All in the judge's eyes
Showmanship tips offered at Meat Goat Clinic

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

Jeff Ripley (left) outlined the details a meat goat judge will be looking for in the show ring. Ripley, who has judged many shows, presented the information, with help from 4-H'ers Kevin Cannon and Kristin Armstrong (right), during the Meat Goat Clinic in Denton County. -Staff photo by Cope

October 11, 2001 -- Champion showmen know the few minutes in the show ring are highly reflective of the hours spent outside the ring.

At the recent Meat Goat Clinic in Denton County, experts explained having a well-developed animal is a necessity to win a livestock show, yet a great performance before the judge's eyes is just as essential.

Jeff Ripley, currently the Extension agent for Travis County, has numerous years' experience gained while working in the San Angelo area - the state's premiere goat and sheep region.

The number one piece of advice given to the goat exhibitors is to "keep the goat between you and the judge. ... Each time that judge moves, you ease around to the other side so if he looks back he can see your goat," the seasoned goat handler said.

And each time the judge views the goat, it should be standing or walking in the most flattering manner.

"There are three views the judge will look at," Ripley said. "You should look good in each of them."

Ripley has served as a goat judge on state and national levels.

When the judge has the goats line up side-by-side, "he is looking at the rear view," Ripley said. In this stance, the goat should look "square and natural." If the goat relaxes too much there will be an unflattering break behind the shoulders.

When the goats are being walked around the ring, then stopped for a profile view, "the judge is looking for balance and style. ... Most decisions are made here," Ripley said.

Finally, the judge will view the goats from the front to check brisket and leg position.

These different views formulate an overall image of each goat. In each of these positions, the showman can enhance the goat's form.

Ripley pointed out that when the goat is being viewed from the front, the showman should "stand far enough to the side so the judge can see both shoulders. ... Hold the goat's head up. He will want to see extension here, and pulling the head up will make the brisket look tighter. Use your other hand to make the goat look right at the judge."

The agent pointed out one of his "pet peeves" is when showmen keep one hand behind their back. "In showing meat goats, it will not count against you to use your other hand."

Using both hands also comes in handy when the judge is handling the goat. "Move on in close; keep one hand on the (halter's) chain and one hand under the chin. Don't stand two or three feet away like a catfish on a trotline. Move in and control the goat."

Standing close to the goat often brings the situation of "bracing" the goat against the showman's leg.

Although bracing can make the goat lean forward and taunt their muscles, many judges will "tell you to back off," Ripley said. "But if everyone out there is bracing and you are not, your goat will feel soft."

The agent advised training the goat not to need bracing, "but at first you will have to pick them up a little (while holding their head) to show them how to set up."

Goats should also be trained to keep their head up. To do this, Ripley suggested tying the goat to the fence with its head in a raised position for 15 minutes a day.

Positioning, or setting up, the goat should be practiced at home. He advised the showmen to keep the goat in position for at least 10 minutes each time set up is practiced, "because at the big show the goat will have to stay set up for 30 minutes or longer."

A good set up position is where a straight line is formed from the tail to the shoulders, and the legs straight.

"And you want the goat to lean forward," Ripley said. This position makes the muscles more taunt.

The goat should be taught to get in position each time he stops walking. "And when he walks into the (show) ring, you want his head up like a cobra."

When practicing, Ripley advised the showmen not to "just lead them around in the pen. Then when you get out (of familiar surroundings), you'll have a difficult time getting them to go where they are not used to going."

About 128 people attended the clinic, sponsored by the Denton County Extension office, and hosted at Circle T Ranch in southern Denton County.