Shows are for People, Too
by Nanette Klement
The majority of NPGA members who own a few Pygmies just for the pure fun of it probably think shows are for the “big breeders”. WRONG!
We live within practical driving distance of some large shows and at first we went to them to learn about Pygmies. Showing looked like a lot of fun while I watched from the sidelines, and when I began to participate I discovered that I didn’t evaporate in a puff of smoke when the judge came to me, nor did the world end when I didn’t place. Instead, there were helpful hints shared, deeply treasured friendships made, and a lot of fun to be had. Did we learn about Pygmies? Indeed. We learned not only what a winning conformation looks like, but we learned management tips and got ideas that have made caring for our animals far more pleasant and considerably more efficient. “Pygmy people” are as delightful as the animals they own.
Shows are every bit as much for PEOPLE as they are for Pygmies – for all Pygmy lovers, not just a few “breeders”. Go to a show and meet other people just like you!
If there are no shows close to you, take a look around. You may be one of a handful of NPGA members in your area, but the odds are that there are more people with unregistered Pygmy goats than you realized. [. . .]
Consider starting at “square one” by finding other Pygmy lovers. Then consider putting on a very simple, unsanctioned “Fun Day” show. Such a show can fit into a back yard, a park, school grounds, roping arena, or lots of other places besides an official fairground. [. . .] [NPGA’s booklet, Guidelines for a Pygmy Goat Show is full of helpful information on how to organize a show.] Be sure to have NPGA materials on hand for any people who might be interested in joining and be ready to answer all kinds of questions.
From such a gathering could come the nucleus of interest to form a club or to work toward a sanctioned show. It won’t happen overnight and will take some real work, but it really can come together. When it does, Pygmies everywhere and their owners – people just like you – will benefit from it in many ways. There are friends out there waiting to be met – some with two legs, some with four.
Excerpts from: Kinne, Maxine, ed. Pygmy Goats: Best of Memo 2 (1982-1987) National Pygmy Goat Association: pp 159
This document is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to be a substitute for medical consultation with a qualified veterinary professional. The information provided through this document is not meant to be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or disease, nor should it be construed as such.