Comments on: How to Show Your 4-H Goat in a Showring

on 3/10/2008 Never touch the goats rectum, my friend Ben did this at a showing once and ruined his new shirt when it backfired.

on 3/10/2008 Never touch the goats rectum, my friend Ben did this at a showing once and ruined his new shirt when it backfired.

on 3/10/2008 Never touch the goats rectum, my friend Ben did this at a showing once and ruined his new shirt when it backfired.

on 8/8/2006 1. Wear a number tag if given.
2. If you have questions, ask.
3. Goats love Funions.
4. Don't forget the hooves.
5. Set up your goat when you stop.
6. Don't yell or cuss.
7. Smile.
8. Don't leave trash in your stall, you will get fined and tagged.
9. Don't run.
10. Dress for success.

on 6/30/2006 Never, ever get between the judge's view of your goat; this means that if the judge goes around in a circle looking at your goat, you should move accordingly in order to maintain a good view for the judge.

Teach your goat how to stand square: this means that each leg is under his body, all four legs in a rectangle position.

The first show I went to, I had no idea what bracing was; if the judge asks you to brace your goat, that means that you should put your closest leg to the front of the goat in front of him.

Find out who your judge is and what his quirks are; one of my first judges liked red goats, and so always put them at the top of the class.

Always smile; even faking it can help a lot.

on 6/30/2006 Make a goat sandwich out of you, the goat and the judge. Always have the goat in between you and the judge.

on 6/30/2006 Watch the class before yours (if possible) and listen to what the judge says about the other goats, so that you know what they are looking for.

on 6/30/2006 When you show you goat, make sure the chain or collar you are using fits right behind the goat's jaw. If it fits wrong, your goat may cough and choke in the ring. This may cause the judge and other exhibitors to think you're tying to show a sick goat. You can be disqualified for showing a sick goat. Be careful! It's not wise to leave your goat often or for a long time, they can get scared. It would be like you parents leaving you in a hot, loud barn locked in a pen with a bunch of screaming children!

on 3/13/2006 Know your judges rules, ask. Or at least be on the safe side and ask about rules in the classes. For example, some people set up their goats by lifting them up by there horns and putting them back on the ground, and that sometimes works. But don't do it if you're not sure that's what your judge will disqualify you for. If you can't set your goat, try pushing on the rear end. They should then set themselves. But once again, don't do it in the class unless your sure. Never let your knees touch the ground.

on 3/13/2006 1. Wear a number tag if given one.
2. If you have questions, ask.
3. Goats love Funions.
4. Don't forget the hooves.
5. Set up your goat when you stop.
6. Don't yell or cuss.
7. Smile.
8. Don't leave trash in your stall, you will get fined and tagged.
9. Don't run.
10. Dress for success.

on 3/13/2006 If you are given a stall, decorate it. But if your goat is a little attached to you, be quick about leaving. My goat was a big baby, I had to tie her up out side the Restrooms just so that she would not be a pain in the butt. Do not worry, goats that yell are common, it's a goat show. Ask if you are allowed to walk your goat around.

on 3/13/2006 Get tags if needed, and ask if they will be required. Not all shows are nice about questions, especially if the person answering the questions feels that you really shouldn't be in that show. Get a VHC! 9 out 10 times it's needed.

on 3/13/2006 Your goat will need sleep and water. They are nervous, they might pass out, if they don't get it. My goat was tried and thirsty and passed out from the heat.

on 3/13/2006 Judges look for fat, muscle, and size. They would rather see fat than no fat. And muscle before fat. Grain is good to feed them a month before the show.

on 3/13/2006 Stay on the side of your goat that does not face the judges. Cross in front of the goat, and spin to face the goat. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. Look at the judge, but make sure you don't stare, that will distract you. If you are asked something as you go down the row, make sure you know the answer. Remember dates. 9 out of 10 times you will be asked for a date of birth. Speak clearly.