GUIDE TO SHOWING
A beginners guide to showing, through the eyes of a novice - Copyright Katt Lawrence 2013
BRC Rung?
Well the first question to ask is the rabbit rung? A rabbit that is rung will have a metal ring on one of its hind legs, which has a number on it. This number details the year the rabbit was born / rung, a letter for the breed and then a number that can be traced back to the breeder who registered the ring. If a rabbit is rung the ring has to be in your name to be shown, if you have bought the rabbit off someone else then it should have come with a ring transfer form signed by the breeder. If they did not breed the rabbit, then the ring number should be noted and by contacting the BRC (British rabbit council) you can find out who the rabbit is registered with.
Rabbits must be registered in your name for show class!
Transferring the rabbit into your name, at time of writing costs £5. If not rung and it is a kit you bred, then you need to join the BRC and purchase rings which will be registered to you. Sadly if an adult is unrung then it is unlikely you will be able to put a ring on its leg, because it may have grown too big, however you can enter unrung rabbits in pet classes.
Where to show?
Now you have to find out where and when the local rabbit show will be. A list of shows can be found on the BRC website but more detailed information is published in the Fur and Feather Magazine ( a must to subscribe to if you are wanting to get into the Fancy proper.) Choose the show and phone up the secretary who will talk you through what class your rabbit can go into and put your mind at rest about any nerves. The fees for local shows are usually paid on the day whereas larger show fees are normally sent in with postal entries.
Adult or U5?
There are two ages that a rabbit can be shown under - U5 is under 5 months but over 12 weeks of age and Adult is over 5 months of age. So until your kit is 12 weeks old then you cannot show it. Once you have entered your rabbit in the necessary breed class with the secretary take note of the ones you have booked in .. also a good tip is to write down the ring number on your notes to save fumbling for it on show day.
Show Preparation.
This should have been ongoing for a few weeks but the last few days is when you really need to concentrate on your rabbit. Make sure all nails are the right colour and adult nails have been trimmed if necessary - Check for mites, runny bums, moult etc and treat as necessary. Make sure clean bedding is down and feet are clean, check teeth are ok and eyes are bright. Excess fur should be plucked out, coats groomed, detangled where necessary, groin area checked and a splash of witch hazel can be rubbed in to help with condition.
Cornflour in the bedding will help whiten feet as will a rub of raw potato over the foot .. natural starch will help whiten them :) Mix witch hazel and chalk powder into a paste and rub into grimey areas and brush out when dry. Try to avoid using chemical whiteners as this can irritate the rabbits skin. A good wet groom and slicker brushing is all that should be required.
What to take ?
If you are showing long haired rabbits, then you will need to take a pair of show racks for each exhibit to stand on. This will keep rabbits off the floor and away from any sawdust getting into their coat. Home made racks need to fit the show cages so final size of 19 inches square should suffice. If you don't have any racks then you can either borrow or improvise .. it is not a requirement so don't fret if none available they just help keep the coat clean and to remain presentable after grooming.. a tip here is to not transport your long haired rabbits on sawdust too -making little show racks for your carrying boxes is a helpful hint.
Show boxes to transport your rabbit/s in are lightweight boxes with partitions to carry up to three rabbits, a cat carrier or plastic tub with holes in lid will suffice if you do not have one.
Obviously take your grooming kit for a quick tidy up before rabbit is penned, there is an opportunity to give a final brush over before judging commences, but this is not the time to start cleaning from scratch, its just a post travel tidy up generally. Space is usually limited too so if you can bring a portable grooming area and set up in the back of your car it may give you those few more moments stress free prep :)
You need to take a water bottle and holder to go on each rabbit cage - without one the rabbit can be disqualified ! It is usually best to fill these bottles up at home as water changes may upset you rabbits tummy.. and take a few spare ! Also take extra shavings as although shavings are supplied in the pen it may not be enough so feel free to put more in to keep your rabbit clean. (Short haired rabbits!) Some people also take a bit of hay in a toilet roll or hanging ball for the rabbits to munch on.
Don't forget
Of course take your list of rabbits and ring numbers and your subs for the entry fee if not paid already.. plus some loose change for the raffle and tea and cakes / lunch that is often supplied at fantastic quality and prices.. it all helps support the club !!
Oh and if you are available to help out - don't forget to get yourself a white coat for stewarding and a bottle of hand sanitiser to put in your pocket is always handy.
A point to remember - once the rabbit is penned (30 minutes before judging starts) it cannot be touched or removed until the end of the show. Also any prize cards placed on cages will be face down or away from judging ongoing so they cannot influence results, so don't touch them or put them on display - wait til the end of the show to collect rabbits, bottles and cards !
Arriving at the show.
Come early enough to get a parking space and so you do not get stressed trying to find your way around. Leave everything in the car for now except your fees and list of rabbits and ring numbers and enter inside to find the secretary.. They are usually noticeable by the queue lol or by the pieces of paper lined up on the table with everyone's entries on. Announce who you are and they will find your form and ask for your fees.. then they will give you a slip of paper to fill in with your rabbit ring numbers, which you then return after tearing off the stub which will be a duplicate of the pen numbers - make sure you put your rabbit ring numbers on that side too !
Then its time to find your pens, put water bottles on and extra shavings if needed, or show racks in for the fluffies. Check the closure on the pens and if you cant find your pen let the secretary know .. remember mistakes happen and they are only human so don't go complaining about things as without these volunteers who spend so much time on our behalf there wouldn't be any rabbit shows.. on that note this is also the time to volunteer your services !!
Once pens are found and prepared ( it is also an idea to bring some wet wipes to clean the pen sides if you have white bunnies and just for health in general) you can start bringing your rabbits into the hall. If required the judging tables will be set up to give them a last once over before putting in the pen - remember once they are in that's it til the end of the day ! Then its time to go buy yourself a cuppa and possibly a bacon butty and support the kitchen staff - remember to order a dinner now if you are staying all day before they sell out :) If you are not staying for the day then you are free to pop out and have a few hours away tho many return for the best in show class and of course the raffle being drawn :P
Stewarding
If you invest in a lab / steward coat then you can request to help with the stewarding, this is an ideal opportunity to get up close and personal with the show rabbits and the judge ! You will see and hear what is being looked for pick up tips and gain invaluable handling and experience in general. It is fairly uncommon nowadays to be any steward training but just ask if you are unsure, the one thing you must remember when handling and stewarding is to treat them and show them off as if one of your very own ( you must not make the judge aware of which one is your rabbit and any jockeying at the tables can lead to disqualification - if not it is certainly noted by other stewards and talked about later - so be warned !)
Never pick up a rabbit by its scruff or ears when collecting and carrying from the pens - a gentle scoop under its stomach and lifting out supporting hind legs under you arm and the other hand over their eyes if necessary .. if they are not settled or you cannot do it, don't be afraid to ask someone else to fetch that rabbit.
When the rabbit arrives at the table a pen sticker will be attached, to ear or tail.. don't lose this or there will be mayhem and owners going home with someone else's rabbit !!
If stewarding worries you too much you can always volunteer in the kitchen, car park, cleaning up after the show, setting up and putting down cages, or even selling the raffle tickets, or being the secretary's runner for the day taking results back and forth from the judges. Every club values any sort of help on offer so please support the and the rabbit fancy by doing your bit - if everyone contributed 30 minutes of their time - such a huge difference will be made.
Public Viewing.. and more Stewarding !
Although public are welcome you don't find many popping in, (unless at agricultural shows and large events where there is a walkway around the exhibits) seating is usually limited and taken up by the exhibitors and supporters. Space is usually limited so be prepared to squeeze in and make friends :)
If you are not stewarding please make sure you stay out of the judging area, as it puts rabbits at risk when stewards and judges moving around have to avoid bumping into people - or get disturbed by people chatting and even voicing their opinions from the wings.- it is most unprofessional and playing dodgems when you have an unpredictable rabbit in your arms is not fun!
You will note people approaching the table when certain rabbits are on them or trying to steward at that moment especially their rabbit to make it look best etc - this is called jockeying and is frowned upon. A good judge will never be influenced by comment, rabbits owned by friends or favours - they will judge strictly to the best rabbit on the day, so its pointless really and spoils it for the people watching and the stewarding alike .. and for us newbies who feel intimidated by others coming on and even pushing us out of the way to steward. Something to look out for - stand your ground or just wait til their rabbit is off the table as you can be assured they will disappear as quickly as they came - alternatively offer the your steward coat :P
If you steward for an hour or all day you will be welcomed and above all you can be proud in the knowledge that you supported the club.
Lots of rabbits to see
Take time to walk around the rabbit pens and chat to other breeders, exhibitors and judges .. ask how is one type better than an other - why did one win over another .. even an opinion on your rabbit can be asked for from the judge - tho please wait til after the show before approaching them, as it may be a bit difficult for them to leave at that moment lol. Do not touch the rabbits or offer them treats. Any rabbits for sale will have a note on their pen with the person to contact.
Photography
You are usually allowed to take photos but please be courteous and make sure people are happy to be in them - it is always best to ask the secretary at the start to make sure there is no official photographer on the day, which may mean you will be limited or unable to take pics.
End of the day
There will be a mad rush so you will know when judging has ended! There is usually a time that you cannot 'lift' your rabbits before ie 4.30 pm. Collect your rabbits and on your cage will hopefully be some prize cards to take home. If you do have prize cards then take them to the secretary's table as the cashier will be waiting to check them and pay out any winnings. Once things have calmed down you will also have the opportunity to take a photo of your rabbit and its prizes if desired, plus speak to a judge or their opinion on your rabbit.
The big clean up then starts and volunteers are always welcomed to help. More hands on deck means the behind the scenes peeps can also get home earlier, so even if its half an hour please offer - it will be most appreciated :)
Conclusion
Above all whatever you do enjoy yourself! Shows can be a great source of information, a place to meet other exhibitors, swap tips, etc. Laughs are heard, jokes are shared, its a wonderful place to meet like minded people. You cant beat the adrenelin rush when your rabbit is on the table .. and even more exciting is when it is placed ;) Since my first show I have been truly hooked - and have to say the positives far outweigh the negatives and I would highly recommend any newcomer to visit and share in the atmosphere of a well run show.
Thankyou!
At this point a huge shout out for the people all over the country who dedicate their time to making the rabbit shows a success, many are unseen and go without thanks in among all the glory of the winners.. many put in hours of their own time to do the paperwork and organisation required, and not forgetting the exhibitors who, if they didn't enter there would be no show. Everyone is as important as the next person in the Fancy .. so congratulations to one and all, for being part of a wonderful world :)
Huggles Katt x
BRC Rung?
Well the first question to ask is the rabbit rung? A rabbit that is rung will have a metal ring on one of its hind legs, which has a number on it. This number details the year the rabbit was born / rung, a letter for the breed and then a number that can be traced back to the breeder who registered the ring. If a rabbit is rung the ring has to be in your name to be shown, if you have bought the rabbit off someone else then it should have come with a ring transfer form signed by the breeder. If they did not breed the rabbit, then the ring number should be noted and by contacting the BRC (British rabbit council) you can find out who the rabbit is registered with.
Rabbits must be registered in your name for show class!
Transferring the rabbit into your name, at time of writing costs £5. If not rung and it is a kit you bred, then you need to join the BRC and purchase rings which will be registered to you. Sadly if an adult is unrung then it is unlikely you will be able to put a ring on its leg, because it may have grown too big, however you can enter unrung rabbits in pet classes.
Where to show?
Now you have to find out where and when the local rabbit show will be. A list of shows can be found on the BRC website but more detailed information is published in the Fur and Feather Magazine ( a must to subscribe to if you are wanting to get into the Fancy proper.) Choose the show and phone up the secretary who will talk you through what class your rabbit can go into and put your mind at rest about any nerves. The fees for local shows are usually paid on the day whereas larger show fees are normally sent in with postal entries.
Adult or U5?
There are two ages that a rabbit can be shown under - U5 is under 5 months but over 12 weeks of age and Adult is over 5 months of age. So until your kit is 12 weeks old then you cannot show it. Once you have entered your rabbit in the necessary breed class with the secretary take note of the ones you have booked in .. also a good tip is to write down the ring number on your notes to save fumbling for it on show day.
Show Preparation.
This should have been ongoing for a few weeks but the last few days is when you really need to concentrate on your rabbit. Make sure all nails are the right colour and adult nails have been trimmed if necessary - Check for mites, runny bums, moult etc and treat as necessary. Make sure clean bedding is down and feet are clean, check teeth are ok and eyes are bright. Excess fur should be plucked out, coats groomed, detangled where necessary, groin area checked and a splash of witch hazel can be rubbed in to help with condition.
Cornflour in the bedding will help whiten feet as will a rub of raw potato over the foot .. natural starch will help whiten them :) Mix witch hazel and chalk powder into a paste and rub into grimey areas and brush out when dry. Try to avoid using chemical whiteners as this can irritate the rabbits skin. A good wet groom and slicker brushing is all that should be required.
What to take ?
If you are showing long haired rabbits, then you will need to take a pair of show racks for each exhibit to stand on. This will keep rabbits off the floor and away from any sawdust getting into their coat. Home made racks need to fit the show cages so final size of 19 inches square should suffice. If you don't have any racks then you can either borrow or improvise .. it is not a requirement so don't fret if none available they just help keep the coat clean and to remain presentable after grooming.. a tip here is to not transport your long haired rabbits on sawdust too -making little show racks for your carrying boxes is a helpful hint.
Show boxes to transport your rabbit/s in are lightweight boxes with partitions to carry up to three rabbits, a cat carrier or plastic tub with holes in lid will suffice if you do not have one.
Obviously take your grooming kit for a quick tidy up before rabbit is penned, there is an opportunity to give a final brush over before judging commences, but this is not the time to start cleaning from scratch, its just a post travel tidy up generally. Space is usually limited too so if you can bring a portable grooming area and set up in the back of your car it may give you those few more moments stress free prep :)
You need to take a water bottle and holder to go on each rabbit cage - without one the rabbit can be disqualified ! It is usually best to fill these bottles up at home as water changes may upset you rabbits tummy.. and take a few spare ! Also take extra shavings as although shavings are supplied in the pen it may not be enough so feel free to put more in to keep your rabbit clean. (Short haired rabbits!) Some people also take a bit of hay in a toilet roll or hanging ball for the rabbits to munch on.
Don't forget
Of course take your list of rabbits and ring numbers and your subs for the entry fee if not paid already.. plus some loose change for the raffle and tea and cakes / lunch that is often supplied at fantastic quality and prices.. it all helps support the club !!
Oh and if you are available to help out - don't forget to get yourself a white coat for stewarding and a bottle of hand sanitiser to put in your pocket is always handy.
A point to remember - once the rabbit is penned (30 minutes before judging starts) it cannot be touched or removed until the end of the show. Also any prize cards placed on cages will be face down or away from judging ongoing so they cannot influence results, so don't touch them or put them on display - wait til the end of the show to collect rabbits, bottles and cards !
Arriving at the show.
Come early enough to get a parking space and so you do not get stressed trying to find your way around. Leave everything in the car for now except your fees and list of rabbits and ring numbers and enter inside to find the secretary.. They are usually noticeable by the queue lol or by the pieces of paper lined up on the table with everyone's entries on. Announce who you are and they will find your form and ask for your fees.. then they will give you a slip of paper to fill in with your rabbit ring numbers, which you then return after tearing off the stub which will be a duplicate of the pen numbers - make sure you put your rabbit ring numbers on that side too !
Then its time to find your pens, put water bottles on and extra shavings if needed, or show racks in for the fluffies. Check the closure on the pens and if you cant find your pen let the secretary know .. remember mistakes happen and they are only human so don't go complaining about things as without these volunteers who spend so much time on our behalf there wouldn't be any rabbit shows.. on that note this is also the time to volunteer your services !!
Once pens are found and prepared ( it is also an idea to bring some wet wipes to clean the pen sides if you have white bunnies and just for health in general) you can start bringing your rabbits into the hall. If required the judging tables will be set up to give them a last once over before putting in the pen - remember once they are in that's it til the end of the day ! Then its time to go buy yourself a cuppa and possibly a bacon butty and support the kitchen staff - remember to order a dinner now if you are staying all day before they sell out :) If you are not staying for the day then you are free to pop out and have a few hours away tho many return for the best in show class and of course the raffle being drawn :P
Stewarding
If you invest in a lab / steward coat then you can request to help with the stewarding, this is an ideal opportunity to get up close and personal with the show rabbits and the judge ! You will see and hear what is being looked for pick up tips and gain invaluable handling and experience in general. It is fairly uncommon nowadays to be any steward training but just ask if you are unsure, the one thing you must remember when handling and stewarding is to treat them and show them off as if one of your very own ( you must not make the judge aware of which one is your rabbit and any jockeying at the tables can lead to disqualification - if not it is certainly noted by other stewards and talked about later - so be warned !)
Never pick up a rabbit by its scruff or ears when collecting and carrying from the pens - a gentle scoop under its stomach and lifting out supporting hind legs under you arm and the other hand over their eyes if necessary .. if they are not settled or you cannot do it, don't be afraid to ask someone else to fetch that rabbit.
When the rabbit arrives at the table a pen sticker will be attached, to ear or tail.. don't lose this or there will be mayhem and owners going home with someone else's rabbit !!
If stewarding worries you too much you can always volunteer in the kitchen, car park, cleaning up after the show, setting up and putting down cages, or even selling the raffle tickets, or being the secretary's runner for the day taking results back and forth from the judges. Every club values any sort of help on offer so please support the and the rabbit fancy by doing your bit - if everyone contributed 30 minutes of their time - such a huge difference will be made.
Public Viewing.. and more Stewarding !
Although public are welcome you don't find many popping in, (unless at agricultural shows and large events where there is a walkway around the exhibits) seating is usually limited and taken up by the exhibitors and supporters. Space is usually limited so be prepared to squeeze in and make friends :)
If you are not stewarding please make sure you stay out of the judging area, as it puts rabbits at risk when stewards and judges moving around have to avoid bumping into people - or get disturbed by people chatting and even voicing their opinions from the wings.- it is most unprofessional and playing dodgems when you have an unpredictable rabbit in your arms is not fun!
You will note people approaching the table when certain rabbits are on them or trying to steward at that moment especially their rabbit to make it look best etc - this is called jockeying and is frowned upon. A good judge will never be influenced by comment, rabbits owned by friends or favours - they will judge strictly to the best rabbit on the day, so its pointless really and spoils it for the people watching and the stewarding alike .. and for us newbies who feel intimidated by others coming on and even pushing us out of the way to steward. Something to look out for - stand your ground or just wait til their rabbit is off the table as you can be assured they will disappear as quickly as they came - alternatively offer the your steward coat :P
If you steward for an hour or all day you will be welcomed and above all you can be proud in the knowledge that you supported the club.
Lots of rabbits to see
Take time to walk around the rabbit pens and chat to other breeders, exhibitors and judges .. ask how is one type better than an other - why did one win over another .. even an opinion on your rabbit can be asked for from the judge - tho please wait til after the show before approaching them, as it may be a bit difficult for them to leave at that moment lol. Do not touch the rabbits or offer them treats. Any rabbits for sale will have a note on their pen with the person to contact.
Photography
You are usually allowed to take photos but please be courteous and make sure people are happy to be in them - it is always best to ask the secretary at the start to make sure there is no official photographer on the day, which may mean you will be limited or unable to take pics.
End of the day
There will be a mad rush so you will know when judging has ended! There is usually a time that you cannot 'lift' your rabbits before ie 4.30 pm. Collect your rabbits and on your cage will hopefully be some prize cards to take home. If you do have prize cards then take them to the secretary's table as the cashier will be waiting to check them and pay out any winnings. Once things have calmed down you will also have the opportunity to take a photo of your rabbit and its prizes if desired, plus speak to a judge or their opinion on your rabbit.
The big clean up then starts and volunteers are always welcomed to help. More hands on deck means the behind the scenes peeps can also get home earlier, so even if its half an hour please offer - it will be most appreciated :)
Conclusion
Above all whatever you do enjoy yourself! Shows can be a great source of information, a place to meet other exhibitors, swap tips, etc. Laughs are heard, jokes are shared, its a wonderful place to meet like minded people. You cant beat the adrenelin rush when your rabbit is on the table .. and even more exciting is when it is placed ;) Since my first show I have been truly hooked - and have to say the positives far outweigh the negatives and I would highly recommend any newcomer to visit and share in the atmosphere of a well run show.
Thankyou!
At this point a huge shout out for the people all over the country who dedicate their time to making the rabbit shows a success, many are unseen and go without thanks in among all the glory of the winners.. many put in hours of their own time to do the paperwork and organisation required, and not forgetting the exhibitors who, if they didn't enter there would be no show. Everyone is as important as the next person in the Fancy .. so congratulations to one and all, for being part of a wonderful world :)
Huggles Katt x