Five teens from Maple Ridge will be competing for Team B.C. at the Western Canadian Classic dairy show in Moose Jaw, Sask.
Mark Podschadly, 14, his brother Mike, 16, Emily Leo, 16, Kurtis Severinski, 15 and his sister Danica, 17, will be represent Maple Ridge on the provincial team of 28 competitors.
The group was chosen based on how well they did at the local shows including Country Fest at the Albion Fairgrounds.
One hundred young adults between the ages of 12 -to- 21-years, representing the four western provinces will compete in clipping, dairy science quiz, judging, stall competition,showmanship and conformation classes. The show runs Aug. 26 to 31.
It’s a lot of work training the calves, said Danica.
A calf shouldn’t be higher that the shoulder of the person who is showing it.
Calves are tied with their heads up so they get used to holding their head up when they are in competition.
“When you are walking you want to make sure your feet match up with the calf’s step, their front feet so it looks like you are walking as one,” explained Mike.
The calves have to be washed to make sure there are no stains and a month before the show all of the baby hairs have to be clipped off except for the belly hair and the top line.
The morning of the show competitors get up early to wash the calves and to brush up all the hair on their backs so they are standing straight.
Then there are special oils and hairspray used to keep the hair standing up.
There is also a product called Black Magic that is almost like a spray paint.
“So, it’s like you are painting your calf.” said Danica.
Last year, team British Columbia won Premier Province after getting the most overall points.
But it’s not all about the competition, there is a big dance and banquet for the competitors.
Kurtis likes getting to know people from other provinces.
“You become lifetime friends. People have gotten married through that,” he said.
“That is the big joke that everyone goes to WCC and finds their husband or wife,” said Danica, laughing.