Showing
You've bought your bunny and your thinking, "Now what can I do with it?" Well, other than giving it lots of attention and TLC you can get into showing.
First of all, I'll explain what's involved in showing rabbits. You put your rabbit up on the showtable when his/her class is called, and a judge will compare your rabbit to all the other rabbits in their class. The judge will then place the rabbits (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) according to which rabbits are the best representations of their breed. Each breed has a 'standard' that says what the qualities of that breed are. So this type of showing is similar to showing a dog, except you aren't walking your rabbit around on a leash.
If you don't already have the ARBA Standard of Perfection by now, then I suggest you buy one. Look up your breed and study the pages on your rabbit carefully. It's good to look at other breeds too so you can get an understanding of the differences in breeds. It's good to know what the judge is looking for in your rabbit so you know what to improve or breed to emphasize the next time around such as body type, ears, or wool.
A good way to start out showing is 4-H. Contact the local 4-H leader in your area and ask about joining. Most clubs hold meetings once a month and it's a great time to meet fellow 4-H'ers. I suggest you not only show your bunny in regular classes but also that you enter a showmanship class (which is required in some counties). Showmanship is a class where you are judged on how well you examine your rabbit for health problems, faults, etc. This is a great way to learn about rabbits and all the things you need to look for in one.
If you decide if showing rabbits is really the hobby for you, you can enter other shows outside of 4-H which take place all over the world (of course, you only have to go to the ones in your area if you want). You can find out about these shows and where/when they are taking place from other breeders or the American Rabbit Breeders Association (www.arba.net).
There is no way to lose in shows, it's just a way to understand what is wrong or what qualities are weak in your rabbits so you can breed for rabbits that represent the breed better.
I know how exciting it is to place well in your classes, but show respect for others that didn't do as well. If your the one that's not doing as well then congradulate the winners and hopefully they'll return the kindness.
Get to know your competetors so you not only make friends that you'll be able to learn from and hang out with, but you'll also have someone else to be happy for even when your not doing well. Remember the golden rule: Do onto others as you would want done onto you. If you help a friend with grooming her rabbits when they're next up on the table and don't have time to groom all their rabbits themselves, then the next time your running short on time and you still have three rabbit's nails to trim; they'll return the favor.
Going to a show can be very exhausting. You wake up early in the morning, get the bunnies in the carrier along with their feed, water, grooming supplies and bunny first aid kit, drive to the show that can be in a whole different state, and then once you get there the show may last the whole day. For me, I love doing all of that, but it can be very time consuming and is a lot of hard work. Make sure you are prepared and show your parents you are responsible by having everything ready to go the day before the show. Get a map ready and show them where the show is locatated. Groom your rabbits and trim their nails the day before the show so you aren't rushing around once you get there. Bring lawn chairs and some snacks for you and the bunnies. Don't bring anything sticky or messy in case there isn't a place to wash your hands before you have to take your bunny to the judge. You wouldn't want an orange rabbit to show because you were just eating cheetos.
So if showing is really the thing for you, make sure you read up on your breed, be responsible by preparing for a show, and show your parents that you are greatful for all their help by giving them lots of thank you's and hugs!