We caught up with judge Charles Seidensticker before he steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Commercial Ewes at the San Antonio Stock Show. Learn more about Charles below…
Did your high school self ever think this is what you would be doing in 2024?
Absolutely! Personally I am able to farm and ranch with my family in the town that I was raised in. Professionally I get to work with some of my closest friends.
In your judging career, what is one thing that has stuck out to you?
I have been judging shows for over 25 years. In that time many types and kinds have been shown, however the most consistent aspect of the show has not. The youth that show within the junior programs are some of the finest you will ever work with. They enter the ring with hope in their eyes and determination to get the best end result possible.
What’s your biggest pet peeve while judging?
I’m not a person that likes to visit. I take my role as the judge very serious. When I’m in the groove of a show and really in the zone, I just prefer to be left alone. I guess my biggest pet peeve would be someone wanting to chit chat about to show so far or make small talk about the last winner.
What’s your opinion on kids who show with a halter?
I want the kid and the animal to both be comfortable in the ring. There are a lot of hours put into preparing for a given day. They know whether their animal looks best held by a hand or loose on a halter. I have used both showmanship styles to win shows.
Do you prefer to evaluate when sheep are in motion or stuck on profile?
In Motion, Skeletal build is very important to me.
Tell us about your family!
Two Parents, Two Siblings and their Spouses, One Girlfriend, Five nieces and nephews. Lots of Cousins. Together we all have 5-5 River Bend Farm and Ranch. We farm small grain and hay. We raise club lambs and have a commercial goat herd.
What’s your dream vacation?
I’ve been all over this world for one reason or another, the best spot I’ve found is a rocky hillside along the Guadalupe River in Comfort Texas.
