Frustrated with Showmanship and Your Showmanship Tips!

[obie105]

Is showmanship before or after regular classes? If after many judges watch you show all day. Also how you handle when your calf gets out of line is a huge thing. I actually won a showmanship class once and my heifer was horrible. The judge said it was how I handled the situation. Don't walk with the show stick in front of your calfs face and make sure to use your comb if the judge touches your calf. Walking into a set up is much better than using your stick and is achieved with a little practice at home. I would also say to stand square but not stiff. Look at ease with your calf. Maybe sit out a competition and watch others show. Look at the ones that are winning.

 

[knabe]

A BIG trick to looking good showing that I never hear anyone talking about is walking in step with your calf.  Your legs and your calf's front legs should be "marching in step".  Makes all the difference in the world with how you arnd your calf look walking.

very easy to train yourself and calf to do.  i've mentioned it a few times as have a couple of others. the calf cues off you moving, your attitude, everything, just like babies with mommas of almost any animal. they will even cue off how you act differently, and sometimes it can be blatant. they look for an escape when you raise the expectation level without them going through that, they start to move and become agitated, then one gets agitated, and then you need to walk the calf out, a vicious cycle. after one gets the calf moving in step, tipping the head can be a next step to get them to move their feet, stand squarely, almost anything, and the stick is only a tool to get them to know where to put their feet depending upon how you hold their head and where you stand, almost like the difference between saluting or holding one's hand over their heart. one's posture is different.  the calf will learn that.

 

[DLD]

There's an intangible something to winning (most) showmanship contests.  I guess attitude is one way to describe it, but there's a lot more to it than that.  To me it's more of an awareness - knowing everything that's going on and still being completely comfortable and in synch and in control in the ring, with your calf, with the judge, with everything around you.  Some kids seem to be born with it, some grow into it, some never quite do.  There are a lot of really good technical showmen that present their cattle (and themselves) very well, that never get that intangible something.  They may never win a contest, but it doesn't mean they may not be very good showmen in their own right.

Sometimes a good technical showman can beat the ones that have "it".  If a judge is just counting technical mistakes, the "it" kids may make more than the others.  I've been on both sides and it can be frustrating either way.

 

[Telos]

I've shown in showmanship numerous times and never won or for that matter got in the top. I also consider myself a very good showman.

DLD, you could not have said it better. There is something "intangible" about showmanship. Showmanship is about applying and bringing together all the technical aspects in hope that you will have the "something factor" that makes you stand out in a good way.
I equate it to a ballerina that practices over and over until they make what is so difficult look easy and effortless.

 

[LindseysMaine_Angus]

I guess I'll fix the leg and see what that does, other than the possibility of posture and maybe here our county being as small as it is, i have heard the same winners say "I know I am going to win, so I am not worried about it", and I am not lying when I say I have heard them say that, because well...I have. How can you be so certain...other than that I guess I am not doing anything wrong, but when the judge,parents,and kids know and talk to each other before the show and talk to each other on a first name basis it really makes me wonder what is going on...my family always says it's politics, but I guess all I can do is keep trying. When I showed Dairy Feeders I placed 1st in my showmanship class every year for the past 5 years, never won grand or reserve, the grand was the same girl every year and reserve was always between 2 families, I move to "Beef" and can't place...it makes me wonder what is really going on. I guess, like I said...I can keep trying but maybe I'll just have to deal with it, I am literally smashing keys right now because of how irritated I get when I talk about it...

 

[simba]

The differentiators are almost always your "presence" and how easy you make it look and how relaxed you are.

I completely agree with this statement.

I judged showmanship at a local 4-H show this year and there were two boys in the senior division that were spot on. Animals always set up, good posture, answered my questions well, always in the right spot, etc. But my choice was extremely easy. The boy who placed first was very calm, he looked like he belonged in the showring and didn't have a care in the world. The boy who placed second looked just the slightest bit on edge and uneasy. He just didn't compare to the first place boy at all. When I placed them and explained why I placed them that way I was watching the boy who I had placed second. As soon as I said that he did everything right but just looked the slightest bit uncomfortable he nodded and you could tell that he knew that was his weakness; I'm sure that he had heard that comment before.

I'm not saying for certain that that is your weakness but without seeing you show I'd guess that it might be. Try having a friend or parent video tape you at your next show and see if you look as cool, calm and collected as the Champion showman. Good luck!

 

[LindseysMaine_Angus]

Id have to say I do get nervous...I'll have to find something that takes the edge off...I am a very anxious person anyway and I know I can't bite my nails in the show ring!

 

[HavinABlast]

I understand your frustration. 
Sometimes coming out of the ring you may think you did everything bang on (and maybe you did) but it can totally come down to the whole package.  Did you have the presence in the ring that maybe the top showman did?  There is definitely a calm, confident, blended package that the top showpeople have.  I highly recommend having someone video your classes - not only your performance but also view what happens with the top showmen and sit back and really critique them. 
Little things like walking in step with your animal, taking 2 slower steps in preparation for a halt can make for a smooth transition, pay particular attention to your posture and stance, your head carriage and that of your animal.  Sometimes (unfortunately) showmanship classes are decided before the class ever starts.
If you ever come out of a class and feel that you didn't get any feedback from the judge over the mic that could help you improve take the opportunity to speak to the judge after the show.  Especially if it is a smaller show most judges would gladly speak one on one with someone who is keen and wanting to learn.  Don't put them on the spot but ask their advice on what you can improve or change.  You never know - you may encounter that same judge again down the road, if you have taken his/her words to heart and practice what they preached it might very well work in your favour!  (My son started out on the very bottom of the classes but took every little bit of information judges gave him both over the speakers or after the show and now wins classes!)
I do also recommend the Kirk Stierwalt Showmanship video - both my kids learned so much from it!  He addresses the little things about your attire, hair, stance etc...  Very worthwhile!
Good luck with your shows this summer!  Just remember - take a big deep breath, head into the ring with your animal and try your best to have fun and enjoy yourself out there!

 

[vc]

Both my boys showed steers for years and it was only their last couple where they made the cut, oldest finished 5th out of 40, his best, and the youngest won senior division twice. Neither really cared if they placed, they were always more concerned with market. But the 2 years the youngest won, his steers and he just ticked, he was one step ahead of the steer and just looked calm and smooth in his actions. It took years of showing, many jackpots for him to get there. And yes he had his steers for market those years as well.

Now once he got into master showmanship he was a fish out of water, 6th out of 7 both times.

 

[DLD]

Showing cattle is a relatively small world - if we didn't go to shows where someone we knew was judging, there wouldn't be many shows we could go to, at least not anywhere near here.  Yes, I know politics happen, but just as often as knowing the judge personally can help you, it can hurt you too.  Many judges are more critical of their friends, because they don't want others thinking they're showing favoritism.  It shouldn't make a difference - especially in showmanship.  'Most everyone I know that judges shows holds judging showmanship in high regard - they know it's all about the kids, and they try extra hard to do it right.  I think that's why a lot of judges spend extra time on showmanship - they want to give each kid every chance to shine, and they often struggle with close decisions.

Along with that, I know lots of people that are confident they're going to win every time they step in the ring, and they don't mind telling you they're going to either.  They're the ones that are the most fun to beat, and give you plenty of incentive to keep trying.

All that said, there is something that hasn't really been covered here yet.  Your calf does have a bearing on how you do in showmanship, and not just in how they act.  They need to be in the right condition - showing that you know how to feed one, and they need to be clean and free of dandruff and blemishes (warts, grubs, etc...), their hair needs to show that it's being worked, and they need to be clipped and fitted (to whatever degree is expected at that particular show) - because all that's part of presenting a show animal.  Yes, I know somebody's going to say "But just because your calf looks that way doesn't mean the showman did it themselves" - and they're right, but it doesn't matter.  You can't win showmanship if your calf doesn't look the part of a show calf.  I'm not saying yours don't Lindsey, I'm just saying it's one more piece of the puzzle.

I know it's been mentioned here before, but the best single piece of advice I can give you is get the Stierwalt showmanship dvd.  We have one, and my daughter has about worn it out.  She wins showmanship contests.  I'm not saying that watching that dvd is the only reason why, but it sure hasn't hurt.

 

[rtmcc]

Showing cattle is a relatively small world - if we didn't go to shows where someone we knew was judging, there wouldn't be many shows we could go to, at least not anywhere near here.  Yes, I know politics happen, but just as often as knowing the judge personally can help you, it can hurt you too.  Many judges are more critical of their friends, because they don't want others thinking they're showing favoritism.  It shouldn't make a difference - especially in showmanship.  'Most everyone I know that judges shows holds judging showmanship in high regard - they know it's all about the kids, and they try extra hard to do it right.  I think that's why a lot of judges spend extra time on showmanship - they want to give each kid every chance to shine, and they often struggle with close decisions.

Along with that, I know lots of people that are confident they're going to win every time they step in the ring, and they don't mind telling you they're going to either.  They're the ones that are the most fun to beat, and give you plenty of incentive to keep trying.

All that said, there is something that hasn't really been covered here yet.  Your calf does have a bearing on how you do in showmanship, and not just in how they act.  They need to be in the right condition - showing that you know how to feed one, and they need to be clean and free of dandruff and blemishes (warts, grubs, etc...), their hair needs to show that it's being worked, and they need to be clipped and fitted (to whatever degree is expected at that particular show) - because all that's part of presenting a show animal.  Yes, I know somebody's going to say "But just because your calf looks that way doesn't mean the showman did it themselves" - and they're right, but it doesn't matter.  You can't win showmanship if your calf doesn't look the part of a show calf.  I'm not saying yours don't Lindsey, I'm just saying it's one more piece of the puzzle.

I know it's been mentioned here before, but the best single piece of advice I can give you is get the Stierwalt showmanship dvd.  We have one, and my daughter has about worn it out.  She wins showmanship contests.  I'm not saying that watching that dvd is the only reason why, but it sure hasn't hurt.

Agree'd! With this and the other comments about that special presence in the ring. That gift of ring presence is half man made and half God given. I think it skips a generation.  LOL  I don't have it. Our kids got it, most days.  (Maybe they got it from the dam's side)
We've had a LOT of success in the showmanship ring.  One thing I've learned is a lot of practice at home helps.  But nothing beats trips into the ring for both the animal and the exhibitor.  They both need to get to feel comfortable.  We burned a lot of fuel and glue when the kids started, just for the experience.  Now it's pretty hard to rattle them on show day.  They're comfortable there.

Ron  <cowboy>

 

[Steve123]

You talked about getting the answers "right" when you get asked a question.  One thing that catches my attention when I ask questions during showmanship (and I always ask questions) is if the exhibitor tells a story and is conversational with the answer and not just the right answer. 

Example:
How many pounds of feed are you feeding your calf?
Right Answer- "15 pounds"

Right answer as a story- "I feed him a mixture of corn, oats and protein twice a day, with 7 and a half pounds at each feeding for a total of 15 pounds per day and free choice hay"

"Since she is a breeding heifer I am trying to make sure she does not get to fat. So I am giving her a high roughage diet of oats, beet pulp and cotton seed hulls with protein that is about 15 pounds per day."

My goal with questions is to also find out who is doing the work.  When I see a calf that is fitted to the nines.  I ask questions about daily hair care and what they did to compensate for certain faults a calf may have.
With the older kids if they have everything flawless and it is clear they are not the ones doing the work they end up middle of the pack with me and I tend to mention that on the mic.

 

[rjb]

In my opinion. You either have it or you don't. Just like anything. I have two daughters showing right now 11 and 9. My 11 yr old can wipe the table with just about anybody. She has that desire to achieve perfection and wants to win. Now my 9 yr old could sit on the side of the fence and pick u apart about everything your doing wrong but doesn't have the confidence and drive in the ring. Both have been taught exactly the same. It's you either have it or you don't. U can learn enough to be effective but never top tier. As a showman u have to be able to see things in your calf that most can't to make them look 12 o'clock the whole time in the ring.

 

[DLD]

If there is any competition where you show, most kids are going to do the basics (getting feet right, correct posture, etc) right.  The differentiators are almost always your "presence" and how easy you make it look and how relaxed you are.  It is also very hard to win showmanship without a top end calf that is fitted well.  That shouldn't matter but it does.

Sorry Robert, I'd forgotten you said this when I said the calf looking the part hadn't been covered.

Agree'd! With this and the other comments about that special presence in the ring. That gift of ring presence is half man made and half God given. I think it skips a generation.  LOL  I don't have it. Our kids got it, most days.  (Maybe they got it from the dam's side)
We've had a LOT of success in the showmanship ring.  One thing I've learned is a lot of practice at home helps.  But nothing beats trips into the ring for both the animal and the exhibitor.  They both need to get to feel comfortable.  We burned a lot of fuel and glue when the kids started, just for the experience.  Now it's pretty hard to rattle them on show day.  They're comfortable there.

Ron  <cowboy>

This too - practice, practice, practice.  We at least set them up and make them stand right for a few minutes every night before we turn them loose.  3 or 4 times a week we spend 20-30 minutes walking and setting up.  Probably the best thing we do though is for pretty much the whole month of August (the first time out for most of our calves) we go to small fairs around our area - at least one every weekend, sometimes 2 or 3 in a weekend.  Just little in and out blow and shows, really laid back deals - they're great for getting ring time for both kids and calves.  I know not everyone may have that opportunity, but I certainly urge you to take advantage of every chance you get.  Especially if you tend to be a little nervous - familiarity will win out in time.

 

[hevmando]

" I am literally smashing keys right now because of how irritated I get when I talk about it..."

Lindsey,  you saying how emotional you are getting typing about this probably translates into frustration in the ring when showing against the reigning winner.  You said it, you may want to consider how to deal with those emotions.  If you are aware of them, the judge sees it also.

 

[vc]

The boy I've been helping for the last 4 years, 3 with steers just won Sr. FFA Showmanship. he made the cut but finished last in the final drive the first time, he finished 2 last year and won this year. The first year he wanted to win and did not have the experience, he about sawed the calf in half, would not let close be good enough when it came to setting up the animal, last year he just over did it, had some nerves and was still over showing  This past year he hit several jackpots, he never placed very high but he sure got experience.
This year I would say the difference is he was more relaxed, had some expedience in the ring, and based off of what I saw in the market classes he looks comfortable and like he belongs in there, and he and the calf worked well together.
The goal in a market class is to present the animal, you want to be as invisible as possible so the judge sees the animal, I think that some people are so good at this they get missed in the Showmanship classes because of it. This is when you need that animal that either is really flashy or acts up enough that the judge sees your ability to correct it.
It is like the baseball pitchers, one goes out and strikes out 12 in a row on 60 pitches, everybody talks about it, another goes out and gets 12 in a row to ground out on a total of 15 pitches, the second is the more efficient, but does not get the attention that the other does. Their both good at pitching one is just more noticeable.

 

[GONEWEST]

I mentioned a kid previously in this thread that showed my cattle and  always won showmanship contests here and that I really couldn't tell you why he won. He just won the Senior showmanship division at the National Junior Simmental Association Summer Classic. So I'm glad someone sees things I don't!

 

[LindseysMaine_Angus]

I just wanted to Thank You guys for all of your comments...because I must have attempted to fix the little stuff, posture, calmness, confidence etc. and managed to pull Senior Reserve Champion Showman! also Reserve Champion Breeding Beef.
Thanks Again,
Lindsey

 

[hevmando]

Congrats, hope you got a trip to St Paul also!

 

[DLD]

Congratulations! (thumbsup)