Showmanship question: Need a comb in your pocket for slick show?

[SlickTxMaine]

My son showed recently at our local progress show.  Our show is a slick show but this show was strickly showmanship, the animals were not judged.  The judge commented on my son being able to walk his steer into place and not having to move his feet with the show stick, and how he would like to see everyone do that.  He then commented on another exhibitor having a comb in their back pocket, stating that when you go to work, you have to have the proper tools.  He gave that exhibitor champion showman and my son reserve.  So, my question is- for our actual show next month - should my son have a comb in his back pocket even tho the steers are slicked?  He is determined to win showmanship this next go around. 

 

[RankeCattleCo]

If you're from Texas and the steer was slicked at the time, I would say yes.  If the other boy got the nod over your son, it must be a pretty big deal.

 

[twistedhshowstock]

Most people always have a comb in their pocket when they go in a showmanship class.  When I judge showmanship I will actually mess with the calves hair while talking to the kid just to see if they actually pull the comb out and use it like they are supposed to.  The slick thing has confounded people because they dont know what to do.  There is no need for a comb if the calf has no hair to comb.  In my opinion I think it is best to carry a hankerchief or the like in your pocket for the slick ones more like the Brahman and Beefmaster exhibitors do.  With a slick calf you arent really gonna move the hair, but if say your calf rubs against something and gets dirty you can use the rag to wipe em off.

 

[Bradenh]

i would use a bandana before a comb, thats what we carry at showmanship shows with americans

 

[simmyman67]

Nah just a handkerchief. There isn't any hair to comb.

 

[leanbeef]

I think it depends on where you are, and maybe more importantly, where the judge is from. I didn't win state showmanship my junior year in HS because I didn't comb my steer after the judge rubbed over his rib. He was slick, and rubbing him didn't change the way he looked at all. I had a comb in my pocket, but he didn't use me because I didn't use the comb. It didn't matter that the calf didn't have any hair. A judge who may not be used to a lot of slick shows may not think anything about the fact that the cattle don't have hair. Or he may not care. I've judged a few shows, and judges want to know that a kid on the halter is engaged and connected and paying attention. You want to know that kid understands what he's doing and why and that he or she cares. And sometimes it can be really hard to sort them out...you have to start being picky about little stupid things that don't really matter in the whole scheme of it all, but if it comes down to splitting hairs, that's what you have to do. In the end, if your son is competitive and doing what he needs to do to get the job done, that's what really matters. I know it feels important to win that class at the time, but he sounds like he's gonna make a good showman. I don't think it would hurt to carry a comb AND a handkerchief...Use the one that makes the most sense. If you need one at all. When I judge now, I look for the person I would ask to lead one of mine. I want somebody who is calm, collected and confident and who makes the calf look his best during the class.

 

[thunderdownunder]

I think it depends on where you are, and maybe more importantly, where the judge is from.  

Down here, it's considered bad etiquette if you have a comb in your pocket whilst showing. The animal should be right to go when you enter the ring and from there on in, sh^t happens. IMO, it's more about how you actually show/present the animal, to its best ability, while in the ring... a bit of mussed up hair doesn't change the animal.

Horses for courses.... but that's how we do it! ;D