Well, the Beef Show at the Washakie County Fair started at 4:30. Four hours later… with an hour’s drive home… and the 90 degree heat… I was pooped! I came in, downloaded a ton of photos and videos, and passed out in the recliner! I woke up at 11:30 and staggered off to bed!
The grandkids participated in showmanship, (intermediate and junior), Angus spring yearling heifer, Angus market beef (various weight classes), and Bred and Fed (open to cattle who were born and raised in Washakie County).
There’s tons and tons of preparation…
Just before the show, when your ~1300 pound steer steps on your foot for the second time in three days… words from relatives don’t always help. Other concerned adults can step in and help rebuild confidence and calm you down. Thanks so much to E. for being there for Lorelei.
She limped through it all. The top of her foot was pretty purple. (To be continued)
Again and again, it was watch the judge…
Make sure the feet are placed correctly.
Try to lead a critter that outweighs you many times over… and do it to the expected standards.
Answer the judge’s questions as best you can.
Then, if that particular judge has a preference for your kind of cattle… you win, or place, or lose. I have to say, the Cousin Crew did mighty fine.
It’s all a lesson in hard work, perseverance, humility, pride, friendship, kindness, knowledge, empathy, empowerment, and graciousness. I saw all this and not just with my grandkids. How they handled themselves and their animals and how they treated others means much more to me than a piece of ribbon. I’m sure they’re more concerned with the ribbon part right now, but maybe someday as they mature, they’ll understand they can be learning so much more. I do hope they have fun and maybe win something in this tiniest of county fairs in the least populated state. In the grand scheme, it may not be much, though I will admit, when they sell these animals on Saturday, if they make any money, it will help many of these kids pay for college or trips or vehicles. That can impact lives greatly. I’d prefer the memories be related to lessons learned not profit earned, but that’s just me. I’m old!
For the record:
Quinlan: 2nd in his division for Black Angus market steer, 6th in his division for Bred and Fed.
Jaxon: 5th Int. Showmanship, 4th Black Angus Yearling Heifer, two 1sts with different Angus Market steers in different divisions ONE EARNING GRAND CHAMPION ANGUS STEER!, two 2nds with two steers in different divisions in Bred and Fed.
Lorelei: 6th in Jr. Showmanship, 2nd in Black Angus market steer in her division, 1st in Bred and Fed!
Lacee: 2nd in Black Angus yearling heifer, 4th in Black Angus market steer, her division, 5th in Bred and Fed.
Congratulations to each of the kids for their hard work, dedication, patience and care in raising their animals, and learning ALL there is to showing them for each ribbon. Yes, there IS more to competing than
winning a ribbon! Sounds like your grands are very good examples of
all those traits you listed.
Poor Lorelei. First in sticking in there!! Hope her foot feels better.
Carol, I agree with you about the lessons learned being more valuable (money’s nice too) but I AM old.
Congrats to ALL the kiddos!