We caught up with Echo Bartels, the exhibitor the Grand Champion Senior Goat Showman at the 2024 American Royal. Learn a little more about Echo below!
What did you tell yourself before you entered the ring?
When I walked into the ring I told myself to stay confident and do what I know how’ve to do, My mom also said from the sidelines as I walked in “Hammer Down”
Who’s been your biggest influence on your showmanship skills?
Jake P Richardson tweaked on my showmanship all week to make it perfect. At home my mom and myself never settle for less than perfect, she always pushes me to be the best I can be and never fails to provide me opportunities to become better.
Did you show your goat with a chain or a halter? Which do you prefer, and Why?
I show everything on a chain. I feel like I have more control over their heads. And can keep their head neck and front end drove up better and they prance around the ring more confidently on a chain and I can get a more intense look!
Would you rather show a wether or a doe in showmanship? Why?
I always show a wether in showmanship, I feel if you can show a wether like a doe and on a brace you have so much more presence, and I feel like I get a more intense look and a better drive bracing a wether than standing off of a doe.
What did you learn from your win?
This one was pretty special to me, I learned that when you have a good day you need to be thankful for it. Also that I can hang with the best of them and I became more confident in my abilities.
What did you do to celebrate your win?
My mom and I always talk about the things I did well and the things I can work on and how special it was to win showmanship at such a high level. As a team and family we celebrated by continuing to work on goats for the next few shows.
