Public Relations & Media
More than the Purple Ribbon
By Mallory Blunier , NALF director of PR & media
Excitement or disappointment ... No matter how hard I tried and prepped my animals , sometimes the outcome was not what I wanted .
I remember one show , my senior year , I made it to a champion drive and didn ’ t even end up placing in the top five . I walked out of the ring feeling pretty disappointed but despite my disappointment , my family was right outside of the ring telling me how proud they were of me . Whether I won or lost , my parents were always beside me telling me I did a great job because showing is not about the purple ribbon .
Stock show parents have the hardest job . They have to place that smile on their faces when you come out of the ring getting last place in the class . They have to support you financially because showing is an expensive hobby that starts when you learn to walk . They are with you through the grey ribbons and the purple ribbons . I admire my parents for all that they did for me , not so I could just “ show ,” but so that I could learn important life lessons through showing .
My years in the show ring did not teach me to win , they taught me leadership skills , hard work , and that life is not about “ being the best ,” but about being a better person through the good and the bad .
As I sat and watched the Limousin Junior Nationals , I was taken back to my show days . I remember what I was taught and loved seeing so many young people work hard to present some of the best Limousin cattle I have seen in the show ring . I saw families come together and make some great memories that week . Remember , the memories and life lessons made are worth far more than that banner you were all hoping for .
It was my honor to document all these accomplishments and memories . If you would like any specific photo or writeup , contact me . The North American Limousin Foundation also offers free ad design , so don ’ t forget to show off your favorite juniors and cattle ! I
30 | SEPTEMBER 2018