Wiltshire Horn

The Wiltshire Horn is an old English breed of domestic sheep from the chalk downlands of Wiltshire and nearby counties. It is best known as a shedding meat sheep: mature animals grow a short fleece that is naturally cast rather than requiring annual shearing. Both rams and ewes are horned, with rams carrying heavy spiraled horns and ewes usually having lighter horns. The breed is generally white, medium to large in frame, and valued for easy lambing, active grazing, and lean lamb production rather than for a wool clip.

Smallholders and commercial grass-based flocks use Wiltshire Horn sheep where low wool maintenance and reduced flystrike risk are priorities, though animals still need routine inspection during the shedding season. Their horns require sensible handling facilities and enough feeder space to prevent bullying or entanglement. Breeders selecting replacement stock usually look for sound feet, clean natural shedding, good udders, and manageable horn shape. Buyers should not expect fine fleece income from this breed; its practical strength is low-input meat production on pasture.