This is a very untraditional blog. But a blog about my passion for animals, and how to choose one that is right for you to show!   Miss Montana Boots USA presents: Chanler's Seven “C’s” for Success   1. CORRECT SELECTION Select an animal not only with good conformation but with a personality that suits you.   2. CONSISTENCY There are no shortcuts to success. A consistent program with regular workouts will accomplish more than a last minute flurry of activity two weeks before the show.   3. CALENDAR Set calendar deadlines with ration changes, halter breaking, clipping and grooming, and practice shows. Maintain a regular daily schedule of feeding, handling, and grooming your animal. Two weeks before the fair is not the time to start training your show animal.   4. COMPENSATION Most show animals are not perfect so learn what your animal’s strengths and weaknesses are so as to successfully emphasize the positive and downplay faults. Also, if the show animal has a personality flaw that will make showing difficult, plan ahead and compensate for this in the show ring.   5. CONFIDENCE Show with confidence!   Good preparation will show allow you to have the “all important” smile on your face. Be thoroughly familiar with everything about your animal.  You should be able to answer any questions from the judge about rations, average daily gain, current weight, purchase weight, age, and breed of animal. Make sure you can identify the different parts of the animal. You can help "psych" yourself up by rehearsing the show in your mind with good and bad things that could happen and how you would handle them. Performing in a practice show with members of your club or family acting as a judge and announcer and ring steward is helpful.   6. CHARACTER Demonstrate proper ethics in the preparation before the show and during the show itself. Be courteous to all other exhibitors, parents and leaders. The livestock show is the culmination of the project year for many livestock participants and the community. Youth livestock exhibitors represent the livestock industry at fairs and shows to the public all across the nation. A little courtesy (as well as a lot of honesty and sportsmanship) goes a long way in relations with the public and in life.   7. Classy (with a can-do attitude) The proper attire for the show ring is a simple, yet important aspect that many exhibitors overlook. Things like Sperry shoes and flashy jewelry that have become very popular with boys and girls should be avoided in the show ring.  Keep it simple and clean! The appropriate attire is a pair of boots (I love my Montana Boots USA), starched jeans, a belt and a tucked in, solid color, long sleeve button-down collared shirt. For cattle and pig showers, use a show stick or whip that is the same color or close to the same color as your animal. This will help keep the focus on the animal and not be distracting to the judge. This is an important factor when you are presenting before the judge or for showmanship.  Have a positive attitude, your game face on and keep your chin up!     A little note from Chanler~    This time in your life is an extraordinary milestone! Enjoy being in the ring and the atmosphere of the show barns.  It’s great to have support from the other exhibitors and family. Your hard work and dedication to your animals will teach you life lessons you will always use. Get involved with your animal and the industry as much as possible and follow your heart and dreams! You’re creating memories and friends that you will have for a life time! Good luck with your animals and God Bless!