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Youth Livestock Show Safety

Showing an animal is a proud moment for a young exhibitor and a busy, crowded one. This guide covers preparing handler and animal and staying safe at the show.

What makes a livestock show risky?

Shows combine large animals, crowds, noise, unfamiliar surroundings and excited children. Even a well-trained animal can be startled by a loud sound or a strange smell. A young handler may be small compared with the animal.

Rules vary by fair, county and breed association, so read the official rules from the show organizer. This site is not affiliated with any fair or organization.

Heat, dust and long days add stress for animals and people. Plan for shade, water and breaks. The National Weather Service posts heat and storm warnings.

How should you prepare the animal?

Work with your veterinarian and your project leader to make sure the animal is healthy, appropriately trained to be handled and suited to the exhibitor's size and experience. Practice leading, standing and moving through crowds at home.

Animals can carry illnesses that affect people, and vice versa. Ask your veterinarian and the show organizer about health requirements and hygiene practices.

Do not give any medication or supplement to an animal without veterinary guidance and check the show's rules. Misuse can harm the animal and lead to disqualification.

• Veterinary checkup before the show
• Handling practice at home
• Health papers as the show requires
• Choosing an animal that suits the handler

How should the young handler be prepared?

Teach the exhibitor to stay calm, keep their feet clear of hooves, and avoid standing between an animal and a fence or wall. They should know how to walk beside the animal and how to ask an adult for help.

Sturdy footwear and clothing suited to the animal are important. Rules about specific gear come from the show's guidelines and your project leader.

Younger children may need a helper at all times. Ask the show organizer about helper rules and the adult-to-child ratio they expect.

What should families do at the show?

Stay close to young exhibitors, and keep young siblings away from animals. Do not allow children to run through barns, climb pens or feed animals without permission. Give everyone a meeting place in case you are separated.

Keep walkways clear, keep dogs on leashes if allowed at all, and ask spectators to keep their distance from animals that are being moved.

Be aware of trailers and vehicles in the loading area. Backing vehicles, loose animals and crowds mix poorly, so keep children close.

• Keep young siblings away from pens
• Agree on a meeting place
• Walk, never run, in barns
• Ask before touching any animal

What about hygiene and illness?

Wash hands with soap and water after touching animals, and avoid eating or drinking in animal areas. The CDC publishes guidance for healthy visits to fairs and animal exhibits.

Tell a doctor you were around animals if you become ill after a show. Show barns are crowded places where small mistakes spread quickly. Keep aisles clear, store feed and equipment out of walkways and keep tack and tools tidy.

Pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk from some animal-borne illness. Ask your health provider for advice before attending.

What if someone gets hurt?

Tell a show official and call 911 for a serious injury. Locate the first aid station when you arrive. Do not try to move a person with a serious injury, and keep animals and bystanders back.

For animal bites or kicks, seek medical care and follow the advice of a health professional. Plan rest for the animal as well. Provide water, shade and breaks so that the animal is calmer, easier to handle and less likely to react suddenly.

Know the show's severe weather plan and where to shelter. If a storm approaches, follow officials' instructions.

How can you make the experience positive?

Remind young exhibitors that the goal is to learn and have fun. Praise careful handling more than ribbons. Teach them to be kind to the animal and to other competitors.

After the show, talk about what went well and what you would change. Safe habits are part of good showmanship.

Thank the volunteers, judges and your leader. Respect for others is part of safety. Teach young exhibitors to speak up if an animal seems unwell, aggressive or stressed. Tell the show veterinarian or an official instead of handling a problem alone.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.