We caught up with Ms. Kaitlin Chabot, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2024 Rodeo Austin. Learn a little more about Kaitlin below!
Tell us a little about your champion:
He was raised by Harrell and sired by Big City, and he only made it to two shows. After his first jackpot in July his stomach ruptured and we had to perform surgery on it. In November, while we were getting him ready for Louisville, he re-ruptured on the track and was out of commission until March when he showed in Austin.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned while showing animals?
It’s not about how much you win, it’s about how much you grow. I’ve talked to a handful of people over the past few months and in every conversation I’ve come to the same conclusion, spending time in the showbarn, even if you didn’t grow up in it, will make you a better person. Raising and taking care of animals is more exhausting and more rewarding that anyone can ever imagine. You become more diligent, patient, disciplined, passionate, and responsible. You gain a work ethic, a skill set, and a support system. You learn you to push through the hard things, care for livestock, and manage your time and barn. There are countless other benefits to pouring yourself into this lifestyle that I couldn’t even start to name. Learning to focus less on success in the ring and more on growing and learning from these animals was the best lesson I could ever hope for, it was a hard lesson, but an important one.
Do you have any special tricks for getting stubborn animals to cooperate?
I wouldn’t say special but it is really effective. During the halterbreakimg stage when they’re little I always sit with them, which builds up their trust of me. I will do this periodically throughout the year (depending on who decides to get an attitude) and I always try to be slow and patient with them. This way that trust is always there. I’d much rather have an animal that trusts me in the ring than one that is scared of me.
What’s your favorite memory involving your animals?
When I was in 2nd grade I had a ewe, Penny (she later became a donor) who was always excited to show. It didn’t matter where we were, whether we were at home or about to go in the ring, she would always manage to get behind me and push me into the ring. Penny was always one of my favorites and whenever I was in the pasture she would come up to me and let me show her even after she had been retired for several years.
How do you prepare your animals both physically and mentally for the shows?
Physically, we do the basics; walking, treadmilling, tracking, legs, etc. every day. Mentally, like I said before, I build up as much trust as possible between the sheep and I, as well as working showmanship as much as I can
What’s the most challenging aspect of showing livestock, and how do you overcome it?
Staying motivated. It’s hard for me to put my all into something that I’m not doing well at. The past couple years, however, I’ve been trying not to gauge my skill based on a placement in class, rather, I look at how much I’ve improved over the years individually. Looking back at pictures of me showing from a few years ago is humbling to say the least. That’s what motivates me, is seeing how far I’ve come regardless of how I do in class.
Who inspired you to become the showman you are today?
My older sister. Rachel was always a good role model and she’s still a hard act to follow. When she showed, one of the things she was well known for was how her sheep never moved an inch. Even now, almost ten years later, I still hear people talking about how impressed they were of her. I’d like to leave an impact the way she did, even if it’s only on one person.
Do you name your animals? If so, what’s the most interesting name you have given?
They generally earn their names as the year progresses. But my personal favorite is one that I have in the barn right now. Craig. That’s all. He just looks like a Craig.
If your lamb had its own pump-up song, what would it be?
In general I’d bet my sheep know every word to all of Queen’s songs. We jam out when I do legs.
What’s the most unexpected blooper you’ve experienced during a show?
Skip? We’ve been lucky. My Dad and I are meticulous planners and packers so we’ve fared well.
