Showing Angora Goats is an opportunity to present your animals, your breeding program, and yourself in a professional and respectful manner. Proper preparation, handling, and ring etiquette help create a positive experience for exhibitors, judges, and spectators.
The Goat
Fleece Preparation
Angora Goats are shown “out of the field” without washing, brushing, combing, or otherwise changing the natural lock structure or grease content of the fleece.
Fleece should be free of burrs, sticks, and excessive vegetation. Because of the nature of Mohair locks, the density of the fleece, and the natural grease present in the fiber, washing or brushing can be frustrating and painful for the goat. It can also alter the natural state of the fleece and create a false representation of the animal.
Presenting your goat with as little vegetable matter as possible is to your advantage. Excessive vegetation detracts from the appearance of the fleece and can distract the judge from evaluating the goat and its fiber.
Lice and Parasite Control
Fleece should be free of lice. Lice can destroy a fleece, cause serious skin irritation, and jeopardize the health of the goat. They are also easily transmitted from goat to goat through contact and shared bedding.
Out of consideration for your own animals and fellow breeders, every effort should be made to bring goats that are free of lice. Judges will typically mark down animals showing evidence of lice.
Use de-lousing products carefully before a show. Judges will be handling the Mohair, and freshly applied pesticides may be dangerous to the touch. Make sure your goat does not present a risk to the judge during examination.
It is also important to select a de-lousing product that will not discolor the fleece. Oil-based products may stain the Mohair and can result in a lower fleece evaluation.
Fleece Condition and Length
Fleece should be in good condition and long enough for the judge to evaluate the character of the lock.
Goats should not be shown with fleece that is overgrown, felted, matted, excessively dirty, heavily stained, or contaminated with fecal matter. A clean fleece in good condition presents the goat at its best. Locks should be clean and separate naturally.
Fiber that is too short prevents the judge from seeing the fundamental qualities of the fleece. Fiber that is too long is more likely to show heavy soiling, matting, felting, or other deterioration.
Feet, Hooves, and Horns
Feet should be properly trimmed and clean. Goats with well-trimmed feet will stand more correctly and present a more accurate picture of their true conformation.
Clean hooves and horns add to the overall presentation of the goat.
Horns should be free of caked mud or Mohair. A light application of oil may be used to bring out the natural color and texture of the horn.
Faces and Travel Stress
Faces may be wiped clean with a damp cloth when necessary. It is helpful to carry a cloth with you for wiping runny eyes or noses.
Travel stress and trailer dust can irritate goats and may cause runny eyes, nasal discharge, or coughing that lasts for several days. Care should be taken to determine whether an animal is truly sick or simply showing signs of travel-related irritation.
Kids in the Show Ring
Kids should generally be at least 4 months old to safely endure the stress of travel and showing. They should also have a minimum of 3 inches of Mohair.
Kids should be healthy, vigorous, and capable of handling the demands of travel and the show environment. At least 3 inches of fleece is needed for proper evaluation because the birth coat contains a higher percentage of kemp, which is gradually replaced with true Mohair during the first few months of life.
Kids under one year of age should never be handled by the horns, as their horns can break easily.
Restraint and Handling
Recommended methods of restraint include:
- Holding the hair below the chin or jawline
- Using properly fitted show collars
- Using properly fitted halters
Goats should be handled as much as possible before the show. A goat that walks calmly into the ring will be more impressive than one that must be dragged.
A goat that stands correctly and without fear will present a more square and balanced conformation. A frightened goat that tucks its tail or hunches its hindquarters may appear less correct than it truly is.
The Handler
Handlers should present themselves and their goats in a neat, calm, professional manner.
Appearance and Identification
Dress simply and neatly. Your appearance should not take attention away from your goat.
Wear proper identification for each animal, such as an entry number or other identification required by the show venue.
Ring Etiquette
- Be courteous to fellow exhibitors and judges.
- Leave enough space between yourself and other exhibitors so the judge can move freely around the goats.
- Always face the judge, keeping the goat between yourself and the judge.
- Do not talk to other exhibitors or people at the ringside during the class.
- Keep your opinions to yourself during the show. The only opinion that matters on show day is the judge’s.
- Never criticize or speak negatively about judges or fellow exhibitors.
- Never attempt to influence a judge before a show.
Know Your Goat
Be prepared to answer questions about your goat. A judge may ask about:
- The goat’s age
- The last shearing date
- General health or management information
- Other details relevant to the class
Be prepared to steady your goat for the judge and expose the bite when asked.
Professional Conduct
Present yourself and your goats in a professional and caring manner. The show begins when goats are unloaded and continues until they are loaded for the trip home.
Be mindful of how you lead, lift, and handle your goats throughout the event. Buyers and visitors may form opinions about your farm and animals by observing how you care for them during the entire festival.
Even well-trained goats may be intimidated by unfamiliar surroundings. Patience and calm handling are important at all times.
The Judge(s)
Judges play an important role in maintaining fairness, consistency, and educational value during the show.
Judges should:
- Offer a fair and impartial opinion based on the animal presented on the day of the show.
- Use the recommended association scorecard as a guide.
- Ask the handler to open the goat’s mouth for bite assessment rather than placing fingers in each goat’s mouth.
- Share the reasons for the placements so exhibitors and spectators can learn from the evaluation.
- Evaluate animals consistently within each class.
- Place all animals in each class.
- Maintain a professional appearance throughout the show.
