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For those new to showing or those who are thinking of showing in the new future I've put together my top dos and don'ts many of which I have learned the hard way!
Let's start with the positives!
Do
· come ready to learn, meet new friends collaborate and ask questions. Being part of a show is very collegiate. We all help where we can, sharing advice and resources that we have in our show box. I had a few scouring rams and Darren stepped in recently with a great remedy mentioned below.
· attend to the food and water for your sheep before the public arrive each morning
· clean each pen and replenish the straw at least once a day
· hold your sheep close to their face when you are standing with them so you have as much control as possible
· watch the judges at all times and turn to face the judge if they are walking behind you
· congratulation your fellow breeder including shaking their hand if appropriate
· thank the judge including shaking their hand if appropriate
· get your sheep used to the food you will be giving them at the show, grain will need weeks for the rumen to adjust
· have all your paperwork in order, you OB cert, your sheep health declaration and your NVD for inspection
· attend to your sheep's feet at least a week before the show. The better and shorter the hoof is the better your sheep will stand and look.
· do a full health check of your sheep before they leave your property, are their eyes clear, are their feet all clean and healthy, are their gums nice and pink, is your animal free from any signs of inflammation.
· scrub your sheep's horns - they come up a treat!
wash your halter before the show or have a set for showing and another for halter training
· get your sheep out to walk around if you notice they are not themselves, ideally do this before the public arrive.
· if you are someone else's sheep is being stubborn use 'gooseing' which is where you grab their tail area to encourage them to move forward
· be ready to help with general set up and take down like the association banners, displays and flags
· manage your bio-security when you return to your farm, drench your sheep and quarantine them for 5 days if you can after an event
· be ready to help other's unload and load their animals, this includes other breeders
· The general etiquette here is that those who have a longer distance to travel go first.
· get to know your breed captain and check with them if you have any questions or doubts.
To bring in your show kit:
· pins for your scan data cards
· a marker
· cordial or apple cider vinegar to mask the chlorine in the water
· halters and lead ropes, you will need one halter and one lead rope for each animal
· D scour horse paste or berg oil for tummy u
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