A shearing apparatus (40) supports an animal to be shorn. The apparatus (40) includesa first support means (41) and a second support means (42), and is moveable betweena first configuration in which the first support means (41) supports the animaland a second configuration in which the second support means (42) supports theanimal. The apparatus may support the animal at a height such that a shearer canmaintain a substantially upright posture while shearing.