Livestock Showmanship
Printed Reference: 4H357 Guide for Evaluating Livestock Showmanship Contests
General Instructions: Livestock Showmanship
CONTEST RULES
- ELIGIBILITY-All 4-H livestock exhibitors must show their own animals to be considered as participants in the Showmanship Contest. Ownership is determined by fair entry and appropriate ownership/ID affidavits from the Extension Office.
- SHOWMANSHIP CANDIDATES-In Beef, Dairy, Goats, Rabbits, Poultry, Sheep, and Swine, all exhibitors who pre-enter by the specified deadline are eligible to show in showmanship class but must show their own animal.
- ASSIGNED CLASSES - In species where showmanship classes are assigned and posted prior to the show, exhibitors must show in the class assigned, or receive prior permission from the species superintendent, or they will be disqualified.
- BASIS FOR JUDGING-Showmanship judging is based on preparation of animals for show, their apparent training and the appearance and behavior of the showman. Minor technical points are not to be over-emphasized, nor do minor infractions disqualify. Primarily in showmanship it is the skill of the showman in presenting the animal before the judge that counts, while individual excellence of the animal does not.
- EXHIBITOR DRESS CODE-See General Livestock Rules.
- LIVESTOCK GROOMING RULE-See General Livestock Rules.
- EXHIBITOR NUMBERS-To allow for easy and rapid identification, all exhibitor numbers shall be pinned on the back of the exhibitor in the area of the shoulder blades.
- Exhibitors must pre-enter showmanship. Exhibitors must show their own animal.
- DISQUALIFICATION-The division superintendents may disqualify any 4-H'er from showmanship for any violation of rules or unsportsmanlike conduct.
- LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP AGES-
- Junior-Ages 8-10
- Intermediate-Ages 11-13
- Senior-Ages 14-18