Our favorite Garfield County Family returned this year to purchase a goat.
The only difference was that this time it was Gia—rather than her brother, Santi—who wanted to show! Whereas Santi had shown our goats for two seasons before, now Gia thought it was her turn.
Gia has shown pigs and sheep in the past. But this would be her first time showing goats.
So we picked out a real sweet boy—Pat—for her. Here’s Gia holding Pat.
Gia picking out Pat
Gia went back home and Pat did some growing. Here he is with his Mom about three weeks before Gia returned to pick him up.
Pat and his Mom
Gia spent quite a bit of time with Pat teaching him how to lead and stand properly for the show. She took good care of him.
Gia practicing with Pat
When it came time for the fair, we were looking forward to going to Rifle. Then we learned that the show is no longer on Wednesday, but had been changed to Thursday.
Since we had a prior commitment on that day, we had to miss the goat show. We were sad about that! Fortunately, she sent us some pictures.
Here she is clipping and washing Pat.
Gia clipping and washing Pat
Then Gia went bravely into her first show. Great job, Gia!
Gia showing Pat
From what we heard, the Judge did not do a very good job with the 4-H kids. Usually, we do our best to respect the judges’ opinions at all the fairs. But we heard this individual said some very negative and unnecessary things to the students, which we feel is unacceptable.
It’s one thing to have an opinion. It’s another to forget that you’re there to help the kids.
Nevertheless, what matters is that Gia had the experience of raising and showing a goat. No matter the outcome at the show, no one can take that away from her!
We hope she won’t let what a judge said hold her back—and will try it again another year. We are certainly cheering her on!
