VALLEY County 4-H Showmanship Guide - Large Animal

Acknowledgement: The information for this guide is based on the Montana 4-H publication 5269 4-H Showmanship Guidelines and Elin Westover, Fallon-Carter County MSU Extension Agent.

Show day at the county and state fair is your project’s “moment of truth.” What you have learned, how you have managed your animal and how well you control your animal are all tested.

Showmanship contests are evaluated based on preparation of animals for show, the apparent training, and the appearance and behavior of the exhibitor. Animal’s conformation should not be considered except as it may affect the way an animal should have been fitted or shown. Basic skills and both grooming and showing should not be confused with current fads and trends.

This is an outline of desirable showmanship practices and their relative importance. The showmanship judges should make placing according to the degree of excellence displayed in carrying out these practices. Youth should use this guide in preparing for a showmanship contest in Valley County.

This Guide Outlines Showmanship Guidelines for:  

Sheep

Beef Cattle

Swine

Dairy Cattle

Goat

Horse Showmanship

Judging Criteria

  1. Judging should be based on preparation of animals for show, their apparent training, and the appearance and behavior of the participating show person.
  2. Type of animal should not be considered unless it will affect the way the animal should be fitted and shown.
  3. Fine or technical points should not be overemphasized to the extent that they are given more weight than an effective job of presenting a clean animal, nor should minor infractions result in the disqualification of a show person.

General Showmanship Guidelines

  • Use the show ring to your advantage:
    • Show rings come in many different sizes. Regardless of the shape or the size of the ring, a good showman will utilize all the space available. Animals on the move should be held towards the outer edge of the ring to provide adequate room for evaluation.
    • When you arrive at the show, check the show ring for low spots or dark areas. This will help you avoid these areas when setting up your animal, both improving the appearance of your animal and impressing the judge.
  • Know the show schedule and be ready when your class is called. A late arrival in the show ring may cause some confusion or distract the judge. It is wise to confirm that your animal is entered in the correct class. Observe the judging of a few classes prior to when you show to familiarize yourself with ring procedures at each show and the judge’s preferred show style.
  • A big percentage of showmanship is how well an animal handles, cleanliness, and cooperation between the animal and the handler. Make sure the animal is clean, well-groomed and well-trained. Trimming and clipping the animal should be done according to preference of the owner. A member should not be penalized for being unable to afford clippers or not having anyone to help. Members should seek help and attend training sessions in the use of clippers and other grooming clinics.
  • Make sure the animal looks its best from the time it enters the ring until it leaves.
  • Exhibitors MUST pay attention to the straightness of lines when bringing their animal to a stop in side-by-side or head-to-tail alignments. This is an area that is often neglected by showmen and women. Having a straight line of animals allows for a more effective use of the available show ring space.
  • If you have the chance to be first in the ring, go for it! Remember the first impression that a judge has of you and your animal is very important.
  • Proper show equipment is a necessity and make sure it is clean and fits properly.
  • Seven to ten days before the fair, treat your animal as if you were at the show, use the same water and feed buckets, for example.
  • The more you work with your animal the more it will get used to setting up and you will have to do little work in the show ring.
  • Keep showing until the entire class has been placed, the judge has given their reasons, and you have been dismissed from the ring.
  • Alertness in the ring is extremely important. Keep an eye on the judge, your animal and your surroundings.
  • Be prepared to lead any animal the judge designates.
  • If the judge signals for animals in front of you to move to another line, move your animal forward to fill in the hole.
  • Attitude is worth a lot in the show ring
    • Be courteous and polite to the judge and fellow show persons in the show ring.
    • Always remember to control your emotions and appear keen but relaxed, regardless of placing, accepting the decisions of the judge in a sportsmanlike manner.
    • Be a modest winner and a gracious loser.
    • Be quiet and patient around your animal. You will accomplish more by walking slow, than by being mean to your animal.
    • Your behavior, attitude and ability are important. Sportsmanship and temperament are good indicators of a good show person. Remember the judge may be watching you whether you are in the show ring or not.
    • There is nothing wrong with saying “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” to recognize the judge as an official. If you have questions, ask the ring steward.
  • Be neat and clean. Wear neat, practical, clean, serviceable clothing for the particular animal type. Nothing should be worn that focuses the attention on the handler rather than the animals and that will distract the animals.
    • Dress codes may very from show to show. Find out what is required before show day.
    • Wearing a tie, if show dress code allows, is a nice addition to your appearance.
    • Hair should be neat, clean and out of your face. Tie long hair back.
    • Nail polish is fine provided it is not chipped.
    • Do not chew gum.

 Definitions

  • SETTING YOUR ANIMAL: A showmanship term referring to the proper placement of an animal’s legs while being exhibited to a judge for evaluation.
  • POSING WITH YOUR ANIMAL: This term refers to where you should stand in relation to your animal and the judge.
  • RINGMAN/RING STEWARD: Is the person who directs the animal when they are in the judging area. The Ringman/Ring Steward assists the judge in moving animals into various position in and out of the line-up
  • CLERK: Is the person who records the placing of the various classes
  • EXHIBITOR: Is the person showing the exhibit
  • EXHIBIT: is an animal which has been prepared by the exhibitor for show purposes.

REMEMBER

Members are responsible for the care, preparation and exhibition of project animals. Leaders and/or parents should be on hand to assist members should they encounter difficulties; however, SHOULD NOT perform duties which members can do themselves.

 

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD SHOWING!!!