Looking Back
- Christine Bailey
- Apr 15, 2015
- 2 min read
So this morning I have spent reflecting on how far I have came in this wonderful hobby of Rabbits, as I am now into 5 years after my re-entry. It amazes me, the progress I have made and the animals I have bred. When I look back five years ago to the first rabbits I bred, these are not rabbits I would keep in my barn today. Not only does this show me how far I have progressed, but how much I have learned over the years!
Granted, I know I still have a long way to go. But to compare what I was producing then, to what I am now...absolutely amazing! What I started with 5 years ago can still be found in my pedigrees today, several generations back. What gives me the most pride, is the fact that most of what I have in my barn today I built.
Looking back to 2012 and the show history, I won 37 class wins, eared 29 legs and granded 4 rabbits. To date I have yet to beat that record. I owe that record to the great Velotta's Wyatt Earp! He is a Fantastic animal now living with a good friend of mine who is starting in building her own quality herd of Mini Lops. My goal for this year will be to beat that record and I am well on my way! With attending 3 events and a total of 8 shows I have already won 11 class wins, earned 11 legs and granded one animal! And the show season for Montana has just begun!
Needless to say hard work does pay off in the long run. However in all fairness I could not have accomplished as much as I have without the support, and mentoring of my friends and fellow Mini loppers! The additions of new stock to improve the faults and then more additions to ensure consistency in litters and strengthen positive traits has also improved drastically compared to what I had and produced in the beginning.
It also amazes me that in past years of breeding and showing I have never made it this far. I gave up, sold out. But in the end the need and desire to have rabbits was too strong. This time around I chose to stay focused, and focused on one main breed, rather than have ten different breeds going at one time. This has worked greatly for me. Being able to advance by learning and educating myself along the way to better improve this fantastic breed.
So my advice to any newbie into the breed....dont give up, dont start over, over and over again. Build on what you have. Learn. Listen to judges, after all you pay for their advice and opinions when you enter shows. Talk with other breeders, work with them, as you are all there for the same common goal, to improve the breed. Keep moving forward. You will get there someday!