Showing a Lionhead?

[Noahs Ark II]

I'm very new to bunnies. 2 buns were dumped on our property and my hubby and I took them in.... so was completely unprepared but am loving them!


I show horses for a living. One of my clients is bunny breeder and shows/judges, etc. She hasn't been out to see my buns yet, (btw, I have a sable point and a lionhead) but I think that showing a bun could be fun (and showing is already in my blood! haha) I'm hoping she'll stop by after her riding lesson on Thursday to check over my bunny set up and give me some more pointers on being a good bunny parent.

The sable point has a slightly deformed eye - the vet says she may have been injured when she was running ferrel before I found her or it may just be a defect. However, I assume this would disqualify her from showing?

And I was told that Lionheads are more of a pet variety...so does that mean they don't show them? If so, what do you DO to show a rabbit? Do they have to hop in a pattern or jump stuff (sorry, a little horse humor there!)

thanks!!

Just for fun,

Here is a picture of me and one of my horses showing...

 

[pamnock]

Yes, the eye defect would disqualify the rabbit.

Lionheads are very popular (there were over 500 entered at Lionhead Nationals in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend). However, they are not an accepted ARBA breed yet. Permission must be attained from the show secretary of each individual show to be able to exhibit. Here is the Lion standard being used: http://www.lionhead.us/aboutlionheads/LHStd09allCODcolors.html

 

[Noahs Ark II]

Thanks! I may have to check out a show and see what it's all about.... I think I may be overwhelmed with furry cuteness!

 

[elrohwen]

Showing bunnies is like halter shows for horses - it's all about looks and type. The bunnies you rescued probably don't have great show type (just knowing how widely lionhead type can vary) but I'm sure you'll have a blast at the show! And you can always buy a show quality bun while you're there if you're really interested in trying it out.

btw: Your horse is gorgeous! What kind of riding/showing do you do? From the picture I'm going to guess dressage or eventing.

 

[Noahs Ark II]

elrohwen wrote:

btw: Your horse is gorgeous! What kind of riding/showing do you do? From the picture I'm going to guess dressage or eventing.

Thanks! This was a mare I had in for training/sale about 2 years ago. She was a Belgian Warmblood.

I show primarily Dressage, but I work at an Event barn. (Here is our website if you want to check it out www.GreatLakesEqu.com)

 

[elrohwen]

Wow, that is a gorgeous facility! You're so lucky you get to work there.

I rode jumpers for a long time growing up and have been out of it for a few years. I would love to try eventing, but can't seem to find a barn near me that has school horses.

 

[Maddy-Hazel]

I know that with breed specific showing it's just like ca cat show, where they looks for the breed standards and health etc. However, you can do show jumping with rabbits. The breed of the rabbit doesn't meter in that case I think. I've been thinking of training my male to do jumping.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Maddy-Hazel wrote:

However, you can do show jumping with rabbits. The breed of the rabbit doesn't meter in that case I think. I've been thinking of training my male to do jumping.

As far as I know, there are no real rabbit hopping (or agility) competitions in North America. There are a few clubs, but any competitions are withing that club. It seems that most people doing it are doing it by themselves and maybe with a few friends, there are only a few established clubs. I don't know of there is anyone breeding for performance in rabbit hopping in North America.
Rabbit hopping (and agility) is great fun and just about any rabbit can do it. Breed, sex, age and if they are spayed or neutered don't really matter. There are some breeds that should not do it, but most can.
I have a lionhead who does well in agility. As long as your rabbit can see out of the eye and can move around normally, she should be able to do it. Whether or not she will do it is another matter.

 

[Happi Bun]

Lovely picture and gorgeous horse! In the past I showed horses; Western Pleasure, Trail Class and Showmanship. It was a blast but so darn expensive, too expensive which is why I had to stop. I also got burned out by it all. I checked out your web page, amazing set-up!
Good Luck with your new additions and getting into bunny showing. :bunny24