1. Prioritize Animal Recovery
After a show, animals need more than just a clean stall—they need physical and mental recovery.
Tips to keep them at their best:
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Rest first, practice later: Give animals at least a full night or two of quiet downtime before the next show.
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Hydrate and feed consistently: Traveling and showing can dehydrate animals or upset routines. Stick to familiar feed and fresh water.
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Watch for signs of stress: Droopy ears, lack of appetite, or changes in behavior can indicate fatigue. Adjust your schedule if you notice these.
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Comfortable environment: Keep stalls clean, bedding dry, and ventilation good—stress-free surroundings help them bounce back faster.
2. Plan for Your Own Health
You can’t care for your animals well if you’re running on empty. Show weekends often mean long days, early mornings, and little downtime.
Exhibitor tips:
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Sleep and nutrition matter: Even short naps and healthy snacks make a difference.
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Stretch and move: Walking, stretching, or quick exercises reduce fatigue and stiffness from long days in the barn or trailer.
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Schedule breaks: Take short mental breaks between shows to reset focus and energy.
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Ask for help: Team up with family or friends for grooming, feeding, or hauling—it’s not a solo sport.
3. Streamline Your Show Routine
Efficiency reduces stress for both you and your livestock.
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Pack ahead: Keep a “go bag” with grooming supplies, feed, medications, and paperwork ready for back-to-back events.
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Checklists are your friend: A simple daily checklist prevents forgotten tasks and last-minute panic.
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Train consistently but smart: Light practice between shows keeps animals sharp without overexerting them.
4. Mental Preparation for Both
Stress isn’t just physical—it’s mental too.
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Animals: Use familiar cues and routines. Animals thrive on consistency, especially during the chaos of multiple shows.
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You: Focus on small wins and learning experiences rather than perfection. Celebrate progress over placing.
5. Small Habits, Big Results
Managing back-to-back shows doesn’t require extreme measures. Some small daily habits make a big difference:
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Keep water and feed schedules consistent.
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Clean stalls and alleys quickly between shows.
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Give animals a calm environment before and after travel.
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Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises for yourself during stressful moments.
Back-to-back shows are tough—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. By prioritizing recovery, streamlining routines, and keeping both animals and yourself healthy, you can make the season productive, fun, and less stressful.
Your animals will perform better, you’ll enjoy the shows more, and you’ll have energy left for the next one—because show season should be a marathon, not a sprint.
