Goal:  Ongoing improvement of our flock for the gourmet lamb market, while maintaining all the important characteristics of the Breed Standard, as defined by the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Assn., Int'l.

Every breeder's idea of what "improvement" means is different.  In our early experience with the breed we have identified certain priorities toward which we are working.  One of our main concerns, aside from preserving all the desirable qualities of the breed, is to create a uniformity in our flock that will assure lambs will grow to a good marketable size in a reasonable period of time.  We seek good conformation/structure which will lead to a long life of soundness and efficient grazing ability.  Starting at the head, we expect to see a broad muzzle and teeth that meet the dental pad for efficient grazing.  We want a head that will support a large rack of horns on the rams - the true breed hallmark - but not cause difficulty in lambing.

We want a graceful neck, not too short nor too long.  We expect the front legs to be straight when viewed from the side or front, with no tendency toward knock knees, and strong hooves that point straight ahead.

We want to see a strong back with a nice long loin, and a good length of hip that will support those delicious and prime roasts.  We want to see hind legs that are well angulated when viewed from the side, with no evidence of cow hocks when viewed from the rear.