Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association, U.S.A.

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National Geographic Star

Photo by Vincent Musi National Geographic Photographer

Hopping Acres Sir Edward was featured in the story "Inside Animal Minds" by Virginia Morell in the March , 2008 issue of National Geographic Magazine. Sheep recognize about 50 other sheep faces and 10 human faces and still know them two years later.

How did this all come into play? At the 2007 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, Kelly was approached by a gentleman in the sheep breeds barn. He ask if it would be possible to photograph her lovely sheep. He told her he had walked and looked at many different sheep and really liked the look of this young man. Kelly replied," by all means" . The very friendly gentleman reached out to shake her hand and introduced himself as "Vincent Musi, National Geographic Photographer". Needless to say, Kelly's mouth about hit the floor, as did her friend Kathy Evans, who was helping her set up the Black Leicester Longwool display. Vincent told her he would set up over in the corner and let her know when he was ready.

Kelly and Kathy finished up the display and returned to their booth to tell all the friends about the excitement. The next , and by far the best, was Kelly, Kathy and Joan Henry returning to the breeds display barn. When they walked in, they saw what looked to be the set for a famous model. White paper from floor to ceiling, huge light bars, the big white umbrella looking contraptions. They looked at one another and said, " WOW". Vincent said he was ready and was working with a Border Leicester to get the lighting correct. The Border Leicester wanted nothing to do with it. Vincent said "ok, Edward, you are the star now". We placed Edward on the center of the white paper and all of us made funny noises, waving our arms to get just the right shot. You would of thought Sir Edward was born to be the New Fashion Model of the SheepWorld. Vincent took over 100 photos. What was so funny about the entire photo experience was hearing Vincent talk to Edward. He would tell him....." ooooh give it to me baby, hit me with your best shot"........"oooooo what a star"....." you are the man ". , and all around the sheep breed barn you would see human heads popping up to see what in the world was going on. The moment was priceless.

Vincent keep in contact with Kelly over the next several months telling her Edward was very well received, he was still in the running. The story was first thought to be published in the February issue but was held back to March. In January , Kelly was contacted with the photo and request for information, that in fact , Edward was chosen.

Sir Edward will be at the 2008 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, Sheep Breeds Barn.

Hopping Acres Leicester Longwools www.hoppingacres.com