Guide to Showing
In 2018 any shows with a listed Pygmy Goat Judge will be classed as a Sanctioned Show, these shows will count towards Permanent Titles (more about these here) also the committee will add extra shows to the show list with ‘approved’ Judges.
Any shows not on our sanctioned shows list for the season won’t be counted towards these titles. Our show list will be sent out along with entry forms closer to the show season which will start in June.
All Goats must be registered with Northern Ireland Pygmy Goat Club to be shown, as we need all details of every goat entered in order to print our entry list correctly. If your goat isn't registered your entry will not be accepted for shows run by the NIPGC.
Goats competing for championship titles must be registered at the beginning of show season as points will not be back rewarded.
As per DEARA NI legislation all goats must be ear tagged in both ears and be accompanied to the shows with the relevant paperwork, if you are unsure about this please speak to one of our committee members at any show and they will be happy to advise.
Our club was set up to promote and improve the standard of pygmy goats here in Northern Ireland and we believe this will be a big step forward in achieving this and also to encourage people to breed in the right direction.
Before the Show -
You must fill in an entry form for each show , the closing date for entries is normally 3-4 weeks prior to the show date, late entries are not accepted. Check each form as closing dates vary with the societies running the events.
You may receive confirmation by call or letter confirming your entry again this depends on the society running the event.
A few days before the show, check over your goats thoroughly make sure they are in top condition and are 100% healthy. If you wish and have the facilities to do so this is the best time to wash your goats as it gives them a few days for their natural oils to return to the coat.
The day before the show , trim your goats hooves ensuring they are trimmed flat and there are no sharp edges, trimming their feet ensures your goat can stand comfortably and level giving the best impression to the judge. Feet should be trimmed routinely every 6-8 weeks regardless of showing.
The evening before the show or morning of the show anyone with horned goats usually use a hoof polish on the horns to give them a shiny well presented look this can be quite sticky and strong so be careful to only apply to the horns.
Show Day -
On show day you should pen your goats in the pens provided ensuring they have some hay/grass and fresh water to keep them content and hydrated.
When you arrive you will be provided with your show numbers and a program, ensure you know which number is for which goat and double check when your goats should be out in their classes. It is important that you have the right numbers so results can be recorded on the NIPGC system correctly.
At NIPGC shows goats will be lined up in age order in their classes from youngest to oldest. The judge is provided with nothing more than each goats entry number & DOB.
You must wear a white coat for showing or a white shirt and smart trousers will be accepted.
You must handle your goat with care in the ring and outside the ring, anyone seen to be mishandling any animal will be disqualified. Food/ Treats are not allowed in the ring area due to spillages causing distractions to other goats in the past.
Classes -
Classes available that can be combined depending on entries will include;
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Baby Female—2months to 6 months Junior Female—7 Months to 1 year Yearling Female—1 year to 2 years Adult Female—2 years to 5 years Senior Female— 5 years plus Champion & Reserve Female
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Baby Male—2 months to 6 months Junior Male—7 months to 1 year Yearling Male—1 year to 2 years Adult Male—2 years to 5 years
Senior Male - 5 years plus Champion & Reserve Male
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Dam & Progeny Sire & Progeny Junior Handlers Pet Class
Showing Kids -
All Goats must be registered with the club to show at sanctioned Northern Ireland Pygmy Goat Club shows. This includes kids. Registration forms must be filled in and sent to our registration secretary with all details correct on the form including parents details and Correct Date of Birth.
Placings -
In most circumstances goats will be placed in order from 1st right through to last, the judge will give their reasoning as to why the goats placed where they did. At NIPGC shows rosettes are awarded down to 4th place and prize money to 3rd. At society shows there is always rosettes and prize money from 1st-3rd and occasionally 4th place rosettes.
Once all the class judging is complete the males placing first in their classes will be asked back into the ring the judge will then pick a Male Champion and Male Reserve Champion.
The females placing first will then be asked back into the ring and the judge will pick a Female Champion and a Female Reserve Champion.
If you place please stay in the ring for photos.
Junior Handlers -
Most shows will have a junior handlers class which is judged on the ability of the children to present and handle the goat rather than the actual goat itself, any age, sex or register of goat can be entered in this class.
