The livestock are being brought to the 4H fairgrounds this evening which begins a week of judging of the various breeds. Just returned from a quick tour and many of the animals had this same look which conveyed, "I wanna go home".
This brings back fond memories of 4-H days in my youth. Great capture of the excitement and nervousness of a hectic week for both livestock and participants! It's the capstone of months of learning. I hope to see more emotional captures of the week.
I haven't heard the word 4H before either, some sort of cattle show or farmers competition perhaps? I am used to seeing cows tied up at shows so this doesn't bother me at all. I think it's the angle you caught them just looking at you. Animals that are mistreated & neglected wouldn't look this healthy & you would want to show your best stock.
The eyes have it. I remember this look so well. It's not so different than kids going to school for the first time. Last week they were probably bedded on fluffy straw, led out by those halters for twice-or -thrice-daily walks to and from the water trough, and all was peaceful. Today they are in a new place. There is movement and noise all around them. To see this picture you wouldn't know that by the end of the week they will be peacefully resting nearly all day long. Probably with some pre-teen laying beside or on top of them. It looks scary now, but they adjust wonderfully. It will be the culmination of an entire year's work that teaches kids responsibility, communicating without words, administration, and how to present themselves and their animal to best effect publicly. Good times! Nice pic, too!
For those unfamiliar with 4-H it is an organization for youth ages 10-18. The motto includes Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. There are a multitude of projects they can choose to study/learn which prepare them for life and these are ultimately judged which is part of the learning experience.........life isn't about always winning, it is knowing you have given your best. I hope everyone will read the above posts of Beth and Jaxxon, obviously former 4-H members. The remainder of this week I will be photographing from the fairgrounds and I hope you will have a better understanding of 4-H and the positive influence it has on youth.
@essiesue I couldn't raise an animal, take it to a fair, and then have it auctioned off for MEAT!!! I get too close to my animals. I'd love to raise a guide dog puppy, but I couldn't bear to give up when the time comes. Those that do that are my heroes.
July 19th, 2016
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For those unfamiliar with 4-H it is an organization for youth ages 10-18. The motto includes Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. There are a multitude of projects they can choose to study/learn which prepare them for life and these are ultimately judged which is part of the learning experience.........life isn't about always winning, it is knowing you have given your best. I hope everyone will read the above posts of Beth and Jaxxon, obviously former 4-H members. The remainder of this week I will be photographing from the fairgrounds and I hope you will have a better understanding of 4-H and the positive influence it has on youth.