We caught up with sheep showmanship judge Bart Cardwell before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Ohio State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Bart below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition.”
Do you like when kids show down on their lamb during showmanship?
Only if it is what is required to make the lamb look its best.
In your opinion, What’s the most crucial thing to do in showmanship to succeed?
Hold the head right. It all starts where the student makes contact with the animal and everything is controlled from there
Do you prefer kids who get low on their sheep or stand up more when bracing?
I like for the student to be the thing I least notice when evaluating sheep. That being said what works to make the sheep look its best works for me.
What’s your opinion on kids who make noise to get their sheep to walk?
I really have no opinion unless they are distracting
What’s your words of wisdom to the kids before you step in the ring?
Be confident, be competitive, think about what you are doing and react to what the judge is doing all while making your lamb look the best they can look.
What do you look forward to most about your upcoming showmanship judging experience?
It will be challenging because I anticipate the quality of showman to be high at the Ohio State Fair. I look forward to working with the youth and shaking the hand of the winners when the battle is over.
