How to Show a Pig
Showing your pig at a fair requires planning for you and your pig. Training your pig to get used to walking in a circle or figure eight will make it much easier for you and your pig to navigate the ring to show off your pig's greatest assets. By showing your pig, you can gain the satisfaction of owning a prize pig if you win -- as well as learning about the pig industry to help you decide whether you want to continue in the field.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Train your pig to walk easily to accept being guided with a slight touch of the cane. Begin teaching your pig to turn left when gently tapped on the right shoulder, to turn right when gently tapped on the left shoulder and to go straight when gently tapped on the top between the shoulder blades several weeks prior to your scheduled show date. Condition your pig to the clicker by clicking and treating. Once the pig responds to the click by looking for a treat, you can begin clicking when it walks in the right direction after you tap it. Soon, you can have the pig walk with you in the direction you want for a few minutes and then clicking and treating it for a job well done at the end. If you have not already scheduled a show date, contact the fair or the organization in charge of judging show pigs for instructions on how to include your pig in the show. You may need to pay a fee.
-
2
Wash your pig prior to showing it. Use appropriate shampoos formulated for your pig's skin and coat. Thoroughly clean the feet. Trim your pig so its tail and ears look good. Pluck any hairs from the inside of the pig's ears. Brush the pig's hair in the direction of natural growth.
-
-
3
Enter the show ring with your pig when your division or class is called. Give appropriate and respectful eye contact to the judge. Keep a small brush with you in a pocket. Brush off any sawdust that may get on your pig discreetly throughout the showing.
-
4
Maintain focus on the judge so you know what is expected of you at all times. Know where the judge is standing at all times. Respectfully carry out or answer any requests the judge makes of you.
-
5
Guide the pig with the curved side of your cane to keep it walking at a good pace. Gently touch the pig with the cane to have the pig turn or walk straight as needed.
-
6
Walk the pig between you and judge. Keep the pig approximately 10 to 15 feet away from the judge. Avoid large groups of people that may interfere with you showing your pig to full advantage. Know your pig well so that you can focus your walking to show off your pig's greatest assets. Spend more time showing the judge the pig's good side and less time showing the judge the pig's bad side.
-
7
Drive your pig into the pen when the judge asks you to do so. Close the gate behind you. After the judge dismisses your pig from the show ring, return the pig to its stall and return to the show ring to watch the remainder of the showing. Be courteous to judges and other exhibitors. Ask questions and learn as much as you can.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The judge may ask you questions about your pig and the pig industry. Know your pig's age, weight and ear notch. Learn the anatomy of the pig and all the different parts used for meat. Also, think about ways to improve your pig if the judge asks you.
Do not be rude to anybody at the show. Showmanship is not just about the animal, but also about how you interact with the animal and others in attendance.
Never cheat. This includes using artificial means in lieu of appropriate nutrition and exercise to raise a healthy prize pig.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision/Photodisc/Getty Images
