Lead By Example

​It is simply one of my biggest pet peeves to see people behaving in such a manner at shows that exhibit a poor example to our Youth! Showing should be a fun experience, as well as a learning expereince for the exhibitors. At a show in Helena, Kassie experienced a poor example of show ediquette from another exhibitor in her breed. Unfortunatly this was the same exhibitor she was hoping to get a bunny from in the future to help with her program. But now, after experiencing what she did, she wonders if she should even consider buying from this person. Here is what happened: Kassie, normally doesnt have any competition other than herself in her variety. Well, at the last show in Helena....she did. Someone else entered Himi Mini Rex, the same way she does, 5 of that variety entered, and using at least three people as the exhibitors. (Kassie will enter her best Himi's in her name, leaving myself or her sisters as the other exhibitors with her lesser quality Himis) Needless to say Kassie was excited to compete against someone else besides herself to see how the quality of her Himis stands up to other Himi breeders. She found out, that she has some more work ahead of her as she didnt earn a single leg last show, not even the variety legs which she normally gets for showing her Himis. Although there were only 10 Himis entered, there wasnt enough for class legs. But more than plenty for Variety legs. In the first show, her rabbits placed under the other exhibitor. Which I should point out at this time, this other exhibitor was an adult with many years of experience of breeding and showing under her belt. Kassie on the other hand, does have many years of showing under her belt, but this being her first year working her own breeding program, and working with the Himi Variety. And lets not forget, Kassie is a YOUTH member! So when the second show comes up, and Kassie runs her rabbits up to the table she is excited to HEAR what the judge has to say about her Himi's compared to the other exhibitor's. She listens carefully so she knows what to look for, and how she can improve. Because after all her goal will be to beat this person on the table next time! For the Junior Doe class, there were only two entered. One belonging to Kassie and the other to this adult exhibitor. To Kassie's surprise, her Junior doe took first and the other doe belonging to the adult exhibitor takes second. This adult exhibitor was standing there watching....perhaps not close enough to hear the comments, comes over to take her rabbit off the table. She asks the table writer "Did the judge even look at this rabbit?" The table writer also showing signs of shock that she would ask such a question replied, "yes he did." The expression on my daughter's face was priceless as her jaw dropped to the floor. I must say, that you, the exhibitor, if you read this, you know who you are. Although you may not agree with the judge's decision, there is no need to be verbal about it. And especially in front of a Youth exhibitor. Sadly, my daughter, many years less experienced then you, showed more ediquette at the show then you. She did not act like a spoiled sport when her rabbits lost. Yes, clearly your animals are of better quality than hers at this time. But remember, she is just starting out. Also keep in mind that you paid for a judge's opinion on your animals. On that day, with that judge, his opinion was for what ever reason, Kassie's Jr. Doe was better than yours. Why? I couldnt tell you. Maybe it was quality of fur or color distribution. Something small waivered the judge's opinion in my daughter's favor. Why are you complaining when no legs where won for class. Lets not mention the fact that you won ALL the legs available for Variety! Your comment was not only rude, but disrespectful to the judge as well. How dare you inquire that the judge did not take his time to evaluate fairly your animal! You were standing there as he was judging. He took your animal out of the coop and looked it over, as he did my daughters. Perhaps if you were standing closer you could have heard the comments stated. We as adults, and more experienced breeders/exhibitors are the role models for our youth, afterall.....our youth members are our next generation of exhibitors.