Experienced showmen

Monday night of the fair was the open show for hogs. Nathan had the privilege of showing two pigs and Darren got to show one. I knew that Nathan would be an old pro at it, but I was a little nervous about Darren. It was only last summer that he wasn't quite so afraid of pigs. He is kind of skittish around big animals and still will not get too close to a calf (baby steer).

I did not see it happen, but somehow Darren fell down and looked like he was about to be trampled by several hogs. He was on the other end of the ring so I was pretty nervous that he would get up crying. The ring men and judge came over to help him up and he just kept on showing his pig like this kind of thing happened everyday. The spectators at that end of the ring even clapped for him when he got up like you would do for an athlete after they were injured on the field. When he was done showing that pig, he stated that he wanted to show another one. No one placed, but for the boys, showing pigs is all the enjoyment they need. For my Dad seeing the grand kids show pigs is an enjoyment, but I think he likes the satisfaction of having them place.

Then last evening Nathan competed in Pee-Wee showmanship. He was pretty decent at showing pigs when we walked them at the farm, so I thought that he would do pretty decent at showmanship. I reminded him before he went into the ring that the pig was supposed to stay between the judge and himself. He forgot so he kept walking in front of the pig, blocking the pig which is a big no-no in showmanship. The kids aren't judged on the shape/condition of the pig, but how well you control him. After the judge picked two winners in the class he called all the other kids to the middle and talked to them for a moment. Then as they walked out, they were handed a trophy. You should have seen Nathan's eyes light up! He was showing it to everyone he knew and even complete strangers. He was so excited to get the trophy. On the way home last night I told him that he had to write a thank you note to the Pork Producers because they were the ones that donated the trophy. That put a damper on his spirits, but he acted like it was well worth it. He even asked me if the other kids had to write thank you notes too.