarksburg has been showing lambs since she was 8.

She said she worked hard this summer to prepare for the show and looks forward to next year’s show.

“Next year, I need to remember that hard work definitely pays off,” she said. “I can work even harder and try to get the same award.”