Recently,
while perusing show result web sites, virtual show pages and breeder’s pages in
general, it became obvious that what the goat wears around its neck really
affects HOW that goat looks, so the topic this time around will be collars.
While not the highest score on the score card, “dairy character” certainly does play a part in the final score. The long, lean, smoothly blended neck should also display a clean throat latch. What you chose as a show collar may be killing your score in this category before you even get your goat set up for the judge the first time.
Our model was pulled in out of the pasture and had not been clipped or bathed, but you can clearly see the difference that a collar can make!
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In this first photo, our
lovely, aged Mini LaMancha doe is being shown in a nylon “barn” collar. The collar is new, unfaded and clean and is
in the proper position for controlling the animal. The color of the collar,
however, shows in sharp contrast to the
coloring of the doe. It also creates a
visual line, which causes the eye to see the neck in two short, choppy pieces.
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In this second photo, our
model is being shown in a collar made from plastic dairy chain. The chain fits into the doe’s
throatlatch neater than the nylon collar does and we can see more of her neck –
see how much longer it looks? But, the chain is still
“clunky” and the color is distracting.
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In this photo, our model is
wearing a narrow dog show lead made of nylon cord. We do see this in the show
ring quite a bit – But I would prefer to see the
cord match the color of the goat as closely as possible. Also remember – dairy goats
are NOT to be shown with any type of lead or leash, so any extra “lead” should removed or held discretely in
the hand.
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The most commonly accepted
collar for show ring use is a metal chain collar. Most exhibitors use a dog “choke chain”
collar. They come in various lengths and
the chain links even come in various sizes.
It is important to note that the collar should NOT be used at choke
chain! Oval quick link fasteners are
inexpensive, discreet and work very well.
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The photographer had the
models attention in this “win” photo.
Aaron had a very fine “herringbone” choke chain on her that we’d
purchased off eBay. It fit right in the
groove of her throat latch and the Judge and onlookers barely noticed it!
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I
truly believe that most of our animals know that when the show chain goes on,
it is time to be serious and settle down to work. We work with them at home in a show collar a
few times before a show to get them used to the feel - it does feel different to them than a worn
barn collar or frayed piece of baling twine.
The
same care should be taken when posing goats for photos – you are selling that
goat to the public and the goat should look its absolute best.
Good
luck in the show ring and may your spring be filled with many bouncing baby
kids!
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Cari and Aaron Zisk own Cherry Butte Dairy Goats in Southern
Idaho. They breed and show ADGA/AGS
Nigerian Dwarves as well as miniature Alpines, Lamanchas, Oberhasli and
Toggenburg goats.
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