Being Judged to Being the Judge.

As a showman you walk into the ring with your eyes on the judge doing everything possible to be noticed and make that good first impression. When your showing for showmanship you have so many thoughts running through your head that could consist of:
1. Keep eye contact with the judge
2. Switch sides
3. Pace yourself
4. Use the whole ring
5. Is my animal set up right to its nest
6. Did my animal move
7. 2 seconds judge, 2 seconds animal

These are just a few of the basic thoughts that run through your head. As a showman (pictures to your left) I experienced these thoughts a lot but the more I showed the more it became natural. I thrived on showmanship and was an exhibitor who would rather win showmanship than type class. Anyone can buy an animal to win with enough money but showmanship is all on you. When your in the ring showing your heart out and your in the champion ship drive your looking at the judge and all eyes are on you there is a feeling that just can not be explained but must be experienced. That moment when the judge walks over and shakes your hand there are so many emotions but most of all your hard work has paid off.  I have shown multiple species consisting of lambs, goats, cattle, pigs, and horses and even though each species gets shown a little different you can always start from the basics that apply to any species and work your way of to the details in your walk, your stance, and the way you present yourself and your animal in the ring.


 Last night October 9, 2014 I was in the ring once again for showmanship but in the shoes of the judge for the first time. Wow! Its a weird feeling at first cause now your thinking about how do I pick and choose, what if the audience does not agree with my decisions, how do I prioritized what sticks out for me. It was definitely a rewarding experience. I was honored to judge the showman of showman at the Manheim Farm Show where I judges dairy beef and goat showmanship. Keep in mind these showman are in for winning a species and now are competing in multiple species that they might have never shown before. With that said you never know what to expect. Some exhibitors might rock your world where others you can tell they have only shown goats and are now handling a steer for the first time. Back to being in the ring, it was amazing to get to work with outstanding showman who were all going for the same end goal but did not forget to have fun. I was also able to judge with a former AEE major, Meagan Slates, who shared the same opinions as me. It was great seeing her again and being able to judge an event that has become my passion. The best part out of ht whole night though was after the event getting to interact with the showman and their families. The livestock world is such a small place but in a good way. I even got asked to do a few showmanship and fitting clinics in the spring while I am in the area. (Very exciting moment) I take it I must have done something right if they want to work with their exhibitors in the future.

Hopefully I get more opportunities like this to share my passion with others!

Enjoy a few pictures from experience:)