At just 16 years old, Pieta Sidey is taking the Corriedale sheep world by storm, carrying on a family legacy that stretches back six generations.

When James Little served as the first president of the Hawarden A&P Show in 1907, he likely never imagined his great-great-great-granddaughter would stand in the same show ring more than a century later — winning Supreme Champion with the very breed he helped develop.

“It was an incredibly emotional moment,” Pieta said. “As my grandfather Doc put it, it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

Pieta walked away from the Hawarden show on March 15 with four trophies and four medals — the latest addition to an already impressive collection earned at A&P shows across the region over the last two years.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “I’m not really into sports, and I’d never won a medal for anything before I started showing sheep.

“So, it’s awesome to win doing something I actually love.”

In another proud moment, Pieta claimed her great-grandfather Harry Sidey’s memorial trophy — and narrowly beat her own father, Andrew Sidey, who runs the family’s Corriedale and Pole Dorset stud near Mason’s Flat, Hawarden.

“One of my trophies was for most points in the Corriedale section — I beat my dad by one point,” Pieta said with a proud smile.

Her journey into sheep breeding began during the Covid lockdowns, when she bought four Corriedale two-tooths from her father and founded her own stud, Mallochvale.

She first stepped into the show ring in 2023.

“You’ve got to start somewhere,” she said. “I didn’t do too well that first year, but it takes time to make good sheep.”

Pieta is a strong advocate for the Corriedale breed, which was developed to offer the best of both worlds — meat and wool.

“Corriedales are a great breed because they do both jobs,” she said.

“They might not be as meaty as a Pole Dorset or a Texel, but they produce quality wool and are meaty.”

She's meticulous about ensuring her breeding line upholds that balance.

“Some sheep can have amazing wool but aren't so great body meat-wise.

"You want both, and that can be difficult, because some sheep are better at one over the other.”

Pieta said her sheep must have good feet and hold themselves well.

"If a sheep stands pathetically and doesn't look proud, they just don't look great."

Pieta also insists on clean, white faces and ears.

“No black dots.”

“As my grandfather says, I’m very particular about my sheep.”

Mallochvale Stud has now grown to include four rams and about 25 ewes. Word about her flock is spreading — with interest even coming from as far as Peru — and she’s determined to build on that.

She hopes to one day match the success of Glenovis, the stud once run by her grandfather Doc and now managed by her father.

“I want Mallochvale to stand on its own,” she said. “I want to build my own reputation.”

Pietas says her family is her support crew.

Her biggest role models are her grandparents and parents.

“They’ve taught me so much — and not just about sheep,” she said.

Pieta says her Mum is her sounding board.

“She is constantly in my corner supporting me and giving me business advice.”

Her grandfather Doc cares for the flock while she boards at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch and helps with getting her sheep to shows.

She credits her paternal grandmother Jan w with teaching her confidence and resilience.

“Granny Jan always said when it came to horses: don’t take any crap — you’re the one in charge. She taught me those skills apply to people too. You’re your own person.”

Her maternal grandmother Jean lives in Christchurch, and when she can’t attend shows in person, will video call Pieta so she can see her sheep and the placings they have received.

For other young people dreaming of starting their own stud, Pieta has straightforward advice:

“If you’re going to be a dreamer, you’d better be a doer. Grand plans mean nothing if you don’t act on them.”

By Claire Inkson