What to Do About a Bad Show

We've all been there- you get that guy that doesn't really know your breed, who hates one certain fault in a rabbit and refuses to place any that have that fault well, the judge that hates certain colors.

Then I sure hope most of you haven't experience the judge who literally can barely tell the difference between a buck and a doe. The one who poses all the animals wrong, who faults for good traits such as "too big of a head" in a holland or "shoulders are too wide". Maybe it's "HQs are too nice and full". Wait what?

When ARBA Nationals class winners are off the table very first- something may be wrong. When judges pose every rabbit wrong and begin faulting the positives in a rabbit, something is wrong. But you know for a fact things are not going well when 95% of the breeders gathered around the table are staring in disgust at the judging. When many go to scratch rabbits from later classes or just pack up and leave early, something is definitely wrong.

When you get a terrible judge, one who honestly doesn't know what they are looking for, not just one that didn't place exactly how you expected, it's important to say something to the Show Superintendent and the Show Secretary. If all the exhibitors explain why something is wrong, it doesn't look like sour grapes on the part of one sore loser. It's then the responsibility of those are putting on the show to take in to consideration what is going on and see for themselves. They need to explain to the exhibitors why, if they choose to continue using that judge when other judges have finished and are available to take over.

Those running the show also need to realize "if we ain't happy, we won't be back". Nothing kills a show faster than stories of inefficient running, terrible judges and an unwillingness to take action. It's so very easy to kill a show.

We exhibitors also need to realize that sometimes things happen- the show needed an emergency judge, no one realized this person was so bad, it's their first big show and they are working the kinks out, etc. Be understanding! If it's a show that's been terrible for several years, don't expect it to magically get better. If it's a first time show, remember all the tiny things that could go wrong.

Remember, on both sides, a little explanation goes a long way. Show Runners, don't be afraid to tell us about all the things that went wrong. Exhibitors don't be afraid to point out a problem before it snowballs! And everyone, be willing to jump in and help if it's at all possible.

As you can guess, I heard several horror stories about an out of state show this week. I'm so sorry for all the exhibitors that had to deal with the 7 hours it took to judge a single breed incorrectly. It truly sounds like the whole experience was horrible for all involved.

-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry