Dear newbie in the barns,
I was in your shoes once. I remember the moment like it was yesterday, I was five years old showing my first calf, which just happened to be about 20 times my size. Even though I still have a few years left in my showing career, I still can't help reminiscing back to my first years of showing livestock. Whether you're eight or eighteen and stepping into the show ring for the first time, don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.
Here are some insights I wish I would have been given when I began showing:
1. Get involved
I know it sounds so cliche, of course you should get involved in showing livestock I mean you're spending thousands of dollars to do this why wouldn't you go out there and work hard? What I really mean is put your heart into it; put every little ounce of passion into showing off your livestock, because not everyone gets this opportunity. Go make friends with your neighbor in the barn at shows and get involved in every contest possible. You're going to be dedicated, talented, and left with memories you'll never forget.
2. Learn to accept failure
I am probably one of the biggest believers in standing last. Oh yeah, it doesn't sound fun, but trust me you have to lose to really understand what it means to win. Seeing last place is going to make you work harder, find out you really have passion and dedication, and make you a more humble winner when that 15 minutes of fame come your way.
3. Let go
I know just starting out I was always told don't let go of the halter unless you're really going to get hurt. Hogs aren't going to turn out, judges aren't going to like the way your calf travels, ewes are going to prolapse, and you'll sit there in frustration. Let go. Now, I don't mean let everything go but let that one bad moment slip away. Pick up your head, take a deep breath and look around. Life is going to happen, things are going to flat out stink some days, but you have to remember that the hard times are worth it all because you enjoy what you are a part of.
4. Don't settle
Don't settle for low quality stock and most importantly,don't stop short of a dream you want to achieve just because it seems like the task at hand is too much. Your heart made that dream, so of course you're going to be able to achieve it; when you put your heart and soul into something, anything is possible.
5. Overuse thank you
So many people are going to give you their time and effort to make sure that you accomplish your goals. Thank your parents for the sacrifices they make for you to be able to show. Thank those who help make sure your animals are in tip-top shape and teach you various lessons throughout the years. Even if you feel like everyone knows how thankful you are for them, just remind them again I promise it won't hurt. Recognize that you all become a family, take in all the hugs you can and never miss a chance to tell someone how much you appreciate them. Don't take these people for granted; one day they may not be able to be right there beside you.
6. Don't rush it
Don't count down the days until your junior career is done; I am still a few years from being done and I wish I could go back to my first show. I wish I could go back to the day that I got my first ribbon and the day I received my first champion handshake. Being able to show in junior shows at the local, state, and national levels is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
7. Remember the reason
Above all, remember the purpose of showing livestock. Growing youth is a large part of the show industry; however, having elite animals in the show ring that will go and make exceptional animals for production is the real name of the game.
I couldn't imagine a life that didn't revolve around travelling to various states for shows, meeting new people with a common interest, competing in contests that are building me up, spending time with my show family, and of course, being able to follow my passion.
I dare you to take every opportunity given to you while you're involved in showing livestock and make your mark.
Sierra
