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| Rabbit Show Runner | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 1 2013, 05:24 AM (270 Views) | |
| ZRabbits | Jul 1 2013, 05:24 AM Post #1 |
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Love My Lions!
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Want to know if it would be a good idea to volunteer to be a Runner? My way of thinking as I start to plan my "Show Hobby" is that not just getting to learn breeding show rabbits to as close to the SOP as possible, but also to learn what a Rabbit Show is all about. Kind of get the full picture? I am truly planning this time to go to the local show here in September. Been trying to get to this show each year for the past two years just to really see what showing rabbit is all about. Plus really looking forward to seeing a National show in October. I think that the next step is to volunteer as runner after experiencing these shows. Many positives in doing this. First you show your interest in showing rabbits. Plus, you can learn lots from listening to the judges. Does seem like a benefit doesn't it? How did you start your "show hobby"? Would love to hear how others started? I think it would help others thinking this hobby would be something they would like to get hooked on? |
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| NeuBunny | Jul 1 2013, 10:27 AM Post #2 |
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Genetics Geek!
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Definitely volunteer. Shows always are short writers (volunteers who write down the judges' comments). It isn't terribly hard -- my older daughter has done it for local shows several times. And it is fairly easy for the organizers to place you with writing for breeds that won't conflict with showing your own. Do experience a few shows before volunteering - you will be a better volunteer once you've gotten to know the ropes a little. But do bring your favorite bunny to that first show -- its actually easier to get to know what is going on if you have a rabbit entered. Do you have a friend you can go to the show with? Much more fun to have someone to hang with during all the downtime. My start -- my older daughter's best friend (and her family) raise meat rabbits and do 4H. Jillian begged to have bunnies like Sam. Then Sam asked if she could give Jillian a bunny for her birthday. We bought her a hutch for her gift, and Sam gave her a satin. She started riding along with Sam to 4H meetings - and I was impressed by how seriously she took it. Then we were given 2 more fixed rabbits by a teacher whose daughter was moving and couldn't keep them in her new apartment. Things just kept building. Before I knew it, Jillian was showing at ARBA shows and breeding her Jersey woolies. Broken Patch - our first French angora - was my younger daughter's choice for her first bunny. Angora not such a good choice for a 9 year old with attention deficit. But that's when I fell in love with that breed. MY first FA was a mother's day gift from my kids two years ago. |
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| fuzzypatch | Jul 1 2013, 01:09 PM Post #3 |
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Baby Gandalf ❤ R.I.P.
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If there isn't a writer for my breed when I'm at a show, I usually plop down and do it while my mom, or someone, puts my rabbits up. I'll sometimes stay there until someone wants to take over. At convention I'll help out with running rabbits. There aren'y any local shows that require a runner. My mom got lucky one year and picked up the card for our doe that became very cage aggressive. She didn't realize until she got to the cage. If it was another runner, they may have not even bothered to get her (she lunges, and boxes). I help out when I can, even if it's just putting someone else's rabbit away/on the table for them. I've even gone to grab a fellow breeders rabbits for her when she's busy (she's usually the superintendent), and put them up for her. But, there's only a few people I would do that for. Mainly because I don't want to get yelled at. I just really like the Wooly group down here, and I'm pretty sure we're all willing to help each other out. We're competitive, but we help each other. I started back in middle school, showing the chapter rabbit (FFA), and did that for a bit until I really got into Jersey Woolies my senior year of HS. Every once in a while I'll take a year or two off (now I'm taking a break) when things get stressful. I have a friend who goes when she can, my husband likes to go, but parents are always there. I've only been to a small handful without them, even at 22. They really enjoy going. I recommend going to a few shows first, and paying attention. Just to get a feel for things, and see how it's done. Especially if you volunteer for other breeds, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Rabbit people like to talk, and usually have no problem explaining things. Don't be afraid to hang around the show table even if you have nothing to show for the breed. Just try not to get in the way of breeders putting rabbits up. |
![]() -::- Kristina -::- Jersey Woolies in Florida -::- Website -::- Facebook -::- Blog -::- The Hoppin' Circle -::- | |
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| sidd-says-gimme | Jul 1 2013, 02:33 PM Post #4 |
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sidd says stay gold
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Volunteering is a great way to learn! Also talk with breeders that don't seem to be overly busy. If they raise a breed that you have/are interested in, many would be willing to chat with you about them. You may find out some good tips... or make a new friend! I started when a classmate was talking about abusing her bunny (yes, in the middle of class... several times). I eventually got the nerve to ask her if I could have it. Long story short, he's now over 6 years old and a very happy little bunny! His name is Sidd. After falling in love with him, I became interested in what breed (or mix of) that he may be. I came across Hollands and immediately knew I had to find one somewhere. One thing lead to another and I have been breeding them for a few years now.
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| ZRabbits | Jul 2 2013, 06:35 AM Post #5 |
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Love My Lions!
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Thank you all so much for sharing your start in rabbit showing. And all your words of encouragement. My thoughts are that I do plan to bring one or two of my kits to the local show. Go through the experience of actually showing. I have opinions of these two kits and would like a judge or even an LH breeder to comment on these two. See if what I see is close to what an experienced LH Breeder or Judge sees. Faults and all. In October, I plan just to enjoy the experience of a National. My husband will be with me at both. He's even interested in seeing what it's all about. He's like my silent partner in this show adventure. After the Nationals, my plan is to try to get to as many local shows as possible. Plan to reach out to the NALRC and more involved in the LH Club. I think being part of a Breed Club can really help your breeding program, plus hopefully grow friendships out of it. Breeding is put on hold. I have excellent pet stock but just not up to par for show. My goals are kind of changing and my interest in coloring has changed. I'm leaning more on focusing on Silver Marten Lionheads. Why? My first pet rabbit, who basically taught me the most, is a Sable Marten, who has turned to basically Silver. Hopefully in October, the LH will become official and Martens get to be presented in 2014. I have lots of time now to learn all the other aspects of showing and when I'm ready, and a little notice to the husband, I will purchase and start my Silver Marten LH program. Again, thanks so much to all of you for your shared experience and encouragement. I'm really excited to start this new adventure. Edited by ZRabbits, Jul 2 2013, 06:36 AM.
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| whoalookitsme | Jul 2 2013, 11:56 PM Post #6 |
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Hopelessly Addicted to the Fuzz
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Hey Karen! You probably remember but I got started in FFA in high school showing a meat pen in my local ISD show. From there I purchased my first pair of tans at a small show in Kansas. The way I really learned my breed was by taking comments and really watching/listening to what the judges had to say. Luckily I have some great judges that know me and have watched me grow with my tans and they have really been able to give me those crucial side comments after the tans finished judging. If I had a question about if I was headed in the right direction or if I needed to compare siblings I would always wait after judging and keep my rabbits on the table to get more insight. Judges normally dont mind at all especially if its a breed they really like and are passionate about. Im so happy you get to chose your color and breed I wish you good luck and I hope I can see you at a show one day! What national show are you going to?
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Raising Show Quality Tans, Polish, and Himalayans in Houston, Texas Owen's bunnies | |
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| ZRabbits | Jul 3 2013, 05:08 AM Post #7 |
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Love My Lions!
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Hey back, Yes I definitely remember your start. Actually it was you that basically encouraged me by how you talked about showing your Tans! Absolutely love your Tans! And I hear a venture into Blue-eyed Polish? Yes I do still read RO! Always loved the Blogs. My plans are to do exactly what you suggest. Watching/listening to the judges, volunteering to run rabbits (of all breeds) and taking comments (of all breeds). I already received some good advise from the judges who write some really good informative articles in the NALRC club publication. And totally agree with you regarding Judges not minding hellping and pointing those who love the breed in the right direction. I guess a few judges can give those who really love what they do a bad name. But that happens everywhere. I just find out for myself who's who. If you pre-judge someone, you might miss out on a lot of knowledge. I guess I'm just an Odd Duck, lol. But it works for me. I plan to go to the 90th ARBA Convention and Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg PA in October. My husband and I will be going on Saturday. Just one day this time. I am really excited to see all the breeds, not just Lionheads. In September, there is a Local Show in Mullica Hill, NJ. I'm planning on taking one of my Chocolate Tort Lionheads and going through the process of showing. Thanks so much for your encouragement. Know you never actually pushed about show, but just the way you talk about your Tans and your Mom's Polish just stayed with me. And I've finally made the decision to just do it. I'm excited about the color and breed I chose to move forward with showing. Really hoping one day to meet you and your Mom at a Show. So I can personally thank you and have fun cheering our rabbits on! And just having fun. |
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| majorv | Jul 3 2013, 05:59 PM Post #8 |
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New to the Addiction
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HAHA Yes I am certainly going to try and venture into the BEWS Im so happy that you are going to pursue showing! Thank you so much for the compliments ![]() I might be flying up for the PA convention I havent decided yet but I figured it would be good to go to chat with people and go to my tan club meeting. I think Wendy said she will definitely be bringing some frenchies so I must go visit those! lol I will have to let you know so we can meet! I will be having some bunnies transported but they are all presold so nothing to show. If I go it will be for Sat and Sun. Haha my bad Im on my moms laptop
Edited by majorv, Jul 3 2013, 05:59 PM.
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| ZRabbits | Jul 4 2013, 06:27 AM Post #9 |
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Love My Lions!
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So thrilled about how well you are doing with your Tans! Oh well, about nothing to show because of others buying your Tans to help with their show and breeding programs. Good for you! Would love to meet up with you. We picked Saturday because it's actually the best day for us right now. Sunday is "Bunny Clean Up" Day. My husband and I break all the crates down and do a thorough cleaning each Sunday. Plus work on Monday. I hope to run into Wendy there. I will be able to finally see her frenchies in person. I remember when Wendy first started so I can't wait to see how far she has gotten with her Show Frenchies. BTW, didn't I read her daughter got one of your Tans? Lucky her, lol. Still love to have one but right now have my LH's to work on, plus I have a Big Flemish that I love watching run in the bunny secured backyard. He's such a hoot to watch. Will look forward to hearing about your venture into the BEW's. Love the Polish. Kreacher, though not pure, has been a great representative of the breed. At 2 years old, he's just such a snuggler. Started out with an attitude (I think more because of my lack of experience) but he's just a mellow guy now. Edited by ZRabbits, Jul 4 2013, 06:27 AM.
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| HRoberts | Jul 7 2013, 01:01 AM Post #10 |
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POWITH!!
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I volunteered at many shows before I ever started showing. My friend shows poultry with me and she also showed rabbits. I started going with shows with her and well at shows you kind of "hurry up and wait". I passed the time writing for judges learned so much am so happy I did that. I could never really understand what bad vs good traits were on the different breeds before I started clerking some judges will really talk to you and the breeders about what they're seeing others are faster. Both are fun gotta enjoy it all!
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| ZRabbits | Jul 7 2013, 06:10 AM Post #11 |
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Love My Lions!
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Thanks HRoberts for putting in your experience in showing, whether rabbits or poultry. I think it will really help me grasp what "showing" is all about by volunteering. Hopefully I can proficient enough on "clerking" for the judges. I think that will be an excellent way for me to learn. And about many breeds at that too. Plus I think volunteering shows the Veteran Showers and Judges that you are really 100% committed. You can read all you want to, but experience is still the best teacher. |
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I wish you good luck and I hope I can see you at a show one day! What national show are you going to?


3:52 AM Jul 11