Show Tips

Below you will find several tips to help you have a very good experience in the show ring. Keep in mind that showing a great lamb is not easy and requires a lot of hard work and effort, but the rewards are definitely worth it!

Tips to Finding the Right Lamb
Tips to preparing your lamb (feeding, handling, etc.)
Tips for in the Show Ring

Tips to finding the right lamb

If you don't produce your own lambs, it can be difficult to pick out the right one especially when the lambs are so young. However, if you know what to look for, you will have success.

	Purchase your lamb from a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be able to help you select a lamb that is perfect for you.

	It is also a good idea to make sure the lamb has been tested for Scrapie and Spider Lamb Syndrome, especially if you purchase a ewe lamb and plan on breeding her in the future. An NN/RR lamb is the best, however NN/QR is acceptable. Click here to read more about Scrapie and Spider Lamb Syndrome testing.

	Lamb weight and birthdate can be an important factor. Depending on the age of the showman, you need to get a lamb according to the size of the showman. The younger the showman, the smaller you want the lamb to be especially for showmanship classes, so that your showman will be able to handle the lamb properly. January (and earlier) born lambs are going to be the largest when it comes to show time.

	Definitely take your time when picking out your lamb. First, look at all the lambs and notice which ones are more eye appealing. Handle the lamb to check for firmness and muscling. You will want a lamb with a long, wide loin, a full, muscular leg, wide top, neat/clean chest, a wedge-like body pattern (the chest and shoulders are smaller than the rump) and tight skin.

	Observe the lamb standing and walking. You want a lamb to be sound on their feet and legs. You want the lamb to look appealing on its own and not having to be braced.

Tips to preparing your lamb (feeding, handling, etc.)

Once you find the right lamb for you, it's now time to raise him or her right! Here are some tips on how to prepare your lamb for the show.

	When you bring the lamb home you will want to separate your new lamb or lambs from the rest of your flock (if you have other sheep) for about 2 weeks. This gives you the opportunity to find our if your lamb has any communicable diseases such as fungus, foot rot or sore mouth. It's a good idea to give your lamb a dose of vitamin B-12 or B-Complex. You may also want to give the new lamb probiotics if he/she isn't eating well, which sometimes accompanies the stress of moving. Talk with the breeder and ask when the lamb was last wormed.

	Next you will definitely want to shear your lamb if he/she hasn't already been shorn. This will promote the growth of the lamb and also keep them from over-heating during warmer climates.

	Trim your lamb's hooves if needed. This will help prevent foot rot.

	Work with your lamb! Put a halter on him or her and lead him/her around. This will get the lamb used to having a halter on and teaches them to feel comfortable walking with you. Also begin teaching your lamb to brace (push against you). This is very important. If your lamb won't brace, you'll find it more difficult to be competitive. If your lamb is not already bracing, you can try backing the lamb into a wall (gently) to try to get the lamb to push against you. Just remember to reward your lamb by releasing as soon as they begin to push. Gradually increase the amount of time you hold your lamb in a braced position until he/she begins to brace naturally. To learn more about how to handle and brace your lamb, visit a local lamb show.

	Exercise your lamb consistently. Walk your lamb everyday with or without a halter (whichever is more feasible for you). This not only firms up your lamb's muscle, strength and stamina, but also gets them more comfortable with you. You might also want to build jumps to add to your lamb's exercise routine. The jump should be no higher than the lamb's chest. You can OVER-EXERCISE your lamb. You can talk with other showmen to find out a good routine.

	Make sure your lamb stays cool. Over-heating can potentially be fatal to your lamb so this is very important. Keep a fan on your lamb, especially during warmer months and you might even want to have a mister. A mister provides a light mist of water to keep your lambs cooled down. This will also help to prevent flies.

	Finding the right feeding regmine can be quite difficult and can also vary from lamb to lamb. However, decide your projected weight for the lamb and weigh your lamb on a regular basis to see how much he/she is gaining. Then adjust your feed accordingly. There are several good show feeds on the market, which provide your lamb with all the nutrients it will need during the show season.

Tips for in the Show Ring

If you have properly selected, fed and conditioned your lamb, the show ring should be a breeze. Here's some tips to help get you in the Winner's Circle!

	Always look at and face the judge. This is especially important in showmanship classes. You wouldn't want the judge to look at you and your lamb and you're off waving at Mom in the stands.

	Know as much about your lamb as possible. The judge could come over and speak to you about your lamb and you definitely wouldn't want to NOT be able to answer one of his or her questions. Make sure you at least know the lamb's name, weight, age and breed.

	Never stand between your lamb and the judge even when walking. If the judge is looking at the front of your lamb, you will want to stand to the side so that the judge has a clear view of your lamb's front, and the same goes for the other areas of the lamb.

	Make sure when the judge is looking at you and your lamb, that your lamb is properly setup. This means having your lamb bracing and his/her feet square.

We hope the above tips can help you to Show success! If you have any tips or if you had success using our tips, please click here to tell us about it. We'd love to hear from you!