It’s county fair and junior livestock show season across the Ozarks.
I have always loved fairs and livestock shows. Big fairs and shows so small that they were held in someone’s hay barn, like it was when I was a kid at the Halfway, Mo., show, I always had fun, and isn’t that what it’s all about?
I am seeing lots of photos posted on social media of smiling boys and girls proudly holding up ribbons they won with their lamb, calf, pig or goat, and moms and dads are gushing about how well their child performed in the show ring.
Some of the moms and dads posting the photos were once the youngsters I watched in the show ring. My, how time flies.
Showing is not easy. There are countless hours of training, washing, clipping and special care given to the show animals by exhibitors of all ages. Let’s also not forget that most of the shows and fairs in the Ozarks are held in the hottest part of the year and the added expense of a show string, but the draw of the ring keeps bringing families back year after year.
While this time of year brings many “tips” for junior exhibitors, and as a former livestock show superintendent, I just wanted to offer a few tips to moms and dads:
• Remember, your young sons and daughters are just kids. They might be new to the show ring, just like you were a few years ago, so don’t be too hard on them if they play in the dirt a little or get so excited when they get a ribbon that they drop the halter and run toward you to show their prize.
• Don’t yell at your child while they are in the show ring. One of two things could happen: your child will fall apart in the ring or they yell back at you. Neither is good. While getting an animal’s head up or placing feet just right is important to make the animal look its best in the ring, yelling at Billy or Sally isn’t going to help. Talk to them, calmly and quietly, after they leave the ring about what they can do to improve before the next class.
• If your child’s animal places low in a class, offer him or her a big smile and a pat on the back. Chances are they are feeling pretty down and complaining about the placement won’t make your child feel any better.
• Be a good sport and congratulate those who do well at the show, as well as those who might not have placed very well. By doing so, you are teaching your child that win or lose, everyone in the barn deserves a little praise.
• Never, never go up to a judge and confront him or her about how a class was placed. I have had to step between a mad parent and a judge more than once. It’s not fun for anyone and your child may see the confrontation. Always remember, the placings are one person’s opinion on that day and your next show will bring a new judge and a new opinion. Instead of arguing, teach your child to shake the judge’s hand.
• If your child loses interest in showing, don’t force them to continue. Take a break because there is a good chance that after a year of sitting out they will be ready to resume showing, so just keep the show box and trailer ready to roll.
Livestock shows are something for you and your family to do together. There will be ups and downs along the way, flat tires and something forgotten at home a time or two, but there is more to shows than ribbons or trophies.
Julie
