Getting Started in the 4-H Meat Goat Project
Showmanship
Showmanship can play a major role in your success in the show ring. Showmanship is the working relationship between you and your goat. If this relationship is lacking, it will result in a goat that is not being exhibited at its full potential.
Cardinal Sins
- Going behind the goat when switching sides in order to keep the goat between you and the judge.
- Letting the goat get loose.
- Letting the goat lay down.
- Lack of eye contact or an excessive amount of eye contact. This should be split evenly between your goat, surroundings, and the judge.
- Having a dirty goat.
- Having wild and crazy goat this is a good example of how much you have worked with your goat before the show.
Practice!
- No substitute can be made for hard work.
- Work at the barn will result in goats that are more show ready.
- Winning means practicing
- Practice makes perfect!!
Goat Presentation
Consider:
Presentation
- Attention should be divided equally between the goat and the judge.
- When the goat looks good you're doing well.
- Drawing attention away from the goat takes away from the presentation and is referred to as over showing.
- Neglecting the goat or the judge will result is a lower placing.
Moving
- Goat head up to the point of allowing for level top line.
- Speed is one step at a time that makes the goat appear comfortable.
- Spacing at least enough room between goats for one more.
- Stay in line.
Setting Up
- Feet out on the corners giving as wide a look as is comfortable for the goat.
- Set the end closest to judge first.
- Set and leave (if the fix is little, leave it, because the process of a reset gives the impression that you're struggling).
- Head up stay in line.
The Show Person
- Every movement is done slowly and with purpose.
- Looking effortless is the ultimate compliment.
- Give the appearance of being relaxed and enjoying the trip.
- A smile never hurts.
- A confident look convinces judges.
Shifting and Handling
- Majority of the time showing is spent on the left shoulder of the goat.
- Shifting to accommodate the judge's view should be done from left shoulder to right shoulder and back slowly maintaining consistent pressure on chain to maintain the setup.
- During handling move in front of goat with out bracing, holding the chain and the head if necessary.
As with any time that you try something new, it just takes time, practice, and hard work to reach your goal and to be successful. However, the best way to learn is by asking questions and finding someone that can help you get a good start and lead you in the right path. This can be experienced breeders or extension agents or older exhibitors any of these would make good helpers.
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