I can recall our first rabbit show and how unprepared and nervous we felt. Our animals didn't place well but that didnt' matter as we were just getting used to everything. One judge even suggested petting out our nice doe. Had we listened to him, we wouldn't have the stock we have today. She went on to produce my favorite doe in our barn, who has consistently produced amazing show quality stock.
Judges aren't there to tell you what to do with your animals, they are merely comparing them with what is on the table and making comments. All too often I see breeders mention to take the animals to the show and let the judge critique them. That is nice advice, but I feel you also have to know what you like in that animal despite what the judge has to say.
For instance in our herd, I like the big beefy does. I love the mass when they pose up nice. At our last show my favorite doe was placed very low. They didn't care for her at all. I was unphased because I saw her value in our herd. She lost to another doe in our herd who took BOB. That doe is far more refined and from my experience may not produce quite as well. So now that several months have gone by I have pondered over letting go of the doe that placed so low. So I took her out to evaluate and I am instantly reminded of why I love her so much! Getting your hands on her makes all the difference. She is a solid tank at just under 4 pounds. I love the width of her shoulder and hq and feel she will be a huge asset to our goal.
Judges aren't there to tell you what to do with your animals, they are merely comparing them with what is on the table and making comments. All too often I see breeders mention to take the animals to the show and let the judge critique them. That is nice advice, but I feel you also have to know what you like in that animal despite what the judge has to say.
For instance in our herd, I like the big beefy does. I love the mass when they pose up nice. At our last show my favorite doe was placed very low. They didn't care for her at all. I was unphased because I saw her value in our herd. She lost to another doe in our herd who took BOB. That doe is far more refined and from my experience may not produce quite as well. So now that several months have gone by I have pondered over letting go of the doe that placed so low. So I took her out to evaluate and I am instantly reminded of why I love her so much! Getting your hands on her makes all the difference. She is a solid tank at just under 4 pounds. I love the width of her shoulder and hq and feel she will be a huge asset to our goal.
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