Girl Loves Showing

Our middle child Raychel, the girl loves showing.  She loves being in the showring.  She loves her show heifers. She loves the hard work and time she has to dedicate to it.  (Well maybe that last part isn't so true.)  Showing livestock is hard work and you have to be dedicated unless you want to look like an amateur in the showring.

But one thing is true, animals have a mind of their own and no matter how hard you work and push them to be the best, they always get the last moo.  (I couldn't resist adding that in.)  As the old-timers have always said, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink."  In this case, a heifer!  And believe me, it is hard to get them to drink especially on show days.

We have had many show animals on this farm throughout the years.  God has always provided the show animals and the means to pay for it all.  "We used to have money but now we have show animals."  Whoever said that is true.  But the Lord has always provided.  He is Good.

My husband and I would have loved to see our children win every time they entered the showring and of course leave the ring with the blue ribbon.  But over the years we have found--winning isn't everything.  It's the satisfaction of knowing we did our best and that we gave it our all.  We have tried to instill those values into our children throughout their life, but Raychel doesn't like to lose. She likes to win.  After all, the girl loves showing!

If you're not familiar with showing.  There is a lot of rinsing, washing, combing, blowing, and walking.  Did I mention there is a lot of rinsing, washing, combing, blowing, and walking?  (Rinse and Repeat doesn't always apply to brushing your teeth.)

Calves are tied up like this to teach them manners.

Yes, even heifers need to learn their manners.

A day in a show heifers life.  A lot of hours on the fence.

A lot of hours in the show chute--combing and blowing.
Did you know they make hair dryers for cows?  It will blow your wig off if you're not careful!

No matter how many hours are spent grooming and preparing an animal for the showring, one thing is certain, seeing them shine in the showring is worth it all.

Here are some shining moments.

Raychel with Charlotte and Minny.  Yes, heifers have names too.

Sisters and best friends hold your heifer while you make a run to the bathroom.

Daddy Dusty giving his pep talk.
Raychel wasn't too happy in this picture.
Would you be happy if your brother's heifer just beat yours?  That's what I thought.

More shining moments in the ring.

If you're a show mom like me, you probably have a thousand show pictures of your children hanging on the walls of your home, and in your photo albums!  I have 13,248.34 pictures to be exact.  How many do you have?

As Raychel graduates from high school this May '16, we will say goodbye to the show life as we once knew it.  Pictures will remain on the wall, ribbons and plaques will be tucked away, and the days when "Girl Loves Showing" will soon become memories and stories to be told.

My heart is breaking as we speak. Can you bring me a tissue please?

Happy showing.....
Lisa--Rural America Girl

Resources just for you.

If you are interested in improving your life and investing in yourself.  
Sign up for a FREE Life Strategy Session and let me help you. 

Want to learn how to sparkle in all areas of your life, learn invaluable etiquette, life, and social skills?  Take one of my Online Courses. 

Is there a young lady or group of ladies you would like to help gain more confidence, improve self-image, and learn valuable skills to help them be successful in life? Learn more about my Books.

If you haven't already, download my FREE eBook.  

Are you a country girl like me and love the country way of life?  
Check out my sister site Rural America Girl.