A fifth-generation 4-Her from Washington C.H. won the top sheep showmanship prize at this year’s Madison County Fair.
Clayton Gallagher, 15, was named showman of showmen Thursday at the Madison County Jr. Fair Sheep Show.
Gallagher’s mother, Meghann, as well as his grandfather and aunt have also shown lambs at county fairs.
“I like to show them because they’re easy to work with, and it’s fun to do,” said Gallagher, a freshman at Miami Trace High School.
This is the seventh year he has shown a lamb, but the first time he has taken home the big award. Last year, Gallagher scored in the top three, he said.
This year, he felt confident in the show ring front of judge Jeff Ulry.
“I try to make mine more visible, and keep my eye on the judge as much as I can,” Gallagher said. “Eye contact is a big deal.”
He attributed this year’s win to the lamb camp he attended back home in Washington Court House.
As for beginners, Gallagher offered the following words of advice:
“If it’s your first year, come out and have fun,” he said. “You’ll get better.”
Reach Andrea McKinney at 740-852-1616, ext. 1619, and on Twitter @AndeeWrites.
