Best In Show

#35 Your First Show (or 50th)

Showing rabbits or cavies for the first time can seem overwhelming.  How do you find out about shows in your area?  Which of your animals do you enter?  What do you pack for the show?  Who can you ask for help once you’re at the show?  In this episode, Briony and Allen share helpful tips from you, our listeners, to answer some of the common questions new breeders face at ARBA shows.  Whether showing is new to you, or whether you’re a longtime ARBA rabbit and cavy show guru, there’s something to learn in this episode!  

#34 Malaysia visits the USA with Beh and Yo

The ARBA spans geographical borders beyond North America.  Some of the first rabbit breeders on this frontier were Beh and Yo from Malaysia, who, in 2006, imported some of the first ARBA rabbits to their country.  They recently visited the USA for three weeks while Beh finished his requirements to fulfill his ARBA judge license.  Learn how the ARBA first came to this part of the world, as well as their first-hand accounts of visiting ARBA shows for the first time in the USA.  Also in this episode, a look back at 2006, and Briony's crash course in Malaysian royalty.

#33 ”Shake and Show,” with Linda Hibbert

Mentorship is a defining feature of the fancy.  2019 ARBA Convention Best in Show winner Linda Hibbert talks about her journey from mentee to mentor as she and a special broken American Fuzzy Lop doe danced to the ultimate award.  Shortly after this show, Linda and her fellow breeders in Colorado faced lengthy shutdowns due to Covid and RHD.  Always one to embrace a challenge, Linda persevered and along with a new club, inspired others to do the same.  Also in this episode: a history of ARBA Cavy BIS winners and research on social behavior in wild rabbits.

#32 ”I Taste My Own Feed!” with Deb Morrison

For nearly forty years, Deb Morrison has been a force in the south central United States as a show secretary, distinguished Master Breeder, and ARBA District Director.  Her Palomino passion, relationships with feed companies, and mentorship by the great Fibber McGeehee shaped her as one of the most heartfelt advocates for the show rabbit and cavy industry.  Also in this episode, a look back at 1988 when the ARBA recognized four new breeds!  Can you guess which they are?

#31 - Introducing Season 2!

Briony and Allen kick off Season 2 by catching up since the 2021 ARBA Convention, including the 411 on a new advent to the process of accepting new varieties by the ARBA Standards Committee, and some fun trivia about ARBA Convention Best In Show winners from the last 50 years.  They each share their "bucket list" of upcoming podcasts guests, as well.  Don't forget to follow The Rabbitry on Facebook for links to past and current podcast episodes!  

#30 RHDV2 Vaccine Developer, MedGene Labs

Briony and Allen speak to representatives from MedGene Labs of South Dakota, including Ashley Peterson, a senior scientist and Dr. Amanda Jones, a veterinarian and rabbit breeder.  MedGene Labs is the developer of the first U.S. manufactured vaccine to protect rabbits against RHDV2.  Both Ashley and Dr. Jones will also be present at the 2021 ARBA Convention in Louisville, and be giving a symposium at Rabbitcon on the developments of the MedGene RHDV2 vaccine.

#29 Chris Zemny, from Holland Lop Icon to Kicking Cancer

Chris Zemny has been an ARBA member for nearly 40 years, and paved the way for women in the rabbit industry.  She has traveled extensively around the United States and been invited to judge countless ARBA Conventions, breed national shows, and inaugural ARBA shows in Asia.  In 2010, Chris earned an ARBA Distinguished Service Award, and in 2016 was awarded an ARBA Lifetime Judge License.  Also in this episode, Briony and Allen go back in time to 1984, and compare earlier ARBA breed standards to those we know and love today, including the Blue Vienna which was later dropped from the ARBA Standard of Perfection.

#28 Eric Stewart: Career by Passion with the ARBA Executive Director

There are many faces which comprise the ARBA which we all know and love, but few come close to the daily work of our Executive Director.  While showing rabbits and cavies are linked to our weekends, Eric Stewart’s full-time job is in serving the ARBA, every day of the week.  In this episode, Allen visits the ARBA’s new home in Knox, Pennsylvania, and sits down with Eric on a busy Tuesday.  Eric shares memories of his early start, as well as his heartfelt transition from a childhood hobby to a lifetime career.  Also in this episode, Briony and Allen discuss the upcoming ARBA Convention in Louisville, including the development of new breeds and varieties under review by the ARBA Standards Committee. 

#27 Convention Countdown! 2021 ARBA Convention Details and Updates

It's been a long wait, but the final weeks before the 2021 ARBA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky are upon us!  Briony and Allen share some ARBA Convention trivia, facts and updates from the 2021 Louisville team, as well as volunteer opportunities which we all can take part in.  Also in this episode, a special tribute to remember the late Stephanie Karinen Deatherage.

#26 Beginner‘s Guide to Attending the ARBA Convention

Whether you're attending your first or 40th, the ARBA Convention is the most anticipated event for all rabbit and cavy breeders.  With that said, there's a lot to prepare for, and discover as you walk through the doors.  In this episode, Briony and Allen share their tips from many past convention experiences, as well as insight from audience members.  From cups and coops to dollar store dustpan deals, it's all here in this episode to make your next ARBA Convention a memorable one!