Winnie, Annabelle and I went to the National Western Stock Show last week. It was a great experience for both of us, and Annabelle, too! We arrived Wednesday evening, and sat in a sea of trailers for 2 hours before we were able to pull up to the barn and unload. Annabelle was tied to a fence in a huge barn with hundreds of other cattle. We had an assigned stall space where she was, and then put our accessories across the aisle. On Thursday we worked on figuring out the show schedule for the next day, had Annabelle weigh in(at 790#), and bathed her. In the afternoon we had some time to wander around, watch part of the junior market beef show, check out the huge hall of vendors, and see a bunch of other animals. Friday was the big day, so we fed Annabelle early, and then worked on bathing and grooming her. We were amazed at what went on behind the scenes getting ready for a cattle show! Some of our stall neighbors had grooming crews show up a couple hours early, and the trimming, spraying, and primping began. When the cattle were ready, they looked like teddy bears! Their hair was brushed up instead of down, and all sprayed to stay that way. Winnie was in a large group that had been broken down into 13 classes, and she was in class 10 with 14 other animals. She and Annabelle were both nervous, put had a chance to socialize with some of the stock show visitors before they went in the show ring(photo). In the show ring, Winnie was the youngest handler, and received some help from one of the ring stewards. Annabelle was a little excited, and the extra hands were good. Winnie learned first hand what to do in the show ring, and although they didn't place, it was a great learning experience. As soon as the show was over, she was asking if we could come again next year. I think we might try a Pinzgauer show next, but who knows, we may be back again!
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