More than 100 rabbits compete at festival show on Saturday

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

What would Rabbit Fest be without a Rabbit Show? 
The Hares and Hounds 4-H Club brought back the rabbit show for its fourth annual year.
Approximately 130 rabbits, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors competed in Saturday’s competition. 
There are 49 approved breeds of rabbits, and approximately 15 were represented Saturday from Mini Lops and Netherland Dwarfs to the long-haired Lionhead and more. 
Each of the rabbits was able to compete in two shows, one judged by Michael Franke and the other judged by Jennifer Schmipf. 
Participants could compete for Best in Show as well as Rabbit Hopping, Showmanship, Breed ID, and Best-Dressed Rabbit.
Beijing, a Netherland Dwarf owned by Kristen Baker of Killeen, was awarded Best in Show A by Jennifer Schmipf. 
Frisk, a Mini Rex owned by Matthew Petty of Copperas Cove, was awarded Best in Show B by Michael Franke.
“Most of what I’m looking for them to improve is stuff that has to do with breeding,” said Franke, who gave advice to participants on how each rabbit could improve and where they were doing well. “All of the animals so far have been well taken care of. What I’m trying to give them is to point them in the right direction to breed better generations moving forward.”
Rabbits were judged on a variety of things, which varied from species to species, including hair color, body and face shape, weight, and more. The judges at Saturday’s event were very child friendly and had experience working with younger competitors. 
There were no disqualifications, although judges informed competitors about what would cause disqualification at a higher-level competition.
“Rabbits are great if you can’t afford larger livestock or if you don’t have room. You can have a rabbit if you live in town, and you can take part in livestock shows,” said Sue Dorn, manager of Hares and Hounds. 
Dorn said that rabbits are great pets with different personalities. 
“[Children] learn how to care for an animal,” said Dorn. “For my kids, it’s really brought them out of their shyness. They don’t really like to talk to people, but they will talk to you about rabbits, and they teach other kids about them.”
“It’s a lot of fun. Rabbit people are the best people. There’s a lot of community,” said Jessica Dorn, Sue Dorn’s daughter. “There’s a lot of people that will help you and encourage you to get started.”
Jessica Dorn was one of those who participated in the rabbit hopping event wherein rabbits raced to hop over a series of hurdles of varying height without knocking over the hurdles.
“If you find a rabbit that wants to do [hurdles], it’s super easy,” said Jessica Dorn after her rabbit, Paris, completed the hurdles. “She’s super excitable and super high energy. It only took about five minutes before she got the concept. She’s able to jump really high. Not every rabbit wants to do it, though.”
Many groomed, primped, or played with their rabbits while waiting for their turns. Others chatted with their fellow competitors, making new friends and maybe learning a few things along the way.
“I like the people and the show environment. You meet a lot of people,” said Dakotah Armstrong who entered Dodo, her 1½ year old Lionhead. “It’s a good learning experience, and it gets you out of the house and doing something.”
Those interested in joining the club or learning more can do so at a future meeting. Hares meets every 2nd Thursday and Hounds meets every 4th Thursday from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at the Abiding Savior Church in South Killeen.