National Livestock Shows: Lessons Learned From the Road
For many exhibitors, showing at a national show might only come once or twice. For others, it’s the goal of all goals. Wherever you fall in that realm, I hope you continue to take time to reflect on your time in the ring, take life in lessons and stay humble with those supporters around you. As someone who showed nationally for 10+ years, you’ll miss the green shavings, the cold breath of Denver and the thrill of the “glitter slap”.
Remember those who support you most. The friends you meet at camps, in the showmanship ring and washing next to you in the wash rack; those could become some of your very best friends. The judge who gave you that small dose of motivation that inspired you to work just a little harder, remember them when you hang your first showmanship banner. Those cheering you on around the ring, remember to thank them in more ways than one. You never know how much a simple hug could mean.
The showmanship ring is only competition with yourself. Once you step inside that ring, it’s you and only you. Sure, the way you present your animal makes a difference to the judge, but the real factor is how YOU present your animal to the judge, the knowledge you instill and the way you carry yourself around the ring. Remember, someone is always watching you.
Prepare to overpack and prepare to be ok with that. You will forget something and you will pack things you don’t need, that’s ok! It’s better to have extra than a last-minute run to the show dealer right before you step into the show ring.
Write things down and save them; we’ve all lost that piece of paper maybe now it’s time to go virtual. Keep track of feeding times, weights and measurements so everyone is in full communication and understanding of your show day prep.
Lastly, take it in. These years come and go faster than you’ll ever image and one day, you’ll miss it all a little too much.