Cian Elliott talks about his experience showing at Royal Three Counties Show 2025
3 day show
Friday 13th June
Set off 5am on my own with my cow and junior heifer.
Showing started at 12.30pm, in the Any other Native beef breeds classes as we were the only Irish Moiled there this year.
Placed 1st with my cow Birdwood Gigi and 2nd with junior heifer Birdwood Nancy.
I was pleased with them, and myself as I had managed to remember everything and be on-time.
Although other Moile exhibitors were not there this year, I was along side a great bunch of Belted Galloway exhibitors who were inclusive, helpful and made great cake! In my experience anyone thinking of having a go at showing would find this, either with their own breed or others, and only need a brush, halter, a bit of time and an animal to get started.
I would say that one of the main reasons I show is to share our beautiful cattle and, as the only Moile there, it was 4pm and time for the Grand Parade in the main ring with my cow.
Saturday 14th June
I was through to the Dual Purpose Interbreed Championship.
We were in with 2 very well presented bulls, a Gloucester and a Red Poll and a Dexter cow and calf. The bulls took the prizes but it was good to be involved and another chance to show.
I then decided to take my junior heifer in the Grande parade as she seemed to be coping quite well with the show atmosphere. I think the young animals cope incredibly well and we shouldn’t underestimate the difference between grazing with your mates in a familiar field to the sensory overload of a show, ( and goodness knows what the cattle think!)
Anyway as we rounded the bend in the arena, Adam Henson spotted us and asked “Farmer Will” ( from Love Island apparently) to go and have a chat. At his request we walked and talked for the length of the arena about my animal and myself. I was thinking “ this is all I need with a young animal in tow” but she was great.
Sunday 15th June (Fathers Day)
One of the young handlers, Liv unfortunately couldn’t make it this year, but Annabelle (13-16yr) arrived early, keen to get animal ready for classes at 10.30am. Annabelle had choice of easy cow or busier heifer…. I had every confidence when she chose the heifer as I know there is a bit of spirit in both of them! Great result when Annabelle won her class and went through to secure third in the all ages final.
That just left the RBST watchlist Interbreed, where after a slightly hectic prep ( I knew it was going too well,I had mis read the time of class) but thanks to Caroline who got the cow ready while I found a white coat, we were in.
Waiting there, were the Gloucester bull, a British White bull and a traditional Hereford cow with a beautiful calf. Birdwood Gigi presented herself well, as she is only 3-4weeks away from calving and it was the last day of the show.
Had a good chat to the judge, told her I used AI and try to keep breed true to type, but a good type.
We had a great crowd around on a busy day so she was given a mic to tell people what was going on with the class then said she would tap out the Champion and reserve champion.
Tense time as she walked up and down the line, tapping out Hereford first and Moile in reserve.
It made my show.
Grand parade again with both the animals and Annabelle’s mum our Irish Moiled vest wearer who thought it a great experience from inside the ring, thanks Elly.
The stockman supper was a great evening, Angus roast sirloin with vegetables, ( not as good as our Moile beef at home though! ) The band were same as last year and loving it. Young and older Farmers dancing from the first to the last song.
Overall
Just a few of the people I met,
John and Melissa from Tipperary
Saying they had some Belted Galloways grazing back home, would like Moiles but didn’t see them around. Had a good chat and took a leaflet to get in touch.
A close to retiring man took a leaflet. He had worked in the construction industry in London and was returning to a few acres in Mayo. He remembered them very fondly, was very surprised to see them and planned to get some in the future.
A young lady whose dream would be to start a micro dairy with them.
Temple Newsam, Irish Moiled Breeder up near Leeds.
Many others who had never heard of them but were very interested, etc, etc
Show preparation
Big shout out to Mr Dan Bull who was there for a couple of days.
I started showing 4 years ago but have kept it very simple. A brush, a circular comb( Stephen Kane said get one of those) ditched the Fairy liquid and got some animal shampoo last year. But really I don’t know what I am doing.
This became abundantly clear when Dan came over to the washing area to see me. In spite of my efforts to brush the winter coat out, my cow still looked more like a bear.
Dan stood watching my attempts, asked me if I had a circular comb (yes) he got the comb, turned the head around ( who knew! ) and as diplomatically as possible combed from the bottom up. The hair came out in handfuls. He brushed the belly flat, (should have been clipped) asked if I had any shine (no) and said he’d see me later.
I spent the next hour combing trying not to cover the Belted Galloways in red hair, got some shine and honestly animals were transformed. So although I have been at it a while, I was more focused on the other areas of showing.
I suppose nobody really shows you the basics, so thanks Dan, it was much appreciated and done with minimal eye rolling!
It is important to have the animals looking the best you can in the ring so I am looking forward to learning a bit more.
Found it a very positive agricultural experience, not sure we have anything like it in the construction industry.
Young handler
Here’s Annabelle’s account of the show…..
” This was my second year showing at the 3 Counties Show in Malvern in the Young Handlers competition.
Last year I came second in my age category but this year was awarded first prize.
I travelled up early on the Sunday morning with my parents and met Cian, a family friend who owns the cows, in time to give Nancy and Gigi a wash and groom to get them show ready.
Gigi has been shown many times before and is very relaxed however, at nine months old, it was Nancy’s first time. I could tell she was a bit nervous, but she quickly got used to the atmosphere in the large sheds where all the cows stay for the weekend.
When we got into the ring I could tell she was a bit freaked out so I had to talk to her and stroke her to stop her running off. Once she’d got used to being in the ring I could focus on looking at the judge and doing my best to answer his questions and show Nancy as the lovely Irish Moiled heffer that she is.
I couldn’t believe it when the judge called me into first place. I’m only able to work with Cian and the cows during the weekends building up to the shows. Most of the other children live on farms and see the animals every day!
All the first prize winners from all age categories then had to show again and this time I got third place, I was really pleased and hope to do even better next year! Gigi is expecting a calf in 3 weeks and I’m hoping to show her with her calf at the next event in Morton in the Marsh in the Autumn”
