March of the Pygmies (A little late on this post!)

The first weekend in March, Bailey and I snuck away for a day. We have had just about every cold that has gone through this year, so we could not make but one day of the show, but loved getting up there for what we could! We went up early Saturday morning for the March of the Pygmies Pygmy Goat Show near Phoenix. Over the course of the weekend, there were three open shows and a youth show, we attended the two open shows while we were up there.

Bailey only took little Verse (Aqua Patch Across the Universe), and still had plenty of practice helping show other goats and learning about little details of goat conformation from breeders and judges. This is such a great group that gets together and is always willing to share knowledge and teach, discussing the finite details of breeding and scorecards.

With kidding season in full swing for many breeders, I had the wonderful pleasure of cuddling this little one who had been born during hte night. He is a little bottle baby from Ferrin Farms, so I really got to relish the baby fix!

Bailey had a good time with youth showmanship, alongside her friend Joey, and most of these youth have showed together at these shows for some time. Sure missed her friend Abbey, though, they were up for the show on Sunday.

I find that when I am at home chasing animals and cleaning pens, I get great ideas for craft projects. I must not be the only one, because these are some amazing projects from other artisans who are breeders of pygmy goats!

This is my favorite photo of the day, of Bailey with her little buddy Verse. Since Bailey has taken to training an all new showmanship goat each year, it is a huge learning curve for the goat each time, and a lot of work for her.  This little one is learning , and had never been shown before Bailey purchased her last Summer, let alone been used for showmanship. She stresses a lot whenever we leave home, but by the end of the day, she had settled in and rode home well. We will see how they do come county fair time next month!

All the best to you all, hope all the animals are doing well at your place, and if Silver truly is pregnant, we will share all of the photos when the little ones arrive!  Our next project, though, is the remake of the doe barn, so I hope she holds off a little bit longer!