Hopping To Success

Rabbits are a huge part of my life. They give me thrills, chills, tears, laughter, joy, and oh the list could go on! Four years ago I made a presentation about rabbits. Why? Well I really wanted rabbits! So how else should I ask my parents other than giving them the entire array of what fluffy bunnies would entail. And I guess it worked cause here I am now.

So where did this cuddly fascination begin? I have always wanted livestock, unfortunately the price and upkeep of livestock never wanted me. But at my local youth fair years ago, I discovered a sweet alterative: small livestock! You see rabbits can be kept for a very economical price. Per pound it is cheaper to raise rabbits than goats, sheep, and especially cattle. Rabbits are multi purpose with many uses. They are also small, and easy to handle. Plus we cannot forget about the simple fact that they are as cute as can be! Thus my journey of rabbits began, and grew. The first year I made lots of mistakes; I did not truly understand all the possibilities of the rabbit world. Ask me what a wry tail or a BOB was and I would have stared blankly at you. Lucky for me there were many experienced minds willing to invest in this newbie.

 

In my next few years I began competing in youth contests. I learned, and studied, I worked with judges and breeders who were full of wisdom and integrity. I worked hard! If I do anything I want to give my all. You see, rabbits give me a new passion that I cannot explain, they drive me to do more than I believed would ever be possible. I set goals that seemed impossible. Yet I soon realized they could be. Through competing I learned about listening to others, something I had a poor skill at. You won't learn by sitting in a corner. No, you need to put yourself out there, volunteer, work with people, set out to learn.

"You see what was impossible for me was simply

easy for my GREAT God."

I met other youth who shared my passion - youth from other states and even other countries. I met and assisted officers and directors from the ARBA, the national rabbit organization. And all the while one goal lingered in my mind. Though those years I met many goals. I won the Texas Rabbit Breeders Association State Royalty Queen for three consecutive years. I earned many top three placings in Showmanship, Breed ID, Judging, and Tests. I even did well with my animals winning several Best in shows and sweepstakes contests. And yet one thing always seemed impossible. To win The National Queen title for the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Each year around 60 senior girls compete. Senior girls who have been showing for many more years than I. Girls who were almost judges, girls who had far more experience . But I seemed to forget one thing. You see what was impossible for me was simply easy for my GREAT God.

As I approached my senior year I faced my final chance to compete at nationals and worked harder than ever before. Every second would matter, every piece of information could be relevant. I remember constantly praying, because the strength I needed was not in my books, or friends. It was not even in myself. I came across this verse on the trip to nationals in Oregon.  

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

I memorized and studied it time and time again. When I headed into the contests I would remember that I  was not in control. I was stressed and worried. All the preparation I had done did not bring me comfort. It was out of my hands. So I placed my trust in the one who has overcome, because all things work for His glory and purpose. I just asked to help others, be His light, to show compassion and love. And suddenly there was peace. I could not explain it, but I had peace amongst all this stress and chaos. Over and over, I asked just let the one who can do Your greatest work win, if I am not going to make the greatest impact for Your plan then remove me from winning. Finally the awards banquet came. I had the peace that I needed, I had prepared myself to not even place. I had done the best that I possibly could, and I felt deep down that I wasn't going to win. They announced the contests, each category came. Names were read and there was modest applause, but you could feel the growing anticipation for the main event; Royalty!

I won several contests, and felt satisfied, at least I had done well at something. But I hadn't placed individually at judging or breed ID. I knew my chances were slim. I said a prayer of thanks for what I had won and the opportunity to compete and even be there. "Just let the one who truly deserves it and can make the greatest impact for you win." And then at last, the Queen Division. 4th runner up, 3rd runner up, and 2nd runner up. If I didn't get one of those it wasn't going to happen. And then the announcer read, 1st runner up..........Victoria Buckner. What! How was this possible! I held back many emotions as I walked to the stage, a huge smile crossed my face. Swiftly I congratulated all those on stage with me, and the girl who won queen. As I rushed back to our table I burst into tears - tears of joy. I did not deserve to win, and yet God had moved much and granted me with something that I had viewed impossible. Never doubt what God can do! I will always remember this amazing experience. And give God His rightful glory!

Yes, I really cried! I was kinda in shock!

But now I have graduated and can no longer compete. And that won't stop me! I want to help others as much as possible.  I will soon start to pursue my Registar and Judging License, and I cannot wait to use the new opportunities to teach and learn.  I want others, especially youth, to find the same love and passion for rabbits that I have.  So  I hope you will too!

So if you are competing in any upcoming rabbit shows, especially in the youth contests here is my advice:
 

• Study, Study, Study, and then Study some more.

Wait? Am I saying you have to work to do well? YES! Those who are winning aren't reading a couple of chapters a week, they are reading a few chapters a day. I studied until I had read every possible piece of information, and then I would read it again. Do drills with friends, make games to practice, make lists comparing point systems, do whatever you need to learn the material. Not only will it prepare you for the contests it will also improve your rabbit career and experience in general.


• Gain Experience.

I know this is probably easier said than done. But trust me, after a few years you will know lots! When the breed ID is different and you became complacent, or the time you learned to work with one judge over another. Experience will come in its own time. But until then learn from the experienced. Work with a mentor, find who is winning and mirror them. Find those who are working with integrity, find those who are high up in the rabbit world, those who are respected. But be careful - those who are experienced aren't always those who are wise.
 

• Come Dressed For The Part.

You need to be dressed appropriately! Be prepared to handle animals. Be ready to be on your feet for a while. If you are doing an interview or showmanship come dressed in a nice long sleeve button up, and/or bring a clean show coat. Your hair should be neat, girls should have it pulled back or out of the way. Also remember diamonds are not a girls best friend with rabbits! Dangly earring, necklaces, and bracelets will cause trouble! How do I know this? Lets just say you only let your rabbit get stuck in your necklace once.
 

• Thank the Volunteers!

Hours and Hours go into preparing these contests. Questions must be prepared, tests printed out, animals gathered, etc. The organizers invest lots of their personal time and resources on a voluntary basis. Being part of the process this year I only saw a slim portion of what goes into preparing. So PLEASE remember to be respectful. Yes, mistakes will be made. Human errors will happen! But don't complain about them!  Nobody wants to hear you gripe about having to wait in line, or about petty things, especially the volunteers! Be sure to thank the volunteers. Give them a smile and let them know how much you appreciate them.
 

• Be Patient and Courteous!

There is always a younger participant or someone who has never competed before. So be a good sport! Help them out. Show them how things go. I love hearing other youth share advice and tips. It really encourages the growth of them as they learn, but also helps the entire project grow as a whole. But it really destroys me to see the opposite. When others are deceptive, attempt to cheat, or tear others down through their words or actions. Remember you were in their shoes once. Wouldn't you have wanted someone to help out? Here is the idea we should stick with - always act like you are worthy of the Breeder of the Year Award.
 

• Be a Good Sport.     

You cannot always win. Does that mean you should give up? NO! Does that mean you should be inspired and work harder? Most certainly! Trust me when I say this, I mean REALLY, I have lots of experience with losing. Sometimes we need to graciously accept the 2nd or 3rd place ribbon. There were times when that last place gave me an extra push to work harder. And by the time the next contest came around I was better prepared and took the blue! When you do lose (yes I did say when) congratulate the winners, they, just like you, have worked really hard. You never know you could have been 1 point away from first. I feel a lot happier to lose to someone I know has worked hard, helps others, and is truly worthy of 1st. That being said when you do win, be a good winner. 1st is not an excuse for arrogance or being a know it all. I know I personally need to work on this! Congratulate those who placed below you or didn't at all. Encourage them, offer them help. Prove yourself worthy of first! Either way be a good sport, it will make the experience for you and others much more enriched.

• And Lastly, HAVE FUN!

At the end of the day what generally remains is the memories. So make them memorable! I have gained many friends and mentors from show and competing with rabbits. The important thing is to learn from your experience and gain something. So just do your best and have fun!

 



Olympic, Jack, and Ismay, just a few of my sweet bunnies.



Hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know some of your fun experiences competing. Or any advice and tips you may have. Leave them in the comments!!!