Audrey Pask wins small animal grand master showman for 3rd time

Photos by Tom Rivers: Audrey Pask of Barre won the small animal grand master showman competition today which featured the top two showmen for dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature horses. Pask also won the title in 2018 and 2021.

KNOWLESVILLE – Audrey Pask made it three times as small animal grand master showman. She won the competition today that featured the top two showmen for dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature horses.

Lydia Hofmann, 18, of Albion was the reserve grand master.

Pask, 17, of Barre also won last year and in 2018. She has now made it to the small animal grand master competition five times. She qualified after winning the showmanship title for chickens. Pask also competed in the large animal grand master competition on Friday. Meganne Moore of Albion also competed in both of the grand master competitions.

The small animal grand master showmen participants include front, from left: Evelyn Paratore, 10, of Corfu and Marissa Young, 10, of Kendall. Back row: Lydia Hofmann, 18, of Albion; Carissa Klossner, 14, of Holley; Sadie Gregoire, 15, of Murray; Kailee Anstey, 13, of Albion; Meganne Moore, 16, of Albion; and Audrey Pask, 17, of Barre.

Pask said the small animal event is very knowledge focused with all kinds of facts to know about the animals, including feather conditions for chickens, bone density for rabbits and how to do health checks for diseases and other threatening conditions.

“It’s less physically taxing, but it requires more studying,” she said about the small animals, compared to the larger livestock. “I like that it’s a challenge. There are nuances to every species. It’s all about having fun and asking questions.”

With the dogs and miniature horses, the 4-Hers need to lead the animals in patterns, and presenting their confirmations or standards for the breed.

Pask said the 4-Hers that show in the other species share knowledge to help the grand master participants be ready for the competition.

Lydia Hofmann of Albion shows a dog in front of judge David Armer during today’s small animal grand master showmen competition. Armer is an alumnus of the Orleans County 4-H program.

Lydia Hofmann qualified as the master showman for dogs. She was in the grand master event last year. She felt more confident and better prepared this time.

“The first time it was very intimidating,” she said. “But it has been my goal to be in the grand master competition. It is an absolute honor.”