First Time In The Ring

What do you do after bringing your first show goat home? How do you teach one to walk, brace, and eventually step into the show ring with confidence?

In this episode of First Time in the Ring, we sit down with Avery Holman, a longtime goat showman and showmanship coach from Perryville, Kentucky. Avery walks through the process from the very beginning, letting a new goat settle in, halter breaking, teaching them to walk, learning to brace, correcting bad habits, and preparing for that first show.

They also dive into showmanship: what judges are actually watching, how to properly present your goat, why staying calm matters when things go wrong, and what can separate an average showman from a great one.

Avery closes with advice that goes far beyond the show ring: find your people. Having breeders, coaches, friends, and mentors in your corner can make all the difference when you're learning something new.

Whether you’re bringing home your very first goat or looking for ways to become a stronger showman, this episode is packed with practical advice you can take straight to the barn.

You brought home your show goat… now what?

In this episode of First Time in the Ring, I sit down with Echo Bartels to talk about what happens after you bring a show goat home and how to start preparing for the show ring.

Echo shares what beginners should have ready before their goat arrives, how to help a new goat settle in, getting them comfortable around people, halter breaking, bracing, showmanship, exercise, daily routines, and some of the biggest mistakes she sees new exhibitors make.

We also talk about preparing for your first show and Echo’s biggest piece of advice for new exhibitors: slow down, spend more time in the barn, and enjoy it while you can.

Whether you just brought home your first show goat or you’re getting ready to, this episode will help you know where to start.

Every champion had a first time in the ring.

The best showmen aren't made overnight.

In this episode, Jack Jordan shares what every first-time exhibitor should know—from bringing home your first calf and building trust to halter breaking, hair care, and creating a routine that leads to success.

We also talk about bouncing back from disappointing shows, learning from both wins and losses, and why comparing yourself to everyone else can hold you back.

Whether you're preparing for your very first show or looking to become a better showman, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use every day.

Bringing home your first calf can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

In this episode, Conley Schick shares the simple steps that make the biggest difference, from building trust with your calf and halter breaking to daily care, showmanship practice, and preparing for the show ring. He also talks about overcoming setbacks, staying patient, and why the work you put in at home always matters.

Whether you're getting your very first calf or looking to improve this show season, this episode is full of practical advice you can start using today.

Bringing home a new show pig is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't know what to expect.

In this episode, Brylee Peoples shares practical advice for first-time exhibitors on what to do during those first few days at home. From getting your pig settled into its new environment to creating a routine that sets you up for success, Brylee walks through the basics every beginner should know.

Growing up in the swine industry, Brylee has spent her life around livestock and is now studying Animal Science and Natural Resource Management at Angelo State University. Her passion for the industry and helping others shines through in this conversation.

Whether this is your first show pig or you're looking for a few helpful reminders, this episode is full of simple, practical advice to help you start your project with confidence.

🎙️ Follow First Time in the Ring for more conversations with experienced showmen and livestock industry leaders who are helping the next generation succeed.

Bringing home your first lamb can feel exciting, stressful, and honestly a little overwhelming. In this episode of First Time in the Ring, we sit down with Austin Evans to talk about what first-time showmen should actually do when they bring a lamb home, from feeding and daily routines to handling stress, building good habits, and getting started the right way.

We also talk about common mistakes beginners make, what matters most during those first few weeks, and advice for anyone just starting their showing journey with sheep. Whether you’re showing market lambs or breeding sheep, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel more confident and prepared.

This episode is for anyone who just brought their first show cattle home—whether it’s a steer or a heifer—and isn’t totally sure what to do next.

I’m joined by Hannah McCurry, and we walk through what those first few days and weeks should actually look like, what to focus on, and mistakes beginners make right away.

If you’re new to showing cattle, this will help you feel way more confident starting out.

If you're trying to figure out what animal to start with in 4-H or FFA, this episode is for you.

We break down the most common beginner options—sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle- and talk about what they actually cost, how much time they take, and what’s realistic for first-time showmen.

This isn’t about picking what looks cool, it’s about choosing something that sets you up to learn, grow, and stick with it.

If you're new, overwhelmed, or don’t know where to start… you’re in the right place.Follow along for more beginner tips and real talk about livestock showing.New episodes weekly

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to show livestock… but I have no idea where to start,” this episode is for you.

In this first episode of First Time in the Ring, we’re starting from zero, no experience, no animals, no clue what you’re doing yet (and that’s okay).

I walk you through:

• How to join 4-H and FFA
• The difference between the two
• What shows look like (county, jackpot, and major)
• What beginners usually get wrong
• And how to actually get your foot in the door without feeling behind

Whether you’re a kid wanting to start or a parent trying to figure it out, this is your step-by-step starting point.

You are not behind. You just haven’t started yet.