Hailing from a farming background, Sharon Rothwell, Tinahely, Co Wicklow, has not only a wealth of experience preparing, handling, and presenting cattle in a show ring, but also knows the horse arena.

In recent years, she was invited to judge the young stockperson classes at a number of agricultural shows throughout the country. The Irish Farmers Journal asked Sharon to identify her top 10 showing tips and give us a taste of what she looks for as a judge from young members.

1. Dress to impress

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Have your white coat fitting you properly. Alter it now so that it looks less like a white sheet. Wear it with comfort. A tidy outline is everything in showing. Calf presentation will take a lesser role but a role nonetheless.

2. Show your calf – not yourself

It’s the biggest secret in the trade. At all times have your calf positioned correctly. So many children (and adults) waste time looking at the judge. Trust me, there’s no need. The judge is watching you, whether you think it or not. Keep your eyes on your calf while also knowing what’s going on around you. Your primary role is showing off the animal. You will not miss your placing call – the judge will wait for your eye.

3. Be prepared

As entertaining as some calf names have proved to be in the past, nowadays I take the names and what the animal eats as read and move on to test the stronger kids’ knowledge. Be prepared for off-the-cuff questions. Topics such as general anatomy, meat cuts, market values and breed characteristics are personal favourites of mine as a judge and they generally help me to find the all-round stock person. Also, know why you have an interest in showing cattle.

4. Fear factor

Don’t be afraid to fail. On any given day, there is only one winner and it is just one judge’s opinion. The next day could be your turn at the top. Don’t be afraid to quietly ask the judge afterwards what area you need to improve on. Practice the homework.

5. Shine for the judge

Shine when you enter the ring. It’s your time to do what you love. Enjoy it because it’s a lot of fun and keep it fun. The calf will sense if you’re relaxed and will walk much better for you. Forget about anybody outside the ring trying to help you. Concentrate in the ring. Be aware that you are also being marked on your ability to react to any mishaps that might happen and on how you regain the partnership with your calf. That’s stockmanship.

6. Outer space

Spatial awareness is vital. Give your calf the extra room to walk by keeping out to the ring edge. It’s a small thing, but by keeping your own space you will stand out from the crowd and be easily picked out by any judge.

7. Safety first

Make sure you are comfortable leading your animal. Take all the safety elements seriously. Practice a show situation by leading your animal around the yard or walking out the lane. The animal needs to get used to you just as you need to get used to it. Practice will take the stress away from the animal on show day and make your job easier and safer.

8. Talent spot

Watch others showing their cattle – this is the most obvious tip of all. Professionals will have short leads, be in complete control and have their own style of showing. Watch and you will learn. Go to clipping demonstrations and stock judging demos. Those giving the demonstrations are experts and are willing to teach you their skills. You will never stop learning. Train your eye.

9. Broom sticks

Show sticks have grown to become brooms in latter years. 80% of the time they are unnecessary evils that tend to over-complicate small hands and trip up small feet. If you don’t need it, don’t carry it – or at least have one that fits a little person. Keep a short lead, keep your arms down and your stick down, but hold the head up.

10. Amazing Grace

Above all, congratulate your fellow competitors on both sides of you – there’s no nicer sight for a judge. Receive your prize graciously, you will get your turn at the top (and bottom of the line). The people on either side of you will become companions for life.