Spectators pack Hunter Arena for hog show
Each year, the hog show at the Coshocton County Fair packs a large crowd into Hunter Arena and this year was no different. The show was held on Oct. 2 and showcased many young people and their skills in handling their hog.
For the first round of classes, the judges were watching how well the exhibitor handled their hog. They wanted the exhibitor to keep the hog moving at an even pace in the center of the ring and they were also looking to see if the young person kept their eyes on the judge. At the end of each class, the judges offered each handler tips on how to improve their skills for next year.
Lane Troyer, 8, was showing a hog for the first time. When asked why he wanted to show hogs, he said, “Because it is fun. I helped my brother last year so I know a lot more than I should for it being my first year.” He got his hog, named Black Bro, in June and has been working hard with him ever since.
“The most important thing is to give him water and feed. And petting him and cleaning his pen. I take him for long walks and sometimes, he runs away from me.” Troyer said he was a little nervous about going into the show ring, but he was excited, too.
This is Alyna Weaver’s fifth year to show hogs. The 17-year-old said she had lots of friends who showed hogs and, since she was always in the hog barn, she decided to show hogs, too. “We like the ham and sausage, too – that’s another reason I show hogs.”
Weaver said the hardest part of showing hogs to her was actually getting the hog into the show ring. “There are so many hogs. If one runs, they all want to go, too.” She said she cleans her hog’s pen the night before the show and gives him a bath, so on show day, all she needs to do is spray him off and make sure all of the sawdust is off of him.
“You have to maintain eye contact with the judge when you are in the ring. I’m not nervous about the show. I’m here to sell my pigs, not for showmanship.”
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