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

1. Showmanship...The Difference Between 1st and 2nd! Sam Womble County Extension Agent – Ag/NR Bexar County

2. 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.

3. Basic Showmanship Considerations... • Things to do at home: • Brushing - soft bristled brush • Driving - pig whip, plastic pipe • Washing - weekly • Show rules • Clipping

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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...

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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?

16. 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!