Blake Allen

Growing up, I was fascinated by animals. I remember the long days spent watching Wild Kratts, feeding this fascination. When I was young, I always said that I wanted to be a veterinarian, but as I got older, I thought that it couldn’t be possible and was too high of an expectation.

Once high school came around, the sport I pursued was out of the picture, and I found myself lost. I hit a roadblock and had nothing to do. That is when I remembered this fizzled-out passion for animals and decided to reignite it. I had heard from a friend that I could get my own pig and show it with the school.

I never knew that I would get so wrapped up in something like this, but it successfully incorporated itself into my high school experience. It became an important learning moment in my life, as I was tasked with the responsibility of keeping this hog alive. This experience with one hog grew into me showing four more throughout high school. Included with keeping the pigs alive, I had to train them to be shown. There were many late nights at the barn, attempting to train stubborn pigs to walk perfectly, which was very frustrating at times.

Showing pigs has a very specific technique to it. Showing pigs has been described as kind of like a dance between a showman and their hog. They must move fluidly as one cohesive unit, and every step must be anticipated. All the while, the showman must keep intense eye contact with the judge, barely glancing at the hog to prove this bond.

Overall I have gained valuable skills while showing pigs, as well as having a great time doing so.