Goat Showing

[taylorm17]

This is my first year showing goats and I have no clue how. I have watched a couple of shows, but wanted to see other people opinions and experience in the area before I bought stuff. I just wanted some suggestions on what to use when showing, and maybe some good videos on how to show or good websites. Thanks everyone!

 

[Southern by choice]

One Fine Acre shows Nigerians... he'd be a good one to ask.
I think Lil'Hill also shows.

 

[taylorm17]

Thanks a lot!

 

[Fullhousefarm]

My daughter (10) shows at about 6 shows a year. She has 1 Nigerian and three large dairy goats (Lamanchas and Lamancha type grades). Two are pregnant and she is getting another doeling this week so her herd is growing. She's also taken 5 goats (two in milk) from another breeder to the state fair for the open show. Our first two shows were learning experiences- and we one had one and then two goats at those shows, so that helped. We also have a great mentor who helps since I'm learning right along with my daughter. If you can find an experienced 4H for FFA kid they'd be a great help to you too.

As far as what you need to show. A good pair of clippers. We got heavy duty cow clippers off ebay for $100 with 4 sets of blades ($100 value new). If I just had Nigees, though, I'd probably just get good quality pet clippers- unless I had a lot of goats I would be clipping often. You'll want a show collar. We mostly use chain dog collars with clips (you don't use them as choke collars on the goats!) I've seen people with fancy gold chains, thin nylon collars, etc. Other than that it's mostly normal stuff you take to shows. Hay feeders or bags, a tote for supplies, milk stand if you are milking there, etc.

Good luck! It can be addicting.

 

[Bucking Adoeable Fainters]

We show our entire herd. Which is extremely busy but super fun.
Watch videos on showmanship. It was something no one told me about and I had to learn the hard way...by losing! If your goat has the goods, they practically show themselves. You just need to adjust their stance. Your goal is to be invisible. And out of the judges view of your goat. Its about the best version of your goat and you showing him/her. Practice with your guys! Get them used to a chain and lead. Get yourself a goat lead. You do not want a leash you have to wind up and put in your hand and try to hide.

If you have practiced and you and your goat have an understanding of what is expected. Youll do great. This is from our fainting goat website, but informative just the same.

http://www.faintinggoatguild.com/youthshowmanship.htm

Best of Luck!

 

[taylorm17]

Thanks again. Mine are Nigerians so I probably won't be getting big blades, I only have 2 right now we are going to show. Another question, If my doe is pregnant at fair (not about to pop though) will a judge count off or kind of over look our does if they were? We don't plan on it or anything, but just out of curiosity.

 

[Bucking Adoeable Fainters]

Every breed standard and judge is different. If the judges meat goat raisers, they'll look at dairy differently and reverse. You'll want to check whichever show you plan on attendings rules.
Our breed specific show, we are not allowed to show 2months before freshening and 2months after. For safety of doe and kids first, and because of the deceiving appearances.

It will usually state in rules about most questions. And you can always ask the registration board. Better to be safe then sorry!

 

[taylorm17]

Thanks. I didn't want to have them pregnant at fair. I was just curious. Thanks!

 

[OneFineAcre]

Coincidently we just went to a 4 H fitting and showing clinic this past weekend. We've been showing for 5 years now.

I would definitely watch some videos. You can find some on you tube.
Go to ADGA's website. I know they did a live stream of the national show last year, I'm not sure if they recorded though.

I've showed junior dry yearlings who were already bred, but no reason to show a senior not in milk.

Most important thing to remember is you can wear whatever color clothes you want as long as they are white Some judges say it's OK to wear black pants but better to stick with white in case the judge you are showing under is a purist.

Never be between the judge and the goat. When you switch sides always cross in the front.

Use show collars.

Know your goats strengths and weaknesses show to her strengths and try to cover her weaknesses. You can mask weakness when you set them up, but hard to cover a weakness when they are moving.

Do not show goats if you will be upset if your goat comes in last place. I've had a goat win a Jr Championship in one ring, and come in last in her age group in another. I have a first freshener we showed 4 times last year. She won her age group 3 times one of which she took Reserve Grand Champion. the other show she came in dead last.

Don't take it too seriously and have fun. It is a wholesome, fun family activity for us.

 

[Fullhousefarm]

As far as showing when pregnant/bred. Here everyone seems show Jrs when bred as long as they are under 2. No rules against it whatsoever. We have and will unless I feel that it would be stressful to the goat. Our goats are used to packing up and going to shows so it's not particularly stressful to them. We showed our Nigerian 7ish weeks before she is due to kid at the FL State fair, but it's also only 20 minutes away. She didn't do as well as the show the month before where she got best Jr Nigerian. The judge will usually ask if they are bred and when they are due to kid, but the judge at that show also specifically told my daughter that she placed low because of being late in pregnancy and how hard it was to see her features fairly- she placed last. She placed third in the show with another judge two days later- so some of it is opinion. We went to a show two weeks ago (doe was due in 3 weeks) and left her home because I didn't feel that it would be wise to take her for her health.

I've also seen quite a few dry does shown. Sometimes it's to help meet sanction, or in a small class at a pay show it can still be worth it. We took a borrowed Saanen to the state fair dry and made $60 because there were only three Sr. Saanens- two dry- so it's not always a bad idea. I've seen a really nice bred dry doe place over a doe in milk due to overall confirmation and condition. I just wouldn't want to be the owner of that goat in milk!