They’re having The Time of Their Lives

They’re Having The Time of Their Lives

“Those kids are having the time of their life,” an older gentleman leaning against the rail uttered to no one in particular.

Several of us heard him. Many nodded and a few “mmhhmmed” as we watched kids and their heifers in the show ring. 

Looking around the barn it hit me that his statement was true for a lot of us. A lot of folks in that barn were having the time of their life.

The Kid Who Wins the Banner.
Standing there in the champion drive her heart is pounding.  As the judge approaches her and tips his hat she’s so excited she thinks she’ll burst. Her smile is blinding as she shakes the judge’s hand. 

She’s having the time of her life.

The Kid Without the Banner.
He loves that little heifer. Combing, feeding, and talking to her in the stall. His dad tries to explain that she’s not the best, that they’re here to have fun. The kid gets it. He proudly walks her around the show ring and accepts his not-so-blue ribbon with a grin.

He’s having the time of his life. 

The Parents.
The money other families spend on vacations and extras, they spend on show animals and show equipment. Showing livestock occupies a lot of their time too. The time with family, though, is priceless. Being a part of their show kid’s accomplishments. Seeing their kids grow and understand the importance of agriculture. Laughing with their friends – the other show parents – hanging out, trading stories, helping take care of each other’s brood. 

Those parents are having the time of their lives.

The Judge.
Today it’s his opinion that matters. This is his dream. He almost can’t believe he’s being paid to look at livestock all day long. When he speaks, people listen. It’s him who gets to shake the winner’s hand, tip his hat to the ladies, encourage the kid who just didn’t have it today.

Yeah, he’s having the time of his life.

The Fitter.
He may be employed by someone particular, the show parent, or just there for the day helping. He’s clipping, fitting, gluing, and painting so he’s exactly where he wants to be. The days can be hard, but the good-natured teasing is as plentiful as the refreshments. Getting his picture taken at the backdrop behind that calf he helped put together, 

He’s having the time of his life.

The Breeder.
He takes a lot of gruff for being on his cell phone so much. Sending pictures, checking video views, and answering questions from potential buyers. He also gets to talk to families enjoying success with the animal he raised. Watching that heifer he sold walk in the ring, remembering when she first stood. Seeing his breeder prefix on the pedigree sign hanging above her. Being asked to be in her backdrop picture or does he have anything for sale. 

He’s having the time of his life.

Because It’s Who We Are
Beyond the nerves, the muck, and the occasional bad days. 

Beyond the work, the expense, and the time. 

From the younger sibling splashing in the mud behind the barn. To the grandparents who love watching their grandkids show – but are glad to be out of the daily grind of it all.  And everyone in between.

If the smell of shavings makes you smile. If you’d rather go to a show than anywhere else on earth. If being in the barn makes your heart full. If it’s all worth it. 

Then you know what many of us know… 

The show barn is the best place to have the time of your life.