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MEET THE FLOCK
Hooves and Tails is currently home to over 50 Shetland sheep and a goat.
Our flock spans three generations of Shetland sheep, a hardy and characterful native UK breed originating from the Shetland Isles. Shetland sheep are recognised as a rare native breed and are currently listed as “At Risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). While not critically endangered, their numbers are limited.
Leyla the goat is the only goat in our care. She is a Boer and Saanen breed mix. Her brother, Larry, passed away in March 2024 at the age of seven. Although Leyla is now a lone goat, she is not alone. She grew up with the flock and is happy living with the family she has always known.
The first generation, known as the original 15, arrived around 2016 after being left in the field by their previous owners. We don’t know their exact ages, but we believe most were born around 2013.
The second generation (about 15) were born in the same field in spring 2017. Although we were aware of them, they were not yet in our care, which means many of their family lines remain unknown.
The third generation were all born in our care in April 2018, when the flock doubled in size from 27 to 55. Many ewes gave birth to twins, and from this point on we know every mother, bond and family connection you’ll read about below.
Sheep and goats with a rainbow 🌈 next to their names have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We’ve chosen to keep their profiles here, because although they are gone, they are never forgotten.
The flock lives peacefully as one extended, multi-generational family — each sheep known, loved and cared for as an individual.
Leyla
Leyla arrived at the sanctuary in 2017 with her brother Larry, then just three months old. The pair were inseparable until Larry’s passing in 2024, and Leyla has since become our only goat. Small in size but big in personality, she’s convinced she’s the queen of the sanctuary and loves to boss the sheep about. She’ll eat absolutely anything, so keeping her weight under control is a constant challenge. Despite her mischievous ways, Leyla is endlessly sweet — happiest when she’s eating, enjoying belly rubs, and following you around for company.
Larry 🌈 March 2017 - 27 March 2024
Larry arrived at the sanctuary in 2017 with his sister Leyla, and from day one he was larger than life. He had the sweetest bleat, a mischievous streak, and a loyal heart. Sadly, Larry suffered repeated urinary blockages and underwent four major surgeries in his seven years. When the final recurrence offered no surgical options, he was gently put to sleep. His loss hit us deeply; Leyla still misses her brother. An expert escape artist, he once prompted us to build 10-foot fences to keep him in. Despite his antics, Larry was endlessly loving, adorable, and truly unforgettable.
Logan
Born around 2013, Logan is one of our original rescues, though his exact age and background remain a mystery. He’s likely the father of much of the flock from his days as an unneutered ram. His majestic curly horns make him instantly recognisable, yet despite his size he’s a gentle, well-mannered soul who never says no to a treat. With age he has mellowed even more and now we manage arthritis with medication. Logan remains a striking presence in the field — dignified, calm, and a beloved elder of the sanctuary. Since Larry’s passing, his now regained his position as the king.
Kimberley
Kimberly is one of our original rescues, likely born around 2013. She gave birth to twins, Hunter and Oscar. She rejected Hunter — who was hand-raised — but remained devoted to Oscar, who is her perfect double. Kimberley is exceptionally clever: she recognises walkers and dogs from a distance and will sprint to the fence if there’s a chance of a treat. She always finds the driest, cosiest spot in the field and has taught Oscar to do the same. Smart, resourceful and full of character, Kimberly is one of the sanctuary’s brightest personalities.
Hunter
Hunter was born in April 2018 and rejected at birth, so he was hand-raised and bottle-fed in the house for his first month. Born jet black, his fleece gradually turned grey while his legs and head stayed dark. For years he insisted on drinking squash, only giving it up at six years old. Hunter thinks his human is his mum and is fiercely protective, sometimes trying to chase off visitors until he warms up to them. Once he does, he’s like a big dog — cuddly, loyal and always by your side. He is an orphan baby, and one of the sweetest rams at the sanctuary.
Oscar
Oscar, Hunter’s twin, was born in April 2018 and is the image of his mum, Kimberley — clever, observant and never far from her side. At three years old he suffered a serious injection accident, losing his vision and experiencing seizures. After six weeks of intensive care and medication, he gradually regained his sight, balance and strength, making a full recovery. Today Oscar is as bright and cheerful as ever. He’s a sweet, friendly boy who happily trots over for treats and belly rubs.
Martha
Born at the sanctuary in spring 2017. A cute, chubby ewe who prefers her own company, she later became a remarkably devoted mother to her daughter, Precious. Precious was born tiny and frail, and we feared she wouldn’t survive — but Martha never left her side, shielding her through cold and rain and nursing her with unwavering care. Thanks to her dedication, Precious grew strong and is now the image of her mum. Quiet, gentle and endlessly nurturing, Martha is one of the sanctuary’s sweetest girls.
Precious
Born in April 2018, the tiniest lamb we had ever seen, with one side of her body partially paralysed. We doubted she would survive, but thanks to Martha’s unwavering care she pulled through. For years she stayed around 16kg and remains the smallest in the flock — our “forever lamb”. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in attitude: she’s a confident little diva who will boldly challenge sheep twice her size, knowing her humans will protect her. Fed in her own VIP hay spot and adored by everyone, she lives up to her name every single day.
Lokum
Born around 2013, is one of our original rescues and the gentle mother of Dexter, born in 2018. She’s a calm, slow-moving and very pretty ewe with a soft, motherly nature. Lokum has unusually wide-splayed hooves, which trap mud in wet weather and cause her discomfort. Winter becomes a daily battle of catching her — much to her dismay — to clean and relieve her hooves. She forgives the interference only because it’s followed by plenty of treats. Despite her delicate feet, Lokum remains a serene, loving presence in the flock.
Dexter
Born in April 2018, is Lokum’s devoted son and still very much attached to his mum. As a lamb he looked as though he were wearing a Zorro mask, though his markings softened as he grew. He’s the only ram from his birth year to develop a substantial horn, which needs trimming to prevent it pressing against his eye. Strong, friendly and always up for a belly rub, Dexter enjoys testing his place in the flock’s hierarchy, occasionally squaring up to prove his strength.
Molly
Born around 2013, is one of our original rescues and had given birth twice before arriving at the sanctuary. We don’t know which of the flock are her older offspring, but Monty — born safely in our care — is unmistakably her son. Gentle, motherly and instantly recognisable, Molly is a friendly ewe who is rarely seen without Monty by her side. The two remain deeply bonded. Molly is also famously enthusiastic about soaked beet treats, which she adores with great excitement. A calm, loving presence, she is one of the sanctuary’s most cherished characters.
Monty
Born in April 2018 to Molly, is her only known offspring and one of the sweetest lambs we’ve ever raised. Exceptionally friendly and gentle, he adores belly rubs — his tail wags like a dog whenever he gets one. Monty is wonderfully calm and well-mannered, making him the perfect ram for children and visitors, always happy to pose for photos. Still very attached to his mum, he’s a relaxed, affectionate character who trots over the moment you sit down, ready for attention. Monty’s kindness and easy nature make him a true favourite at the sanctuary.
Tyler
Born in spring 2017, one of the lambs already in the field before we took over, so his mum remains a mystery — though she was likely one of the original rescues. He’s a striking, powerful ram with impressive curly horns and a glossy black coat. Friendly but aloof, Tyler will approach for treats yet keeps a cautious distance, having missed early socialisation with people. Even so, he has a good instinct for people and knows when someone feels safe. Handsome, strong and quietly dignified, Tyler is a standout presence in the flock.
Holly
Born around 2013, is one of our original rescues and was once one of the most timid, feral sheep in the flock. For years she kept to herself, always eating last and often bullied, which left her underweight. She was almost impossible to catch for treatment and avoided humans entirely. After seven years of gentle patience — and the discovery of treats — Holly finally learned to feel safe. She now walks into the barn confidently to eat with the others and has reached a healthy weight. Calm and sweet-natured, she is also the devoted mum of Summer, born in 2018.
Summer
Born in April 2018 to Holly, is instantly recognisable by her adorable little fringe and her unique bleat — I can identify her even in the dark. Like her mum, she grew up timid and unsure, often standing out in the rain instead of seeking shelter. With time and patience, she’s learned to feel safe and confident. These days she’ll happily barge in for her treats, even giving a cheeky hoof tap to make sure she’s noticed. Sweet, endearing and beautifully distinctive, Summer has blossomed into a charming member of the flock.
Sky
Born in spring 2017, would easily win “Miss Sheep of the Flock” — she’s absolutely stunning. She’s the devoted mum of Scout, who is far cheekier than she is. Sky is wonderfully gentle and affectionate; she’ll spot me in the middle of the field, trot over for a head rub, then settle beside me for cuddles and long, lazy belly rubs. She’s deeply bonded with Scout and remains one of the friendliest, sweetest ewes at the sanctuary. Beautiful inside and out, Sky is a true joy to spend time with.
Scout
Born in April 2018 to Sky, is her only child and one of the friendliest sheep you’ll ever meet. He’ll happily settle beside you like a companion, cuddling for hours. Beneath that sweetness, though, is a hilariously cheeky side. Scout is fiercely determined when it comes to treats — he’ll rear up on two feet, hoof me shamelessly, and even swipe biscuits straight from another sheep’s mouth. Bold, fearless and utterly food-obsessed, he often leaves me covered in hoof bruises. Despite his antics, Scout is irresistibly lovable and full of personality.
Senem
Born in spring 2018, is a striking ewe with a cream coat. Mum to Taylan, she spent her first five years as an extremely timid, almost feral sheep. With patience and plenty of gentle work, she has slowly learnt to trust, and the discovery of treats has transformed everything — she now comes forward confidently and even jostles with the others for her share. Still attached to her son and looking much like him, Senem remains a work in progress, but her quiet bravery and growing confidence make her a joy to watch.
Taylan
Born in April 2018, is the spitting image of his mum Senem, and the two are inseparable. Their bond is so strong that he’ll even chase other rams away if they show interest in her. Now slightly larger than Senem, he has grown into a handsome, calm and observant ram. Unlike his once-feral mum, Taylan is wonderfully friendly, happily coming over for head rubs and belly rubs. Gentle, sweet-natured and striking to look at, he’s a much-loved member of the flock.
Ella
Born in spring 2017, is the mother of Tinkerbell and a quiet, self-contained ewe. She has a very particular way of doing things — especially at feeding time. No matter how the hay is arranged, Ella will carefully manoeuvre herself into her favourite corner of the barn and eat only from there, a routine she never fails to follow. While friendly enough and willing to approach for food, she isn’t as bold or in-your-face as her daughter. With time, though, she has grown more confident and now jostles in for treats alongside the others, slowly coming out of her shell.
Tinkerbell
Born in April 2018, is one of the friendliest lambs of her generation — and one of the most exhausting. She insists on eating only in the hay shed and spends the rest of her time glued to my feet. Unlike her quieter mum, Ella, Tinkerbell is endlessly affectionate: she’ll rest her head on your lap or chest, demanding cuddles, kisses and fuss. Sweet, loving and completely devoted to her humans, she’s a constant source of joy. Though still close to her mum, the two look nothing alike, and Tinkerbell’s bright, cuddly nature makes her truly unforgettable.
Ingela
Born around 2013 and named after a kind Swedish donor, is the devoted mum of twins Cindy and Chester, born in 2018. Her bond with Cindy is extraordinary — she’s fiercely protective and rarely far from her side. Cheeky and very vocal, Ingela isn’t shy about giving a playful nip, and she’s perfected the art of stealing the foxes’ dog food, often racing them to their treats. Lively, clever and full of personality, she’s usually found curled up with Cindy and Chester nearby.
Cindy
Born in April 2018 and twin to Chester, is Ingela’s devoted daughter and one of the sweetest girls in the flock. She follows me everywhere — especially when I’m sweeping under the trees — nudging her nose into my pockets or hoofing my legs in search of treats and slowing me down with her constant affection. Even in the dark, I can recognise her by her eager little trot. Full of personality, she’s deeply bonded with her mum and will call out with a distinctive buzz if Inga isn’t close by. Endearing, loyal and endlessly cuddly, Cindy is truly irresistible.
Chester
Born in April 2018 and twin brother to Cindy, is Ingela’s gentle, good-natured boy. He’s a calm, happy ram who spends most of his time close to his mum and sister. Friendly and easy-going, he always comes over for treats — though he sometimes realises a bit too late that biscuits are being handed out, and needs an extra one saved just for him. Never troublesome and always content, Chester is a sweet, steady presence in the flock, and a joy to have around.
Badem
Born in spring 2017 and named for his almond-coloured fleece (Badem means almond in Turkish), is a gentle ram with a handsome horn and a calm, understated nature. We don’t know who his mum was, as he was born before our care began, but he’s likely from one of the older ewes. Although large, he sits lower in the flock’s hierarchy and is naturally soft-tempered. Badem suffers from a seasonal grass allergy, needing regular medication from spring to autumn — something he hates, so his tablets are cleverly hidden in apricots or bread. When called, recognises his name.
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