RALEIGH, N.C. — Getting her sheep lined up and ready to go, Ellen Mabry is preparing for the livestock competition. She’s been showing sheep at the North Carolina State Fair for over 30 years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
“I like to be competitive, and I like to see what we’ve grown and how it does against other people,” Mabry said.
But she isn’t like most sheep show competitors. She’s an amputee and uses her scooter to show her sheep.
“I just went and took the sheep in the ring and … led him around. I got cheers that day for showing with a mobility cart,” Mabry said.
She lost her leg over a decade ago due to an infection and has adapted to competing with one leg.
“I really don’t consider myself handicapped. I drive with my leg,” Mabry said.
Showing sheep is a family affair — her husband, daughter and son-in-law all help out.
“I’m so proud of her. Like, I remember when she lost her leg. I was afraid that she wouldn’t be my mom when she woke up, and she wouldn’t be able to do the things that she did prior. But that hasn’t been the case,” said Mabry’s daughter, Lauren Bell.
Not only is her family proud of her but so is the state fair community. That’s why she was inducted into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame this year.
“I’m really excited. And being a female, even more excited because, you know, it’s been dominated by men for years. And it’s quite an honor, I think,” Mabry said.
If you want to see Mabry’s sheep and other animals, you can check them out at the fair through Sunday.
Kennedy Chase
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