The Beginner’s Guide to Reading a Judge’s Signals Before They Speak

Judges rarely speak to exhibitors until a class is almost over, but they communicate constantly. Where they walk, where they look and how they use their hands all tell you what they want to see. Learning those signals helps you adjust before you lose points.

Watch where the judge is standing

The judge usually stands at a point from which they can see the whole line. If the judge moves to the side, they want a side view. If the judge walks around behind, they are checking the hindquarters. Adjust your position so the animal is between you and the judge at each stop.

Pay attention to movement patterns

Most judges walk down the line, turn and walk back. Some like to move the whole class in a circle. Watch the first exhibitors and note how the judge responds. If the judge walks toward your animal, that is a sign to be ready, set and calm.

Read the hand signals

Judges often use a simple hand gesture to ask you to move your animal. A wave toward the ring edge may mean walk to the outside. A circling motion means move in a circle. A raised palm can mean stop. If you are unsure, look at what exhibitors ahead of you do and follow.

Eye contact cues

When a judge looks directly at you, they may be waiting for you to respond or pose. A quick look to the side may mean they are comparing animals. Do not stare back. Make polite eye contact, then return your attention to your animal.

What it means when the judge pauses

A pause at your animal is not always a good or bad sign. The judge may be examining a feature, checking a detail or deciding where to place you. Keep showing steadily and do not change what you are doing.

What it means when the judge moves you

Judges sometimes move exhibitors to a different spot in the line. This is a way of sorting the class, and it does not necessarily signal a final placing. Move calmly and set up again quickly.

Signals from the ring steward

Ring stewards also guide you. Listen to their directions about entering, lining up and leaving the ring. Following the steward's cues helps the class run smoothly and shows courtesy.

Common beginner mistakes

• Standing still when the judge asks for movement
• Looking only at your animal and missing hand signals
• Overreacting to a judge's glance or pause
• Moving too slowly when moved to a new position

Practice reading signals

Watch videos of showmanship classes and pay attention to the judge. Notice where the judge stands and how the best showmen respond. At a local show, sit on the rail and study what judges do in the first five minutes.

Final advice

The best signal to follow is simple: stay aware. If you are watching the judge, keeping your animal visible and responding quickly, you will catch most signals without thinking about it.

For related reading, see How Showmanship Is Judged. agriculture.directory lists feed stores, vets and suppliers near you, and for a lighter break from fair prep, farm.fm has Iowa State Fair Livestock Show.