Every species has its quirks. Sheep brace. Market goats brace too — though they wear a collar or a halter. Dairy goats you want to show in a more delicate way. Cattle are so much bigger than the other species and they need strength and routine. Pigs are on the move and it is a competition of always trying to get out in front and into the empty spaces. But underneath all those differences, some principles never change.

Principle 1: Control Without Being Rough

It doesn’t matter the species — judges want to see you in control. But control doesn’t mean force. If you are rough on your pig they will lose endurance, your calf might yank back against you, or your lamb might slip out of your hold. A rough showman never wins long-term. Kind, consistent handlers who respect their animals can make it a lot farther in the show ring.

Principle 2: Confidence Is Visible

Every species requires you to walk them well, move with purpose, and stay calm under pressure. Whether you’re setting up a sheep, driving a pig, or leading a steer, the judge will notice your confidence (or lack of it) right away. Make sure you know what you are doing before you go in the ring. Be sure of yourself and make sure you have been watching and observing the classes before yours. Time and getting out to more shows also helps with confidence. You can’t manufacture experience, but you sure can look like you know what you are doing especially if you put your heart into it and you know your stuff.

Principle 3: Preparation Shows

An untrained animal exposes a lazy showman fast. It is hard to go under the radar if you haven’t put in the work at home. Of course you want to stand out, but you want to stand out as the showman that is ready for anything the judge might ask. You also want your animal to look prepared. The animal can’t look that way, unless they have actually been out in the shoot or on the stand getting fit or prepped. And not just the day of the show, but all the way up until the show. Have you been conditioning your pigs hide? Rinsing your calf daily? Wrapping your lamb’s legs? A prepared animal — is visible, and reveals the hours of work you’ve put in.

Why This Matters

When you understand that showmanship is built on universal principles, you’ll realize that you can improve in any species by focusing on these basics. The details change, but the foundation never does. If you win your species and end up going into master showmanship or round robin, you will know exactly where to start. Calm control, confidence, and preparation all play into any win – no matter what animal you are going into the show ring with.

Showmanship concepts like these are also the focus of my book series Show Your Way to the Top. If you want to continue to build your knowledge and master your showmanship skills these are resources that can help you take your skills up a level. I pour a lot of time and energy into every single book I write and they really are packed with what I wish I knew starting out.