How to Show a Market Goat

Showing a market goat is often done by 4-H members or farmers. It's an opportunity to compete with others and show off a goat's best characteristics in front of judges. To make the showing a success, it's important to understand how the process works and what judges are looking for. It's also necessary to have your goat -- and yourself -- adequately prepared. Following a few steps should help most people with their goat showmanship.

Things You'll Need

  • Hoof trimmers
  • Soft brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your goat prior to the show so that it will be comfortable with you handling it. This means that you should spend plenty of time with your goat to gain its trust. You should work on gently leading your goat around by the collar. To have the best odds of success, you should begin this at least one month before a showing.

    • 2

      Determine what the individual rules are for the show you will be attending. Often, the rules will vary between showings, so it's important to fully understand what's expected of you and your goat. This can usually be done by contacting the venue for the event or its organizers..

    • 3

      Get your goat's hooves trimmed approximately one week before the showing. This should leave the animal's hooves an ideal length for the event.

    • 4

      Groom your goat by giving it a thorough brushing the day before the showing. Use a soft brush, and begin at the neck area. Then brush down the back and sides of your goat. Doing so should eliminate any dandruff and excess hair.

    • 5

      Dress yourself properly for the showing. This means wearing clean, unwrinkled clothing with your shirt tucked in. If you have a shirt with buttons, then it should be buttoned up. Dressing professionally is extremely important and could affect the outcome of your goat's showing.

    • 6

      Lead your goat by keeping its shoulders next to your legs when going in front of the judges. Be sure to keep your goat between you and the judges to give them a clear view. Try to keep your goat's head up, and have it walk in a straight line. It's also important to remain calm at all times, because if you're nervous, your goat is likely to pick up on your behavior and act nervously as well.