The "BUCKLE"

The "Buckle"

Hello everyone! Welcome to summer 2013! 

Lately, when we ask show kids what their goals are for their county fair, hardware is brought up like they were trying to build a barn. The chase for the "Buckle" is definitely in fashion this summer. 

But we honestly feel kids have the wrong understanding of what it takes to wear such an amazing garment. 

The "Buckle" is not merely earned by believing you deserve it. But through countless hours spent training, building up stamina, proper feeding, showmanship practice,  & sheer consistency with all the above, plus more. 

To break it down for you, our definition of more: Spending more time than you have done before, more time than your closest competition, and spending more time flat out working on improving yourself and your animals on the daily. 

The difference between winning a buckle and not winning a buckle, for example:

Showman A: 

Feeding time

They feed all their animals at the same exact time everyday. and they watch them finish all their feed, and record any differences.  And, if there are any difference reacting immediately to improve the situation. They clean water buckets daily to ensure animals always have clean water to drink, and to monitor that they are properly hydrated.

Showman B: 

Feeding time

Feeds at a different time everyday, measures out feed very quickly, puts feed in feeder, turns around and walks away.  Maybe cleans water every other day, and doesn't pay attention to daily intake.

Showman A: 

Training Time

Works each one of their animals every day, at the same time everyday, with a personal game plan for each animal-- to fit their personal needs. 

Showman B: 

Training Time

Works their animals maybe every other day. With the intention to do it the quickest and easiest way possible, to just get it done.  They train all animals the same, with no realization of their differences and personal needs. 

Showman A: 

Self Improvement

Spends time daily researching ways on how they can better their project and themselves as stockmen. Takes time to research experts in the field, and studying how they became successful. By learning, they make changes to grow and improve. You can find this person in their spare time: reading Pacific Showcase or any other livestock publication, a self help book, watching helpful YouTube videos, researching show results and observing champion photos, and what steps those people took to win.

Showman B: 

Self Improvement

Doesn't spend time in this area. 

I'm sure you can tell which showman is going to win the "Buckle."

Bottom line, when it comes down to winning a buckle, there is only one winner. 

Winning the buckle, is about "doing what it takes, until it takes everything you are." 

Through hard work, dedication, consistency, passion, purpose, and a sheer understanding of what it really takes to become a champion. If you need more understanding of what we mean by this, check out our blogs on John R. Wooden's Pyramid of Success, any successful athletes, or even better a champion showman that has won a few times. 

Yes, you will see kids who have "someone else" do the work for them. In all reality what did that child really win and receive from that experience? Please ask yourself that question. 

 

 If you follow Earn Purple, you know we are not about that type of winning either. 

Winning a buckle is so much more than a fashion statement, or so you can boost yourself socially. Winning a belt buckle means you took the time, and made the sacrifices, put in the hard work, and the extra effort to become the best showman/animal team as possible at the time. 

Doing this will ensure you have the tools and work ethic, to accomplish your future goals and dreams.  

W ork

H ard

E arn 

 P urple

   With Love,

Whitney & Jordan 

Earn Purple