I was raised in a barn while I raised my sheep, goats and cattle.
Growing up, I showed my sheep, goats and cattle at the county fair, state fair and even national shows. I’ve also had experience with showing pigs and horses.
Being a stock show kid has taught me several life lessons.
1. Animals can be stubborn
I've learned that animals and people can be stubborn and there will be times when you can't get along.
2. Each animal has a different personality
Animals are like people, they each have their own personality.
Sweet, goofy, playful, all business, smart, stubborn and the list goes on, but everyone is a bit different.
3. Some animals will like one person more than another
My goats will run after me when I start to walk away, but would rather run away from my parents.
4. It hurts to be stepped on by a hoof
It hurts more when the animal doesn't mean it and feels sorry.
5. It’s OK to let go so that you don’t get seriously hurt
Whether it's the halter to a wild animal, someone or something in your life, sometimes it's better to let go to avoid being seriously hurt.
6. Animals can be fussy eaters
The idea that a goat will eat everything is sadly false. Goats might nibble on things, but they're actually picky eaters!
(I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't like Brussel sprouts!)
7. Being a stock show kid is expensive
Equipment, clothing, trailers, entry fees and feed bills add up quickly.
8. It’s important to have the right show equipment
You wouldn't go to Chef Gordan Ramsay with a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese and expect him to let you stay in the kitchen, would you?
Don't show up to a show with the wrong equipment, you could get more than your feelings hurt.
9. You will forget something important at home
Animals, halters, soap, a hose, towels, the blow dryer, clippers, conditioning spray, sheen spray, feed, buckets, show clothes, wash clothes and so much more.
How is anyone supposed to remember everything?!?
10. People cheat or bend the rules
I'm glad that I learned this lesson as a stock show kid, but it still hurts when anyone doesn't follow the rules.
11. It hurts to say goodbye
Whether you're saying goodbye to an animal or to being a stock show kid, it hurts.
12. People look up to you
Even if you're not the best showman or you don't have the best animals, people are watching you.
13. Don’t give up, even when it gets rough
Those people looking up to you from number 12? They're going to admire you even more for never giving up.
14. Being raised in a barn is one of the best things
You learn life lessons like respect, responsibility and honesty.
You also learn to close the door or gate behind yourself so the animals don't get out.
15. Dreams don’t work unless you do
You only get out what you put in. You don't want to work with your animal? Then don't expect it to work with you.
16. Good things take time
It may seem like the judge is taking forever to make up their mind when you're standing in the show arena, especially when you're in the last place.
I've had a judge pull me from the last place to first simply because I never gave up.
17. Strive for progress, not perfection
I personally believe that there is no such thing as perfection.
You will always find some way to improve.
