It is July and show season is upon us, also known as my favorite time of year! The time to get your animals ready for the show ring from endless halter breaking walks with your cow, to washing your cow, and fitting her before taking her to the fair! It is the time to show off the cows that you have been caring for all year, and have worked hard to develop into what they are now. I have spent my summers at fairs since I was a baby and would go to support my three older sisters, and I will be the first to tell you that once you show you will be hooked! There are many different shows that you can attend throughout the year such as county, state, and national shows. Here are ten helpful hints when getting ready for the fair that I had to remind myself of every show!
1) Before the fair create a list of everything you need from wash supplies, fitting supplies, and display supplies. Some of the basic things that you will need are a hose, brushes, soap (There are specific kinds of soap meant for animals), clippers, top line brush, feed, buckets, signs with your animals information, and any information or awards you want to put up as a display. It is hard to remember everything, and that is why my family found that creating a list was the easiest way!
2) If you are showing your animals then fairs are not all about walking around eating the delicious food and riding on the fun rides. First and foremost, it is about caring for your animals, and making sure that they look the best that they can! Of course you do have to eat during the day so that can be your time to do some exploring and grab some food!
3) Now when you are finally to the fair, and getting everything set up and moved in! It will be a long few days, but the memories you will leave with will last forever! Never be afraid to ask others for help! If you are clipping your cow and you need a helping hand ask someone! There will be someone that will be willing to help, and it can be the start of a friendship or someone that can give you advice throughout your showing career. Every show that I have been to I have learned something new from someone to help me improve!
4) Never be afraid to try something new! No matter how many years you have shown there are still different ways to do everything. Be sure to stick to your morals and values, but if someone has a suggestion on how to improve something about your cow or a show technique, listen and take it into consideration. You do not always have to take the advice, but at least consider it!
5) Show day can be very stressful, and I will be the first to say that when you are stressed its easy to take your anger out on someone else! I took mine out on my family. Stay calm and do not take your anger out on someone! You can ruin relationships and people will not be as willing to help you if you are yelling at them!
6) In the show ring relax, have fun, and do your best! If you come out in first place or last place leave with a smile on your face and be thankful for the experience. If you win do not rub it in someone else's face just be grateful for your accomplishment! I know its Easier said than done!
7) Take into consideration what the judge said and how you can improve. All judges are different, but it is best to take the advice and fix it for the next show! Some of the best advice comes from the judge, and you never know when he/she will be judging a show you are in again!
8) Enjoy the people that have the same passion for showing that you do, and that are caring for their animals all week too! Play games, create memories, and bond over crazy stories! Some of my favorite memories at the fairs weren't winning on show day, but sitting around the barn with a bunch friends playing cards and laughing until our stomachs hurt!
9) Once the show is over and someone can watch your cows while you are gone take time to walk around the fair and enjoy. As much fun as it is to sit in the barn watching your cows and playing games it is also fun to walk around the fair for a little while!
10) Most importantly have fun! The reason why I love to show is because it is a week long event that you get to spend with friends, and be rewarded for your hard-work and dedication! I know it can be stressful and disappointing at times, but never give up!
I hope your showing memories are as wonderful as mine were, and will continue to be as I have aged out of 4-H but can still show at the state and national shows! If you have any questions about showing like how to get involved or how to get your cows ready do not hesitate to email me at
jtm286@cornell.edu and I will answer your questions!
Good Luck, Have Fun, and Smile in the Show Ring!
