Giving their all

PNT staff writer

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Children from 9 to 18 showed mixed expressions of nervousness, excitement, and anxiety during the 2013 Roosevelt County Market Goat Show.

Some of the goats looked as nervous as their owners, but all went well as Raeona Sanders, 17, and Kynzi Crieghton, 15, repeated as Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion respectively in the Goat Show.

link Eric Norwood Jr.: Portales News-Tribune

Jesus Trujillo, one of the Market Goat Show judges, tests the muscles of Candice Varnell’s goat at the Roosevelt County Fair.

“I put my all into it,” said Sanders moments after her victory. “And it paid off.”

Creighton and Sanders have quite a history competing against one another. Three out of the past four years, the pair have finished in the top two spots. The two hugged after the winners were announced.

“I enjoy winning but I mostly enjoy just being my with my goats,” said Creighton.

First year feeder and county bred judge Jesus Trujillo of Hagerman explained his judging process.

“This is just like a muscle man contest with a beauty pageant combination,” said Trujillo. “You’re looking for a lot of muscle, but you also want a pretty goat.”

Trujillo’s experience comes from teaching agriculture in Hagerman for 15 years, as well as competing himself as a child.

The entrants entered the show ring with their goats, and walked in a circle to exhibit their handling. Afterwards, all competitors lined up with their goats and made them flex by lifting their front legs off the ground so the hind muscles were visible. On a few occasions, Trujillo and Market Goat Show judge Robert Scott of Wolfforth, Texas would have two particular goats pose side by side to compare them.

Alyssa McAllister, 11, took home the Grand Champion County Bred Goat with her goat Truffles.

“I’m excited; I wasn’t expecting that at all,” said McAllister as she petted Truffles. “It took a lot of hard work after school days.”

Sanders said she is off to compete in Albuquerque at the State Fair. She has one year of eligibility left to compete, but says she probably won’t compete next year.

link Eric Norwood Jr.: Portales News-Tribune

Hannah Stacy, 12, marches her goat around the show ring during the 2013 Roosevelt County Fair Market Goat Show.

“I want to go out with a bang,” she said with a laugh.