Block and Bridle: Little International 2018

Each year Penn State’s Block and Bridle club puts together an event called Little International. I had heard of the event but wasn’t entirely sure what it was. When my animal science professor explained that it was a livestock show put on by Penn State students, my eyes lit up. 

You see, I have raised market lambs for my SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) projects since my sophomore year of high school. I fell in love with the show culture and fell even more in love with market lambs. However, no one in my family has ever raised livestock before, therefore, it was a learning process to figure out all of the ins and outs of choosing, purchasing, raising, and showing market lambs. 

This past year, was my final year of being eligible to show market lambs at the local fair due to aging out at the age of 21. I was extremely upset to say goodbye to the show ring and wished that I had began showing sooner. 

Anyway, so when I heard that I could get one last hoorah in the show ring by being involved with the Little International competition, I jumped on the opportunity full force.

Practices began the week after spring break, which meant that we had one month to work with the lambs and get them show ready. Practices were Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Let’s be honest, who wants to be in state college at 6:00 on a Friday evening?

As the weeks went on, I found myself learning new things about showing and about myself. I learned how much I truly love showing market animals and how much I love teaching other people about market animals. I’m by no mean an expert in the sheep industry but I do try my best to learn and grow with beginner showman. 

The week of the show had quickly approached and the show jitters had begun. Monday afternoon, we put the lambs on the stands and worked with their legs, cleaned up the uneven wool, cleaned out the ears, and made the lambs look their best.

Saturday, April 14^th. The day of the show had finally arrived. Typically, on show days, I am a little bit nervous, but once I get into the barn, the nerves calm down. However, this show day I was particularly nervous. I got into the holding barns and was automatically in “the zone.” I got my lamb ready and was avoiding any and all contact with anyone around me. It was show time. Time to show the students at Penn State what a non-traditional ag kid was capable of doing.

The day ended placing third in fitting and fourth in showmanship. Not bad for the rookie. Following the Little International show, was the banquet. It was such an awesome experience to see everyone going from boots and jeans to dresses and heels. 

Overall, I am so thankful to have had this opportunity and look forward to supporting the rest of the students who choose to participate in the show!

Until next time! 

KRS