Showing livestock of any species is an exciting pastime that builds work ethic and responsibility while creating a lifelong network of friendships. Each animal that you encounter will teach you a lesson in loyalty and patience. At Sure Champ®, we want your experiences to be positive as you prep to win in the ring and in life. That’s why we have created educational blogs with some foundational advice.
Showing pigs is slightly different than most other species since you don’t have a halter or chain to help control them. However, that is also part of the fun and challenge! That is why the Sure Champ team has compiled some of our favorite tips on how to show pigs.
How to Show Pigs
If you want to know more about feeding, skin and hair care or other aspects of showing pigs, check out our Sure Champ blogs. We want to get down to the nitty-gritty on how to show pigs so you can be successful in the ring.
Breaking your Pig to Drive
One of the more challenging tasks of a new show pig project is breaking your pig to properly drive – show terminology for walking with its head up. However, our experts concur that this task is easier the younger the pigs are when you start working with them.
Although we always encourage young people to do their own work, there is one time it is best for parents or experienced siblings to step up to the plate. Parents, please be there for the first few weeks of breaking a young show pig and actually take charge of this particular task. This helps the pig get into good habits and prevents both the pig and the showman from becoming frustrated and wanting to throw in the whip.
5 Steps to Learn How to Show Pigs.
1. Start Early
You want your project to be completely comfortable around you or any judges by the time you show. Pigs are smart but stubborn—it’s best to start early. While it is important to start early, make sure your pigs are tame and used to people. That is why it is so essential for your exhibitors to work with them in their pens first.
Some young people will simply sit with their pigs and brush them. Others will stand in the pens and talk to them while introducing them to the whip.
2. Don’t Let Them Run
Try to avoid letting them run from their pens when you are getting them out. Running from their pens into an open area creates a bad habit that can carry over into the show ring. One of the best ways to prevent your pig from running—and a good rule of thumb in the early breaking stages—is to use two whips. Using a whip on each side of the pig’s face is a good way to teach control and teach the pig to keep its head up.
3. Use a Good Whip
When initially breaking your pigs, we recommend using a sturdier whip. There are about as many types of whips as there are breeds of pigs. However, starting with a shorter, firmer whip gives you more control over your pig. Once your pig is broken to drive, you can transition to a different whip that better suits your style.
4. Whip Placement is Key
Where you tap your pig is important in teaching it to drive and ensuring it has good habits for the rest of its show career. Tap your pig under its chin to keep it going with its head up. Keeping its head up is key to a good presentation.
Also, tap it on its side to get it going – never on its butt, as that can cause it to hump up, which is not suitable for presentation.
Tapping your pig on top of its head will teach it to lower its head to the ground. The last thing you want is a show pig with its head down. Whip placement is key, and it is important when practicing walking your pig at home like you would at any show you want to win.
If you want the pig to turn left, tap it on the right side of its head. If you want it to turn right, tap it on the left side.
5. Start Small and Build Up
Start walking your pig in a small, enclosed pen so it gets used to driving with the whip. Once it is broke, move to a larger area so it gets used to walking in bigger and more open area, similar to a fairgrounds.
The same principle applies to the amount of time you work with each pig. Work each pig for up to 5 minutes the first week, focusing on getting it to drive with the whip and keeping its head up. Add another 5 minutes each week so that your pig and your exhibitor each build stamina and can ultimately walk for 30 minutes without getting tired. Depending on the size and caliber of your show or the decision-making skills of the judge, your pig might be required to drive for a longer time. You will want the pig and the exhibitor to have the stamina built up to drive for a long period, which is why you practice this at home.
The Finishing Touches
Once your pig is broke to drive, can leave its pen without running and is comfortable walking for long periods with its head up, you’re ready to show! There are a few more details that you need to remember when you are actually showing pigs.
- Always keep your pig between you and the judge.
- Be sure to have a brush in your pocket when entering the show ring.
- Keep an eye on the judge so you can prepare to weigh or pen. The judge may also indicate they want you to take your pig a different way. ALWAYS follow the judge’s directions, always.
- Dress to win. A dark blue pair of jeans with no rips or tears should be worn with a nice, tucked in shirt. Wear a belt. Girls should have longer hair pulled back, so it is not a distraction.
Sure Champ Can Help Your Pigs
Sure Champ is a line of products that supports the health and well-being of show livestock. This product line is powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Sure Champ products help keep your animal healthy and performing by enhancing their digestive system. Since we know that 70% of the immune response occurs in the gut, if your animal’s digestive system is healthy, the rest of it will also be healthy.
Here are a few Sure Champ supplements we recommend for to keep your show pigs performing:
Sure Champ® Extreme with ClariFly®
Sure Champ Extreme with ClariFly is a pelleted, daily supplement with ClariFly designed to support hoof health, hair coat, and performance when temperatures exceed 70 degrees. Designed for all species, it contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system. It also contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic, as well as ClariFly to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.
Sure Champ® Liquid Boost®
Sure Champ Liquid Boost is a liquid for all livestock designed to provide immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune systems. Formerly known as Vita Charge Liquid Boost, it contains both Amaferm and MOS, and it contains flavoring to help drive the intake of feed or water.
Sure Champ® Appetite Plus Gel
Sure Champ Appetite Plus Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to provide immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune systems. Formerly known as Vita Charge Gel, it contains both Amaferm and MOS and works fast to support appetite and hydration.
Sure Champ® Climate Control Gel
Sure Champ Climate Control Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to support digestive health and recovery when temperatures exceed 70 degrees. Formerly known as Vita Charge Climate Control, this gel contains Amaferm and HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils, to support animals when heat is a challenge. It promotes appetite and water intake.
Sure Champ® Clench Gel
Sure Champ Clench Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to support normal digestive function during occasional diarrhea/scours. Formerly known as Vita Charge Clench Gel, it includes Amaferm and MOS and contains electrolytes to support rehydration.
Sure Champ® Joint Juice
Sure Champ Joint Juice is a liquid product for livestock designed to support joint health utilizing patented technology. Joint Juice contains MHB3®, a patented high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. It lubricates joints and supports mobility and soundness.
Get Your Sure Champ Today!
Learning how to show pigs can be a challenge, but it is a fun one. Remember, no two pigs are the same. What works for one might not always work for another. We do know what works for all pigs is including Sure Champ products in their daily routines!
You can get your Sure Champ products by ordering online today.
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