1. Lack of Ring Awareness
What judges notice:
Wandering eyes, being out of position, or getting distracted — all signs of a showman who’s not fully engaged.
How to fix it:
Practice ring awareness drills. Always know where the judge is, where your animal is, and where you're going next. Stay focused, and if you make a mistake, recover confidently and quickly.
2. Improper Animal Set-Up
What judges notice:
Feet not square, topline not level, poor bracing or driving technique — these flaws can make even a great animal look mediocre.
How to fix it:
Set-up should be second nature. Practice on different surfaces, in different weather, and around distractions. Video yourself and analyze your set-up technique or ask a mentor to give feedback. In high-level competition, precision matters.
3. Poor Grooming or Presentation
What judges notice:
Dirty legs, uneven clipping, greasy sheen, or even a loose halter or sloppy lead.
How to fix it:
Make grooming a daily habit — not just a show-day scramble. Use quality grooming products and keep a checklist to ensure nothing gets missed. A clean, healthy coat makes a big first impression.
Pro tip: Use Ring Out Shampoo to deep clean and protect your animal’s coat from ringworm, fungus, and other skin irritations that can cost you in the ring. It’s specially formulated for show animals and helps keep their skin in top condition during peak show season.
Don’t forget to clean and condition your equipment too. Show day is not the time for last-minute touch-ups!
4. Over- or Under-Handling Your Animal
What judges notice:
Too much tugging, tapping, or movement — or worse, letting the animal lead you.
How to fix it:
You and your animal should look like a team. Practice calm, consistent cues and reinforce good behavior at home. A judge wants to see an animal that’s comfortable and under control, not one that’s anxious or out of sync with the handler.
5. Weak Showman Confidence
What judges notice:
Nervous body language, poor posture, or hesitant movements.
How to fix it:
Confidence is a skill. Practice like you're in the ring—every day. Maintain eye contact with the judge, stand tall, and move with purpose. You might be nervous inside, but your goal is to look composed and in control. Judges respect a showman who believes in their animal and shows it off with pride.
