Border Leicesters and kids…….. they just make sense!
The ABLA is proud to offer a variety of opportunities for our junior members to grow their flocks and promote the breed.
Polly Hopkins Futurity Contest
All junior members are invited and encouraged to participate in the annual Polly Hopkins Futurity Contest. All junior members 21 years and younger as of January 1st with paid membership are eligible to compete. Nominations are due June 1st, 2023. Four divisions are offered, with four classes in each:
Division #1: Bred & Owned Ewes
- White Yearling Ewes
- White Ewe Lambs
- Natural Colored Yearling Ewes
- Natural Colored Ewe Lambs
Division #2: Purchased Ewes
- White Yearling Ewes
- White Ewe Lambs
- Natural Colored Yearling Ewes
- Natural Colored Ewe Lambs
Division #3: Ram Lambs
- White Bred & Owned Ram Lambs
- White Purchased Ram Lambs
- Natural Colored Bred & Owned Ram Lambs
- Natural Colored Purchased Ram Lamb
Division #4: Showmanship
- Novice (8 & under)
- Junior (9-12)
- Intermediate (13-16)
- Senior (17-21)
For more information, please read the complete 2023 futurity rules.
ABLA Foundation Flock Program
In an effort to build a solid future for the Border Leicester breed, the American Border Leicester Association and its membership offer the ABLA Foundation Flock. We believe that Border Leicesters are among the best dual purpose and beginner breeds. This program seeks to pair deserving youth with quality registered breeding stock. The winning applicant will receive:
- Two proven brood ewes
- One unrelated ram lamb
- 2025 ABLA Junior Membership
Applicant Requirements
Program is open to any youth between 8 and 21 years old as of January 1st, 2025
Youth must commit to the following:
- Breed and lamb out their ewes a minimum of one season
- Exhibiting their lambs in 2026 is encouraged but not required.
- If they are unable to keep the flock for any reason within the first year of ownership, they must offer the right of first refusal to the donor breeder(s)
- Provide regular updates to their ABLA mentor
- Submit summary of their experiences to the ABLA board by April 15th, 2026
Application Process:
- Completed applications must be submitted by March 15th
- Applications will be reviewed & 2-4 applicants will be offered phone interviews by April 1st
- Winning applicant will be notified of their selection by April 15th
- Winner must be present at the National Border Leicester Sale, Greenville, OH – May 8th & 9th to receive their flock.
ABLA Scholarship
American Border Leicester Association 2025 Scholarship Application The American Border Leicester Association is sponsoring a scholarship program for 2025. A scholarship in the amount of $500 will be awarded to the winner(s). Any high school senior/current college student is welcome to apply. You must have a current ABLAjunior or family membership to apply. You must also have proof of enrollment in your current school and be a student in good standing. In addition to the completed application, you will also need to include three letters of recommendation.
This scholarship is based on involvement in the sheep industry, leadership qualities and community involvement. Please feel free to include documentation of participation in extracurricular and/ or community service activities with your application.
Applications will be reviewed by board members at the annual meeting in Greenville, OH and winners will be notified of their selection by June 1st, 2025.
Contact Lydia Smith at (802) 922-7640 or echoridgeflock@gmail.com with any questions.
Applications may be submitted electronically or by mail. The deadline to submit all scholarship paperwork is May 1st, 2025. Mailed applications must be postmarked by May 1st to be considered.
Submit completed applications to:
Lydia Smith
echoridgeflock@gmail.com
264 Vineyard View Drive
Charlotte, VT 05445
