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Practice Schedule for Beginner Swine Exhibitors
Most market classes are fairly short, but don't forget you might have to come back in for champions...and then a full round of showmanship too. And yes, usually all in one day. It adds up - so print out this weekly practice guide and get moving!
You've got to get in shape and so does your project, here is a quick schedule for how much you should be working with your project and some Do's and Don'ts to keep you on target. If you expect your animal to walk around in a hot ring with you for 30 minutes or more you'll need to prepare them.
Don't forget to:
- Feed and water your project before practice.
- Have the right tools handy for practice (cane, boards, brushes)
- Practice with friends! You're not going to be in the show ring alone so get some friends out to practice too!
Week 1 - 2 days - 15 min each day
Do: Start simple with just walking around; you'll need to be able to walk your pig at a slow steady pace. Use your cane and begin to teach your hog to turn.
Don't: Knee your pig or use the cane on anywhere but the jowl.
Week 2 - 2 days - 15 min each day
Do: Work on turning your pig and pay attention to your slow and steady pace while you go in half circles 10-20 ft. away from the judge.
Don't: Rest your hand on your pig's back.
Week 3 - 2 days - 20 min each day
Do: Walk at your hogs back flank and keep control of your hog's direction at all times - your project should be in front of the judge and between you and the judge.
Don't: Take your eye off of your practice judge (Use your peripheral vision to see where you are going)
Week 4 - 2 days - 20 min each day
Do: Start to use a side-pen to practice pening your hog - you'll need to drive it over to a pen near your practice area, open the gate, get your pig in the pen, and then shut the gate. Don't forget to keep showing while you are in the side pen.
Don't: Leave the gate open while you get your pig, it is your job to make sure only your pig goes in the pen, and that no one comes out.
Week 5 - 3 days - 20-30 min each day
Do: Practice with a judge who moves around or even tries to come between you and your pig - make it fun.
Don't: Step over your pig ever! Or between another person and their pig if you can help it.
Week 6 - 3 days - 20-30 min each day
Do: Take your pig out of the practice arena or gated area (if you have control) and walk them around a new place. You'll need to be able to guide them in places they've never been that might not have gates.
Don't: Take your animal near any roads, dangerous areas or leave them in any places without your supervision - remember they will eat anything.
Week 7 - 3-4 days - 30-45 min each day
Do: Have competitive practice with a judge and other pigs around - it is very different when other pigs in the way. Also remember to always be courteous in the show ring.
Don't: Forget to have a board handy, with many pigs around there is bound to be a confrontation and you should be ready.
Week 8 - 3-4 days - 30-45 min each day
Do: Keep practicing even if it seems like the same old thing, but this week you'll need to study your questions for the show ring and get your pig used to that fancy show stick!
Don't: Stop practicing because you think you're pig has got it. They may have it now, but a week or more with no practice and you could be right back at the beginning.
For more detailed beginners instruction look at out Swine Project Beginners Show Guide
Show Ring Show tip: Try to get to the ring early and get a holding pen that is in the middle, hogs will sometimes go back to where they entered the arena and it will be easier for you to get them back in front of the judge if they are not in a corner.
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