We have all had that moment in the show ring when your animal just doesn’t move out like we want. In fact, I probably only had one lamb I was always happy with how he moved out in the show ring. My steer Gigantor would actually stop and throw his head up or move backwards away from me.

So what is the fix? Unfortunately it is very nuanced and it goes back to the long days at the barn. There isn’t a single trick that will fix it all for you, but here are some helpful tips.

Sheep & Market Goats: Apply steady pressure on the head or on the collar and release when they move forward. Never drag — pull steady until they step forward and then release the pressure to let them feel the give. You want them to feel that they get a change in presure when they step forward. This will continually remind them what the right reaction is. This method is tedious, but it is very effective.

Some lambs and goats however, will stop moving smoothly every time they turn a certain direction in the show ring or every time they move away from the other lambs or goats. In this case, it takes even more patience and steady pressure. Don’t be embaraced if the ring help needs to come help you – its totally normal.

One very good tip I have found is using the lamb’s ribs to apply pressure. Some people tap or slap their lambs on the side. I don’t like this method as it is not at all subtle and can look harsh. At home instead practice pressing into their ribs with the tips of your fingers when they won’t move. You can even massage your fingers over their ribs and they will move forward and away. As soon as the lamb moves, stop the pressure. You want them to know what your signal means as clearly as possible. Some lamb’s walk sideways at first away from the pressure, but after a few times, they just move out as soon as you place your hand on their ribs. It is subtle and works!

Cattle: Use gentle, steady pressure with the halter. If they’re locked up, don’t turn and look at them, continue facing forward and pulling steady. You can try a pull and release on your halter to pull them forward, but when it looks like jerking, it is too much. You just need to pull steady and wait for someone to come up behind your steer and twist his tail for you.

At home, try to work with a second person there all the time. Make it a practice that you never walk your calf without someone there to come up behind them if you need help. You want your calf to associate walking with actually walking. If they know that some of the time they get away with freezing up, you will have a harder time keeping them moving in the show ring.

Dairy Goats: Keep calm and steady like with cattle. A panicked tug or any roughness will only make them resist more. It is more important than any other species that you present yourself to the judge as gentle and predictable. You can’t go yanking on the collar or getting frustrated. Light, patient guidance is key and it is more important than getting them moving. No matter what happens in the show ring, you must keep calm and cool.

At home you can walk them more. Understand your goats and since you likely have a whole herd of goats to choose from, choose the doe that matches the show ring. She doesn’t need to be your best milker, she needs to be your best show partner, the calmest, most predictable goat is key. Use her even if another doe has your favorite look. Showmanship partnerships that are flawless are the way to the backdrop.

Swine: If your pig freezes, use your stick to gently tap the flank or move into their space to encourage forward motion. Some showmen use their hand on the pig’s back to signal to him to move forward. This is sometimes okay if the judge is not looking in your direction, but generally hands off is the rule. If your pig responds to this, hold a brush and use that on their ribs or back instead.

Use your stick at home and find those places that are effective at moving your pig forward. Never use your stick on your pigs back or hams. You want to use the flank or ribs only. I think the thin part of skin on the flank is a good place to get their attendion and they will often easily move forward. With pigs, driving is such a key component that you must know it inside and out. Drive those pigs at home until you know every cue and signal that your pig responds too. Become a true team with your animal and master it long before you ever enter the show ring.

Conclusion

When every animal in the ring is predictable and behaving at their best, you can easily be frustrated by any pause or resistence from you animal. It really is important to plan ahead and work with your animals as much as you can and it really is an advantage to buy a better tempermented animal from the beginning.

But it is also possible to make it to the top once in a while with visible patience. Judges know animals misbehave even when you train well at home. When there are multiple animals misbehaving, they are watching you. If you handle the situation calmly and confidently, that can move you towards the top.

Showmanship tips like this one are 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 they are resources that can help you take your skills to the next level. I pour a lot of time and energy into every book I write and they are packed with what I wish I knew starting out.