How to Stand a Show Goat

Knowing how to stand a show goat is a necessary skill when exhibiting the animal at livestock competitions. Also called "setting up," this position displays the goat's body structure and temperament to the judges. If you train and practice standing your goat prior to the show, you will improve your chances at winning a blue ribbon and perhaps even receive "grand champion goat."

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Chain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Enter the ring leading your goat from the left-hand side with a chain or collar. However, if your goat is well trained, you may not need to use a chain. Some people can lead their goat with a hand under its chin and another hand behind the goat's ears. The judge may require you to take several circuits around the show ring to see how well the animal moves.

    • 2

      Stop when the announcer tells you to. Place the animal's four feet at the corners of the goat's body, squarely underneath its frame. The goat shouldn't be leaning to one side or have a leg cocked. All weight must be evenly distributed over the four feet.

    • 3

      Use your feet, hands or hand pressure to move the goat's feet into position. A larger person can use their hands to move the animal's legs into position. A smaller person uses their feet to nudge the goat's legs into the correct position. Others use a method of pressing backwards on the shoulder opposite of the foot you want to move.

    • 4

      Raise the goat's head high after the feet are set correctly. You can hold the head up with your left hand under the goat's jaw or use the chain. Make sure that the back and neck are in a straight line.

    • 5

      Keep an eye on the judge as he examines and touches your goat. You don't want to obstruct his view of the animal. Never move to the right side of the goat; if the judge is looking at its left side, move to the front of the goat.

    • 6

      Be prepared to restrain the goat if it doesn't stay set up. Either place your knees into the front of the goat's shoulder or hold the goat's front leg under the knee and raise the leg up toward you, essentially hobbling the animal. If you use this method, don't pick the goat up. Make sure three of the feet are still on the ground.