In order to beat the rain forecast on the day we got judging off to a sharp 10am start.

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First class to judge was junior female with a lineup of 6 very promising kids. 
I awarded the red ribbon to Leitrim Reva owned by J & M Macaulay, she was in immaculate condition and tracked nicely with a nice strong head, followed by Blossom in 2nd place , this female was slightly longer in the face and body than my first placing but was in great condition and tracked nicely. Beechhay BeBe was my winner when she entered the ring however on closer inspection she had dry skin on her feet indicating a possible case of foot mite which I had to knock her down for fortunately she was a good enough example of the breed to hold a 3rd place even with this slight downfall.
 

Next up was the Yearling Female class with 5 forward this was a more difficult class to judge as all goats were in excellent condition and well turned out. 
I awarded 1st place to Colinview Purdy a lovely example of the breed with a lovely head a nice strong body on square set legs which allowed her to track nicely , she is slightly longer in the body than I prefer in the breed but she couldn’t be faulted in any other way. 
Leitrim Mistle took 2nd place , she is a goat of pleasing proportions with square set legs and great bone structure I would have placed her higher only for her feet letting her down with slightly spread cleets. 
3rd place was awarded to Breezy Acres Pip who again is slightly longer in the body and face than the exhibits above but she tracked nicely on square set legs. 

In the Adult Female class with only 3 forward this was a slightly easier class to judge; Dimples owned by Clara Conn was placed in first , a very nice goat of pleasing proportions tracking nicely on square set legs. 
Second place was awarded to MaggieLous Penelope who was a goat of slightly finer build who would benefit from a bit more bulk over the shoulders and rump but another goat of pleasing proportions. 
Little Gems Minnie was knocked down in 3rd due to excessive weight, she also tracked slightly narrower than the others above.

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Next we moved onto the Male classes with only 2 kids entered Brookmount Jackson caught my eye immediately as he showed himself off very well however on closer inspection Leitrim Percy blended better than Jackson who also had slightly spread cleets where Percy’s feet were much better and a sturdy foot is very important. 

With low entries the show organisers were forced to combine the Yearling and Adult Male classes. 
Bongo who was in the best condition of the three males owned by James Ross took first place , slightly longer in the body than my ideal but set on strong square legs he tracked nicely and had a lovely top line he was well blended with strong masculine features as to be expected as the oldest in this now combined class. 
Second place ribbon went to Leitrim Rosco although more narrow in the body than the other two exhibits he is the youngest in this group and was deeper in the Chest and in better proportions than Brookmount Shadow. Shadow tracked more narrow than the two males above and was let down by his less developed rear end compared to his strong masculine head neck and shoulders throwing off his proportions however he is at that tender age where he is still maturing and will more than likely develop better as he fully matures.

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My Male Champion went to Bongo, with Leitrim Percy taking the Reserve.

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My Female Champion went to Dimples with Leitrim Reva taking reserve.

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Best of Breed was awarded to Bongo and Dimples picked up Reserve Best of Breed.

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Thankyou to Randox Antrim Show for inviting me to judge the Pygmy Goat classes and Thankyou to all the exhibitors for entering their lovely animals for me to judge.