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Showmanship – Lambs & Goats

Market Goat ShowmanshipGoat tied to fence
(Part I)

by Randy Williams,
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Introduction
Showmanship may be the single most important quality necessary for success in the show ring. A goat showman is responsible for presenting his/her goat in a manner that promotes the animal’s strengths and disguises its weaknesses. Concentrating on the development of proper showmanship skills will improve your chance of success. The combination of a high-quality showman and a high-quality goat makes a very competitive team. Some youth have a natural
talent for showing animals while others develop the skill of showing livestock.

Showmanship is not learned or developed overnight. Hard work goes into becoming an experienced showman. Time must be spent with your goat at home, months before the show, to identify its strengths and weaknesses and to properly train the animal to lead and brace. Showmanship should be fun and exciting for exhibitors. This is your opportunity to do everything
possible to make your goat look its best. A great goat showman is aware of everything
surrounding and involving the person/goat team. Market Goat Showmanship – Part-I

Market Goat Showmanship

(Part II)

by Randy Williams,Market goat braced against showperson's leg
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Bracing To prepare to be competitive in any situation, goats should be taught to brace. Some shows, by rule, may not allow bracing. Certain judges may or may not allow showmen to brace their animals. If a show has no rules against the practice and a judge allows showmen to present their animals on a brace, do not be surprised to see the animals that are braced stand at the top of the class. Therefore, showmen should train goats both to brace and stand in place so they will be able to show their animal either way depending on show rules and how the judge allows them to show. Complete Article: Market Goat Showmanship-Part-II


Market Goat Showmanship

(Part III)Front view of goat in showring

by Randy Williams,
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Show Time!
Preparing for a show involves attention to many important details that may vary depending on the show. Always consider the basics of animal food, water, and shelter. Calculate the amount of feed required while traveling and at the show. Use a container that is easily transported and will keep the feed clean, dry, and fresh. Carry a little extra feed in case of a spill. Collect measuring devices, buckets, and feed troughs that will be needed at the show. Complete Market Goat Showmanship – Part III Article

 


Market Lamb Showmanship
(Part I)

by Randy Williams,Market Lamb on stand
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Introduction
Showmanship may be the single most important quality necessary for success in the animal show ring. A lamb showman is responsible for presenting his/her lamb in a manner that promotes the animal’s strengths and de-emphasizes its weaknesses. Concentrating on the development of proper showmanship skills will improve your chance of success. The combination of a high quality showman and a high-quality lamb makes a very competitive team. Market Lamb Showmanship Part-I


Market Lamb Showmanship
(Part II)

by Randy Williams,
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Bracing

After lambs have learned to lead without a halter and to place their feet correctly each time they are stopped, you are ready to begin training your lamb to brace. In the braced position, the lamb’s muscles are tensed and its body feels firm, not soft. A firm handling lamb is more desirable because softness tends to indicate that an animal is fat. Teaching a lamb to brace can be one of the most frustrating parts of training. Some lambs naturally brace when pressure is properly applied to the chest, but most lambs tend to move backward. To properly brace an animal, the showman’s hands, knees, and feet must be positioned correctly. This will differ based on the showman’s size and what feels more comfortable . . . Market Lamb Showmanship – Part-II

Five views of front end of market lamb braced in the show-ring


Market Lamb ShowmanshipFront view of lamb in showring
(Part III)

by Randy Williams,
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Time to Show…

Appropriate dress

Lamb exhibitors do not have to follow a specific dress code unless an individual show requires a certain type of dress. Following are some suggested ideas for dressing for the show ring:

  • Dress neatly and professionally. Dress comfortably, yet appropriately for the show ring.
  • Wear a long-sleeved, button-front shirt or blouse. In extremely hot weather, a short-sleeved, button-front shirt is permissible. It is more professional than a polo-type shirt. The shirt should be tucked in.
  • Wear clean dress pants or jeans with a belt.
  • Spaghetti-straps, low-cut tops, blouses or T-shirts, and worn, ripped, or faded jeans have no place in the show ring.

Market Lamb Showmanship Part-III