Club prepares for annual livestock show

By SONJA SCHANER
Collegian Staff Writer

In 1917, students gathered in the Pavilion Theatre to show livestock at Penn State's first Little International. Patterned after the International Livestock Exposition held in Chicago, the show soon became an annual event for both agricultural and nonagricultural students.

Today, members of the Block and Bridle Club plan for the 78th show, to be held April 8. But it will take place at the Agriculture Arena, not the Pavilion, where actors and stage technicians now gather instead of farm animals.

The purpose of the show is "to promote agriculture to non-ag people," said Jason Ahola, show manager. Ahola (senior-dairy and animal science) said this year at least 80 people will show pigs, horses, sheep and beef heifers. Penn State Block and Bridle Club alumni -- known as "stockmen" -- will show animals such as chickens, lambs and pigs during the lunch break of the show.

The Little International emphasizes hands-on experience working with animals, said Keith Bryan, co-adviser of Block and Bridle and instructor of dairy and animal science. "It does that in a friendly but competitive manner."

Though she is not a member of the Block and Bridle Club, Marel Raub hopes to show a heifer to "diversify herself." Raub (junior-dairy and animal science) thinks it will be "something new and different" and a way to meet new people.

All of the animals being shown are owned by the University. Even though there are a lot of animals, participants may not get to show the type of animal they want, Ahola said.

Bryan said he thinks the main reason students show in the Little International is curiosity. Many people have not had a lot of experience around large animals, he said.

Animals are assigned by drawing numbers. Of all the animals shown, horses are the hardest to be assigned since only 16 are available, Ahola said. For that reason drawings are done in rounds.

To be in the first round of picking, students must attend at least two extra activities. The activities include cattle breakings and the Block and Bridle Club's annual Animal Products Spectacular held at the Nittany Mall. Cattle breakings involve rounding up young beef cattle and training them to wear halters.

During her first three years of college, Brenda Horgan (senior-dairy and animal science) has shown pigs, sheep and horses at the Little International. This year she plans to show a heifer.

"I figure it's my turn," she said. Horgan said she has been involved for so long because the event is fun and she has made many friendships through it.

On Thursday, the drawing for the animal assignments will be held. At the drawing, members know what type of animal they want to show and draw accordingly, said Kristen Hazlett (junior-rehabilitation services education), who is also involved with Little International.

There is still a chance for students to show at the Little International, Ahola said. To receive a show animal students must attend the Thursday drawing meeting held at 7 p.m. in 101 Agricultural Sciences and Industries and turn in a $10 showing fee.

When the University opens after spring break, students showing horses and heifers will be able to go to the barns and begin work with their animals. Students showing sheep and pigs will be able to work with their animals about two weeks before the show.

Working with the animals includes washing, clipping, walking and getting to know the animal. Showers must work with their animals at least half of the available preparation days to qualify to show.

This year will be Floyd Wise's second year showing horses at the Little International. He said he enjoys showing and has been involved with horses since childhood. The dairy and animal science major plans on going into professional horse showing after graduation.

For those students showing who have never been around large animals, there are superintendents who help the students learn showing techniques. The University also takes care of feeding the animals and supplies the showers with equipment needed to work with the animals.