Joe Hornaday
The 4-H Goat Show drew a herd of spectators into the Livestock Arena at the Decatur County Fairgrounds Thursday morning, as the competitors shepherded their animals while hoping for a first place finish.
Sixty-one local 4-Hers competed in the 2009 Goat Show, filling up the more than 40 classes with numerous goats. The coveted “Showmanship” prizes were the first given out Thursday morning, and the day’s first big winners were Ayana Young and Drew Soendlin, who finished first and second in Beginner Showmanship, respectively. It took three rounds of eliminations before Soendlin and Young were awarded their prizes.
Before the Expert Showmanship competition, the Intermediate and Senior Showman had to be chosen by the judge. Megan Hoover walked away from the 4-H Goat Show as the Intermediate Showman, while Emily Scott came away as Reserve. Claire Smith was awarded first place in Senior Showmanship, followed by Matt White in second place. Claire Smith’s victory in the category propelled her to the Expert Showmanship class, where she was bested by Kelcie Smith. Kelcie Smith was named the Goat Show’s Expert Showman. Claire Smith and Kelcie Smith were the only competitors in the Expert Class.
The 4-H Goat Show judge had his hands full with the entire load of competitors. He said that he chose the winner of the Beginner Showmanship Class after asking them each to be thorough about the individual parts of the goats and to use the terminology.
“Everyone’s done an excellent job,” the judge said.
He added that the 4-H kids were all winners for having the courage to show up to the event and for working hard.
