Showmanship...The Difference Between 1st and 2nd!

Sam WombleCounty Extension Agent – NR

Victoria County

What is Showmanship?

The art of training and presenting your pig in a manner to illustrate its positive attributes to the judge.

It is imperative that you know what these “attributes” are.

Basic Showmanship Considerations...

Things to do at home: Brushing - soft bristled brush Driving - pig whip, plastic pipe Washing - weekly Show rules Clipping

Washing... There is a difference

between washing and rinsing.

Washing requires soap and conditioner

Let conditioner set on your pig for 15 minutes and then rinse out.

Have a chamois or towels available to dry your pig off.

Driving... Practiced regularly,

remember pigs are creatures of habit.

Stay consistent Turn your pig out of

its pen Travel a different

route on occasion Keep pig’s head up

Brushing... Builds a relationship

between you and your pig

Brush with the grain of the hair using a soft bristled brush

Promote skin health Pay attention – ants,

mites, lice, ect...

Show Rules...

Familiarize yourself with the rules Arrival dates, times Are pigs shown by breed or weight Min/Max weights Fitting/Grooming materials Animal Health Requirements

Clipping... Seek advise if you

are not sure what to do

Proper animal restraint

Stay current with the trend

Use the correct clippers and blades

Speed-O-Guides (OA, 1, 1A)

Prior to Entering the Ring...

Make sure your pig is CLEAN! Dress appropriately Familiarize yourself with the classes Weigh back Watch a class Be prompt to enter the ring when

your class is called.

Inside the Ring... Your job as an exhibitor is to remain

focused, calm, and confident throughout the showmanship competition regardless of how your pig acts! After you enter the ring, keep your pig at

the opposite end of the show ring until all exhibitors have entered the ring.

If your pig takes off running, don’t run after it!

Inside the Ring... Know where you want your pig to go, don’t

just follow it around. Be slow and fluent in your movement. Keep your pig 10-15 feet away from the

judge, off the fence and out of the corners. Know where the judge is and keep eye

contact. Drive your pig in an open area so that the

judge can see it. Give the judge different views of your pig.

Inside the Ring... Keep your hands off the pig as long as

it is moving in the right direction. Use your hand when necessary

however, don’t use your knees. Your posture should be slightly

crouched, in a relaxed, comfortable position.

To the Holding Pen... If the judge directs you to the holding

pen, try and complete the task on your own.

Open the gate to the pen once your pig nears, slowly but efficiently drive your pig into the pen.

If your pig moves away from the pen return to the pen you opened to close and latch the gate.

In the Holding Pen...

Don’t take a BREAK! Brush your pig Quick shot of water Position your pig parallel to the

gate Pay attention to the judge

Questions... Be prepared for questions, many times

they can be the deciding factor. What does your pig weigh? How is your pig bred? What is the ear notch of your pig? How much do you feed your pig a day? On the average, how many pounds of feed

equal a pound of gain? What are the good and bad points of your

pig?

Conclusion...

Always keep a positive attitude and be courteous to fellow showman as well as the judge.

Learn from your mistakes. If you will concentrate on doing

your best, winning will take care of itself.

Be a good sport and HAVE FUN!