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Entry Form
A blank downloadable (Microsoft Word, PDF version available) entry form, all you do is fill it in. Show Check List
A downloadable file (Microsoft Word, PDF version available) that has a list of items to remember to take to the show and a preparation list for prior to the show. |
Steps To Showing
Here are some steps and guidelines to entering in an ARBA sanctioned show, though most 4-H shows work the same way. These apply to all breeds. First and foremost figure out what show you are attending.
More information can be found on the Show Etiquette page.
More information can be found on the Show Etiquette page.
Entering the Show
Show catalogs or flyers are sent out usually within a month prior to the show. These will tell you where to entries in and all the information you need, including location, entry fees, judges, breeds sanctioned, show secretary/superintendent and much more including entry deadlines if it is a pre-entry show. Most shows send them out to members and exhibitors who have attended shows in the past but will send them out to anyone who requests them.
Select which rabbits you want to show. You want to show rabbits that are in show condition, meaning that they are not molting, they are in good flesh condition and good weight. Check Juniors and their weights to make sure they meet the minimum or maximum limits. Most breeds allow bump ups in age groups, so if the junior or intermediate is over the age limit you can bump them up to the next age class. However, if they don't meat their age classification, they cannot be bumped down. You don't want to send in entries too soon in case something happens, but don't want to wait to late. Most shows have late fees if you miss the deadline and or if you scratch an entry. Check for DQ's or major faults. Always check ear tattoo's. They need to be clear and eligible in the left ear. I don't recommend showing any that you know will be DQ'ed from show. If you wish to get opinions from the judge you can, but it doesn't need to be entered in the show.The majority of judges will look at rabbits for people on breaks. If you have a doe that is bred, I wouldn't show them if they are past fifteen or sixteen days of the pregnancy.
Sending in entries is easy. Show catalogs and/or flyers usually give guidelines as to what information is needed. However, most shows you need your full name, mailing address, email and if you are showing in open or youth. For each rabbit, the secretary needs it's breed, colour, age (JR/INT/SR), gender and colour. Also state, if it is a double or triple show, if you are entering in one or all the shows. Some clubs may want more information than that.
If you are emailing in your entries you should receive a confirmation reply. If you don't with in a few days, try emailing them again and asking for a confirmation.
Select which rabbits you want to show. You want to show rabbits that are in show condition, meaning that they are not molting, they are in good flesh condition and good weight. Check Juniors and their weights to make sure they meet the minimum or maximum limits. Most breeds allow bump ups in age groups, so if the junior or intermediate is over the age limit you can bump them up to the next age class. However, if they don't meat their age classification, they cannot be bumped down. You don't want to send in entries too soon in case something happens, but don't want to wait to late. Most shows have late fees if you miss the deadline and or if you scratch an entry. Check for DQ's or major faults. Always check ear tattoo's. They need to be clear and eligible in the left ear. I don't recommend showing any that you know will be DQ'ed from show. If you wish to get opinions from the judge you can, but it doesn't need to be entered in the show.The majority of judges will look at rabbits for people on breaks. If you have a doe that is bred, I wouldn't show them if they are past fifteen or sixteen days of the pregnancy.
Sending in entries is easy. Show catalogs and/or flyers usually give guidelines as to what information is needed. However, most shows you need your full name, mailing address, email and if you are showing in open or youth. For each rabbit, the secretary needs it's breed, colour, age (JR/INT/SR), gender and colour. Also state, if it is a double or triple show, if you are entering in one or all the shows. Some clubs may want more information than that.
If you are emailing in your entries you should receive a confirmation reply. If you don't with in a few days, try emailing them again and asking for a confirmation.
Going to the Show
Prepare a check list to keep on hand about everything you think you could need, use or want at a show. This is helpful to lessen the chance of forgetting something. Pack everything of time, even for local shows. This way all you have to to the day of the show is put the rabbits in the carriers, feed the ones that aren't going and head on out!
When you arrive set up and get checked in. Then just sit back and wait for the show to begin. Arriving early helps for you to be able to stay relaxed and enjoy the show instead of feeling rushed.
Always know the order of breeds being shown. It will help you to be able to take your rabbits to and from the table in a timely manner. Know the order of variety/group your breed is showing in. Some breeds show by group meaning broken's and solid, while others are shown by variety meaning all colours are shown separately; blacks, blues, chocolates, lilacs, castors, white, broken's, lynx, etc. They are all shown by themselves. Whether they are by group or variety, they are broken up between junior and senior, buck and doe. Utility/meat/6 class rabbits are shown with in intermediate buck and doe as well. The majority of shows will show the classes in alphabetical order.
Once your breed/class is called you bring your rabbits to the table and put them in the coop cages. Once all the rabbits in the class are on the table, the judging begins. The judge will take each rabbit out one at a time and check them over for DQ's. They put them back and go on to the next rabbit and does the same thing for all of them. Once all with DQ's are gone (if any) the judge poses each rabbit. Some judges may not remove the DQ's all at once. Some may do it as they reach them. You may notice them moving rabbits around as they go. That's normal it's just the judge placing them a little better. Some judges use a coin system. They place difference change/coins (some use poker chips) down in front of the coop cage to make mental note of placings. I personally like this way better because then the exhibitors don't know what the placings are until the judge says unlike when they judge places them as they go.. Each way works well though.
Never indicate ownership in anyway during judging. The judge will go through the rabbits and place them. Once he/she has them placed they announce the order from bottom to top. As they call out rabbits, those ones are taken from the judging table. The first place animal stays up though. The next class comes and the process starts again and again until all in the same group/variety have been seen and you should have four (or six for six class breeds) remaining, this will vary according to classes (if you have no junior bucks in a class then there will be no junior buck on the table). The group/variety winners are then picked. The Best and Best Opposite Group/Variety winners stay while the rest goes back to their carriers. The next group/variety is called up. This process goes until you have a BOG/BOSG or BOV/BOSV for each group/variety in the breed... Then the moment people are waiting for. The Best of Breed time! The judges do the exact same thing that they do for the group/variety judging just a little more intensely. Some judges will knock out varieties quickly if they know they can't beat other varieties/rabbits on the table to save time. They go through until they have the Best of Breed and Best Opp. Sex of Breed. Those winners are announced and then the rabbits are all taken off the table and a new breed is called. Judges usually say comments and reasons as they go through their placings.
Judges look for multiple things. Firstly for DQ's and to verify gender. Then they pose them according to the Standard and look for faults and how closely the animals in front of them is to it's breed standard. Always take rabbits to and from the judging table in a timely manner.
Comment or remark cards vary on the show. Locally, our club does not write them up. If the exhibitor would like comment cards, than he/she must write them themselves. Other clubs may write them for the exhibitor. Check prior to the day of the show (i.e. when sending in entries) whether or not they will do doing the cards. That way you can be prepared if they don't.
When you arrive set up and get checked in. Then just sit back and wait for the show to begin. Arriving early helps for you to be able to stay relaxed and enjoy the show instead of feeling rushed.
Always know the order of breeds being shown. It will help you to be able to take your rabbits to and from the table in a timely manner. Know the order of variety/group your breed is showing in. Some breeds show by group meaning broken's and solid, while others are shown by variety meaning all colours are shown separately; blacks, blues, chocolates, lilacs, castors, white, broken's, lynx, etc. They are all shown by themselves. Whether they are by group or variety, they are broken up between junior and senior, buck and doe. Utility/meat/6 class rabbits are shown with in intermediate buck and doe as well. The majority of shows will show the classes in alphabetical order.
Once your breed/class is called you bring your rabbits to the table and put them in the coop cages. Once all the rabbits in the class are on the table, the judging begins. The judge will take each rabbit out one at a time and check them over for DQ's. They put them back and go on to the next rabbit and does the same thing for all of them. Once all with DQ's are gone (if any) the judge poses each rabbit. Some judges may not remove the DQ's all at once. Some may do it as they reach them. You may notice them moving rabbits around as they go. That's normal it's just the judge placing them a little better. Some judges use a coin system. They place difference change/coins (some use poker chips) down in front of the coop cage to make mental note of placings. I personally like this way better because then the exhibitors don't know what the placings are until the judge says unlike when they judge places them as they go.. Each way works well though.
Never indicate ownership in anyway during judging. The judge will go through the rabbits and place them. Once he/she has them placed they announce the order from bottom to top. As they call out rabbits, those ones are taken from the judging table. The first place animal stays up though. The next class comes and the process starts again and again until all in the same group/variety have been seen and you should have four (or six for six class breeds) remaining, this will vary according to classes (if you have no junior bucks in a class then there will be no junior buck on the table). The group/variety winners are then picked. The Best and Best Opposite Group/Variety winners stay while the rest goes back to their carriers. The next group/variety is called up. This process goes until you have a BOG/BOSG or BOV/BOSV for each group/variety in the breed... Then the moment people are waiting for. The Best of Breed time! The judges do the exact same thing that they do for the group/variety judging just a little more intensely. Some judges will knock out varieties quickly if they know they can't beat other varieties/rabbits on the table to save time. They go through until they have the Best of Breed and Best Opp. Sex of Breed. Those winners are announced and then the rabbits are all taken off the table and a new breed is called. Judges usually say comments and reasons as they go through their placings.
Judges look for multiple things. Firstly for DQ's and to verify gender. Then they pose them according to the Standard and look for faults and how closely the animals in front of them is to it's breed standard. Always take rabbits to and from the judging table in a timely manner.
Comment or remark cards vary on the show. Locally, our club does not write them up. If the exhibitor would like comment cards, than he/she must write them themselves. Other clubs may write them for the exhibitor. Check prior to the day of the show (i.e. when sending in entries) whether or not they will do doing the cards. That way you can be prepared if they don't.
End of Show
Best In Show. The tittle everyone wants to win! However, there can only be one winner... per show that is.
After each and every breed has shown and the Best of Breed's are all taken up to the table for another showing. The judge looks at all the breed winners again and then picks a Best In Show winner, along with a Reserve in Show winner. Most shows will also have runner ups (second and third runner up; for four top winners of the show).
The Best In Show ends the day of competition. It's awesome to win that BIS tittle on a rabbit, but can take a lot of time and work.
After each and every breed has shown and the Best of Breed's are all taken up to the table for another showing. The judge looks at all the breed winners again and then picks a Best In Show winner, along with a Reserve in Show winner. Most shows will also have runner ups (second and third runner up; for four top winners of the show).
The Best In Show ends the day of competition. It's awesome to win that BIS tittle on a rabbit, but can take a lot of time and work.
Other Things at a Show
There are usually many things going on during a show, besides the show itself. Most clubs will do a fundraising raffle and/or silent auction table. It's great to contribute to the raffle/auction by donating an item, regardless if you are a member of the club or not. Remember, funds are needed to put on shows! Items are not always rabbits. Some exhibitors will donate a rabbit to the cause but it can be anything from rabbit related items to feed to human products such as candles, body washes or gift cards.
Some times clubs will put on a rabbit auction as well to help raise money. These auctions are a great way to bargain on a nice new rabbit. If you donate a rabbit to the auction, then make sure the pedigree is with the animal or clearly label it as a pet. Please note any disqualifications and that the rabbit is in good health. Don't pass on a problem rabbit for some unsuspecting buyer. Also, clearly mark your cage/carrier "CAGE NOT INCLUDED" unless the cage goes with the animal.
A lot of clubs will do 50/50 during the show. Make sure you bring lot's of extra money for raffles, auctions and 50/50 draws!
There is usually a canteen available on location to purchase lunch and drinks for reasonable prices. Some clubs use it as a fundraiser, while other clubs may let a 4-H or other organization come and do the canteen as a fundraiser. Check beforehand for whether or not there will be a canteen available. If not, then pack a lunch. There may not be much time to slip away during the show to go get something to eat.
Rabbit buying, selling and trading
Shows are a great time to buy and sell rabbits. If the show is attached to a fair, it may be a good place to sell your pet rabbits (if you don't cull). Even if you don't plan on buying a rabbit, always take extra money because you never know!
Always clean up any mess you make. clean up the area you were in prior to leaving the show. Take everything you brought/bought/won with you. Don't leave anything behind. Mistakes happen, you may forget something and another breeder will usually pick it up and try to find the owner. Always do a head count on rabbits prior to leaving. People come and go all day during the show. Check tattoo's before leaving. Make sure you have all of your rabbits.
Shows reports are generally sent out within two to four weeks. Depending on your location it may be longer due to mailing time. You will receive in the mail a summary of how your rabbits did, along with any legs won. If you won legs it may take longer since the reports have to be sent to ARBA and then the legs must be received from ARBA before being sent out to the winners.
Some times clubs will put on a rabbit auction as well to help raise money. These auctions are a great way to bargain on a nice new rabbit. If you donate a rabbit to the auction, then make sure the pedigree is with the animal or clearly label it as a pet. Please note any disqualifications and that the rabbit is in good health. Don't pass on a problem rabbit for some unsuspecting buyer. Also, clearly mark your cage/carrier "CAGE NOT INCLUDED" unless the cage goes with the animal.
A lot of clubs will do 50/50 during the show. Make sure you bring lot's of extra money for raffles, auctions and 50/50 draws!
There is usually a canteen available on location to purchase lunch and drinks for reasonable prices. Some clubs use it as a fundraiser, while other clubs may let a 4-H or other organization come and do the canteen as a fundraiser. Check beforehand for whether or not there will be a canteen available. If not, then pack a lunch. There may not be much time to slip away during the show to go get something to eat.
Rabbit buying, selling and trading
Shows are a great time to buy and sell rabbits. If the show is attached to a fair, it may be a good place to sell your pet rabbits (if you don't cull). Even if you don't plan on buying a rabbit, always take extra money because you never know!
Always clean up any mess you make. clean up the area you were in prior to leaving the show. Take everything you brought/bought/won with you. Don't leave anything behind. Mistakes happen, you may forget something and another breeder will usually pick it up and try to find the owner. Always do a head count on rabbits prior to leaving. People come and go all day during the show. Check tattoo's before leaving. Make sure you have all of your rabbits.
Shows reports are generally sent out within two to four weeks. Depending on your location it may be longer due to mailing time. You will receive in the mail a summary of how your rabbits did, along with any legs won. If you won legs it may take longer since the reports have to be sent to ARBA and then the legs must be received from ARBA before being sent out to the winners.
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