shows with too many rules vs shows without any at all???

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shorthornlover44

New member
Joined
Dec 9, 2011
Messages
1
I was just wondering what everyone's opinion is on rules and shows.  I've experienced shows where the rule books are 5 inches thick, and it seems everyone is trying to get everyone else disqualified.  And other times, it seems that those inn charge of the shows have hidden agendas behind each of their rules.  They want to control the outcome, and when it doesn't happen, a new rule appears. 

I have 2 questions...

What are some rules that you think are rediculous, or needed?

How do you feel about shows that have no rules at all?  Are they better, or have you ever attended one at all?? 
 

DLD

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Joined
Apr 15, 2007
Messages
1,539
Location
sw Oklahoma
I think if you took the same set of exhibitors/cattle to two shows, one with a big book of rules and one without, back to back weekends and competent judges at both, you'd see pretty much the same results from top to bottom (not meaning exactly the same, just that the better cattle will stay in the top end, and vice versa).  Those that know how to win do so because they do their homework, and they know how to dot all the i's and cross all the t's.  Those that don't aren't really going to benefit either way.

I do agree that many times those in charge make rules that they believe will benefit themselves, but as often as not those rules end up turning around and biting them back.  As long as everything is kept safe and humane, the rest of the rules don't really matter all that much, IMO.
 

chiangus

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Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Messages
461
DLD said:
I think if you took the same set of exhibitors/cattle to two shows, one with a big book of rules and one without, back to back weekends and competent judges at both, you'd see pretty much the same results from top to bottom (not meaning exactly the same, just that the better cattle will stay in the top end, and vice versa).  Those that know how to win do so because they do their homework, and they know how to dot all the i's and cross all the t's.  Those that don't aren't really going to benefit either way.

I do agree that many times those in charge make rules that they believe will benefit themselves, but as often as not those rules end up turning around and biting them back.  As long as everything is kept safe and humane, the rest of the rules don't really matter all that much, IMO.

Yep, Safe and Humane.  I don't care if you put a wig on the steer, but I do have a problem with airring up the hide and pumping water down the throat.
 

MCC

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Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Messages
484
Location
LAMAR,CO
DLD said:
I think if you took the same set of exhibitors/cattle to two shows, one with a big book of rules and one without, back to back weekends and competent judges at both, you'd see pretty much the same results from top to bottom (not meaning exactly the same, just that the better cattle will stay in the top end, and vice versa).  Those that know how to win do so because they do their homework, and they know how to dot all the i's and cross all the t's.  Those that don't aren't really going to benefit either way.

I do agree that many times those in charge make rules that they believe will benefit themselves, but as often as not those rules end up turning around and biting them back.  As long as everything is kept safe and humane, the rest of the rules don't really matter all that much, IMO.

Well said DLD. We had a family that always dominated the lamb and pig show here at our county fair. The powers that be kept changing and adding rules to make it more difficult for them to win.  ;) They kept winning no matter what. They finally moved to Texas and had Champion lamb at Houston as well as many other shows. Bottom line is those who do the work ( at home ) to win will usually be right at the top no matter what.
 

twistedhshowstock

Well-known member
Joined
May 2, 2011
Messages
758
Location
Nacogdoches, TX
Very well said, changing the rules isnt going to give one family an advantage over another, because the advantage comes down to which animals have the work done with them at home.  Regardless if its the exhibitor doing the work, or the hired help, and there is no way to  control who does it at home.
Another thing you have to remember is a lot of rules are there because of firemarshalls, facilities capabilities(no fans a Houston, cordless clippers only at Houston, no generators, etc).  A lot of the pumping, etc rules came from complaints by groups like PETA, etc.  While I agree with pumping and airing being against rules(airing is torturous on animal, pumping isnt necessarily inhumane in all instances in my opinion, just very dangerous if your not a vet) some of the others are from misinformation.  PETA members have often protested shows over drenching, mainly not realizing that drenching and pumping are not same thing, and drenching can be necessary sometimes if your animal wont drink, not just to make them look good for the show, but to keep them properly hydrated.  Thats why most shows havent made drenching against the rules, they have just said you have to do it in the washrack where it wont be int he publics face.  Same with a lot of shows and them not letting you use any product, some misinformed group came in and complained that they left harmful residues on the meat, which is not true.  Especially if used properly and animals are washed after the show as they should be.  Thats why I and a lot of people around here have said, the most important thing that exhibitors can do is be proactive, dont wait for something to be against the rules to complain.  Go out and educate the public and people around you as to why you do things, if you are operating within the rules do everything openly and when someone asks a question, take the time to explain to them why you do what you do, how it benefits, and how it doesnt harm the animal!!!
 
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