Lessons: Shows

Let's talk about getting ready for a day of show entry show. I don't have advice on pre-entry shows.

Best place to start is the ARBA website. You can find a list of shows under the Member Resources tab, under Shows, under Find a Show. This page is new to me (all of us), so I don't quite know how to use it. You're supposed to be able to search by state.

Some of these shows have fliers or catalogs you can download. Those fliers have all the information you need to know! Date, location, sanctioned breeds, price per entry, judge list, cage dealer, etc. Some of those shows don't have an available catalog. You can email the secretary with the provided email ... or hop on Facebook and find it. The reason I still use Facebook is to find shows and sell rabbits.

The first picture is a screenshot of the ARBA website. The second is of a flier of the show I'm attending today! You can see what I'm talking about in those screenshots.

The next step is then preparing for a show. Don't forget your rabbit(s)! I find it helpful to make a list of whom I'm bringing with tattoos and classes written out. I'll explain classes later. I also like to bring my rug-topped carrying case, which holds my binder and pedigrees, check book (I have one specifically for rabbit shows because I've left it behind too many times), pen, grooming equipment, nail clippers, tattoo equipment, and every remark card I've never thrown out. A dolly or cart is EXTREMELY helpful. Chairs if your show allows them. If I remember, I also like to bring coop cups and a gallon jug to water my rabbits at a show.

All of this fits into my ittle car every time. See picture three.

I personally like to pack up the night before if it's not hot out, and drive to the show the morning of. I've left at two in the morning a few times to make it to the show by seven. Showing up early is BEST!

When you get to the show, pick your spot out and unload. Then find the secretary's table. Here is where you pick up your entry form, comment cards if the show uses them, and where you will pay for your entries. Usually, the secretary's table is pretty easy to find. This show loves to decorate!

I find it easiest to fill out the entry form first, as shown in picture five. Mark which shows you'll be entering: A, B, C, or D when applicable. Mark whether you're open or youth. Personal information, most of which I have blacked out on here (sorry, not sorry - I have WAY too many crazies and ARAs to worry about). Always include an email, even if there's no place for one!

Next, you list your show entries. I've gotten very lazy over the years and shorthand my entries like this. Today, I'm just showing one breed. The form will ask for a breed. Write it out. Do not abbreviate. The form will ask for variety. This is what color or group your rabbit falls until. With Mini Lop, we have two varieties: solid and broken. Many breeds show under individual varieties: black, otter, tort, etc. Some show under colored or white. You might have to ask another breeder if you're confused. The form will also ask for your rabbit's class. This is junior (under 6 months), intermediate (6-8 months in a six class breed), or senior (over 6 months in a four class breed or over 8 months in a six class breed), and then buck or doe. Most forms aren't as nice as this one.

Then it's time to work on the comment cards! I fill out the bare minimum. Ear number, show (there is not a place for this!), your name, breed, variety (as written on the entry form), and class. You need one comment card per rabbit per show. Picture six is one of mine filled out.

Turn in your paperwork, pay for your entries.

Then you can use the time to browse, groom, socialize, or play on your phone. Picture seven shows Zum Teufel all prettied up and ready. Picture eight is kicking back to relax!

ALWAYS ask questions if you're confused. Rabbit people are pretty friendly. We like to help.

When I have help at a show, I'll maybe write about further show processes and etiquette.