In this blog, I’m going to briefly run through the equipment you’ll need for training and showing swine. I’ll give you an explanation for each tool, cover several points of concern, and bust a few myths!

Brushes

I like to use two different brushes, a soft brush and a hard brush. Use the soft brush when you begin training. This is to get the hog comfortable with your presence. When he begins to enjoy being brushed, graduate to the harsher brush and use it to get his skin clean. Use the hard brush every day. This will make his skin more attractive and better prepared for showmanship. Once you’ve got his skin clean, use the soft brush or a rag to spread lotion over his skin each day. 

You’ll need to carry a brush with you into the show ring as well. Use a soft brush with a clip or handle you can stick on your belt or in your pocket. You will need this brush when your hog gets dirty. Sometimes the judge will test you. He might even scoop up a handful of shavings and drop it on your pig. If the judge does this, just like you would in any other situation, allow your hog to continue walking, pull out your brush and quickly clean your hog. The judge wants to see that you’re aware and concerned about the appearance of your hog. 

A second option that is growing in popularity is to carry a brush in your hand at all times. If you are carrying a brush have a brush that fits your fist and not the really small ones. Having a brush in your hand means you can use it to communicate with your pig, since you can touch your pig with a brush, but not with your bare hand. It also improves how naturally you carry your extra hand. If you find yourself awkwardly sticking your extra hand behind your back or holding it too stiff, it is a great idea to carry a brush and give your hand a purpose.

Rags

You’ll need a set of rags for the show ring as well as a brush. If your hog poops, stop showing and clean him off with your rag. As you quickly clean off your pig, continue watching your judge. Be the showman that’s both aware and productive. 

Lotion 

The best way to condition a hog’s skin is with lotion. Buy something inexpensive if you like. You don’t need a special brand. I like to mix it half and half with vinegar and use this to spread on the pig’s skin. Apply lotion to your hog about once a day. 

Boards or Hurdles

You can’t use boards as a substitute for the whip, but sometimes boards are necessary for brand-new untrained pigs that need to be moved. They’re also useful for wild hogs that have never been properly worked with or who need to be moved in and out of a trailer. There’s absolutely no reason to use a board to push or shove on a trained hog who will do what you want without it. 

Treats 

This is another one of those things everyone assumes is great. One reason many people give treats is to strengthen their bond with their hog. That’s great! Bonding is important, but if it’s for training I don’t recommend it. Treats are only for the pigs when they’re back in the pen, they know they’re off duty and they can do whatever they want.

Spray Bottle

Because a hog’s sweat glands don’t work like ours, they don’t handle heat well. Keeping your hog wet is going to be more important than ever on show day. Hogs need to stay cool in the show ring. It’s important to have a spray bottle with water in it to get your hog wet before you enter the class. When you enter the show ring, hand off your spray bottle to a friend or parent. If you are penned at some point during the class, they should come to you outside the holding pen and spray off your pig again. If you can, you should also check to see if your hog is thirsty.

If you have brushes, rags, lotion, boards, treats and a spray bottle, you have the basic tools you’ll need to train and show your hog. However, we haven’t discussed the whip yet, which is your most important tool. I saved this tool for another blog.

To learn more about swine showmanship and mastering your skills, check out my book Show Your Way to the Top on Amazon or mastershowmanship.com/shop