Bathing
Before you show, I highly recommend watching some shows. This shows what the judge is looking for, which helps you know what to do in the ring. Bathe your pig about an hour or so before your showtime. There is pig shampoo and a specific shampoo for ‘white’ or ‘pink’ pigs (http://www.tizwhizfeeds.com/ this is where I buy all supplies). There are bathing stalls in the barn, you have to bring your own washing things. Including a hose or showerhead of some sort, you’ll screw your hose on the water spout. To bathe, start with water, add shampoo on, and start scrubbing with your brush.
Before Entering the Ring
When finished, walk your pig back to its stall, you’ll get it back out less than a half-hour before the show. Between this time change into your show clothes, most judges prefer the ‘old school’ look. Which includes boot cut jeans, leather boots, a long sleeve flannel, and your hair out of your face. I usually tuck my shirt into my jeans and put my hair in some sort of braid. When you get a show number, pin it to your back. Take your pig out and walk it around the barn to loosen up its joints. Bring a spray bottle of water with you when walking to the holding pens. When your group/name is called walk your pig into the holding pen and spray it down. Brush off any shavings, dirt, or poop.
Entering the Ring
Once someone lets you out of the holding pen walk your pig into the ring. Hit your pig on its jowl (chin/neck area) with your whip or pipe, this makes its head stay up and moving where you direct. Most people prefer a whip, but some people use a hollow pipe, it’s up to you. Your stance should be a little crouched, and constantly make eye contact with the judge. Stay off the walls, away from crowds, and get close to the judge. Never get between the judge and your pig, stay on the side of your pig. You want to make sure the judge sees the front, both sides, and back of your pig.
Walking Your Pig
For the most part, your pig will want to walk/run around, so all you have to do is use your whip/pipe to direct it. Occasionally your pig will stop moving, you can use your whip/pipe to try to get it to move. If it doesn’t move, use your knee to slightly push it. You could also put your hand on its back and making a hissing noise. Remember, while showing the judge may ask you a question. Questions I’ve heard before are, ‘what is your favorite/least favorite thing about your pig?’ or ‘what would you change about your pig?’
Penning
The judge will start to pen, this might mean you’re receiving a ribbon. You’ll know by which pen your sent to, there are 10. Depending on the judge, if you are not penned you won’t receive a ribbon. Being penned could mean your one of the top 5 to get a ribbon. Each judge is different so pen 1 might be best or 10 could be the best. You won’t know unless you watch the judge earlier.
Ribbons
You’ll be brought out of the pen (if you were in one), if you were in the bottom 5, you will be let out of the ring. If let out, walk your pig to your stall and be done until your next show. If you were in the top 5, the judge will continue to judge. One by one they will pick a pig, the person showing the pig will be given a ribbon. The first one to receive a ribbon will be 5th place and so on until there are two left. The two left will be awarded Reserved Champion and Grande Champion. The judge will grab a microphone and tell their thoughts on the pigs. Once again, you will walk your pig to your stall and be done until your next show.
