Whatsonatwestside

Westside runs many different competitions in addition to the "fancy" judging, as already stated elsewhere. Now let's take a look at what these competitions are all about.

We have "The Top Show Cavy Of The Year Award". This is a qualifying event. It is aimed for the "fancy" section where purebred cavies compete for their championship and grand championship awards. If a cavy wins a group award such as Best Adult, Best 5-8 Months, Best 3-5 months, Reserve In Show or Best Exhibit In Show this gives the exhibit one quailifying point. This point is registered with our show secretary. To qualify to compete for the honours, a cavy must win a minimum of "four" points. At the elected day of each year, the prestigious event for qualified cavies will be run. On this day, the Top Show Cavy will be awarded. This is the supreme honour.

We also run the "Top Show Cavy Handler" of the year award. Once again this is a qualifying competition. Every second month at Westside it is a quailfying heat. The other months are practice competitions. In this competition, the exhibitor is judged on his/her handling of the exhibit, not the exhibit. Professionalism, expert handling, and code of conduct, amongst other things, are judged. The competition is open to both juniors and seniors. At the end of the year at a pre-allocated date, the qualified winners will compete for the honour of "Top Handler."

Pet/Condition classes are run at every show. In these competitions the cavy exhibited is not being judged according to the Show Standard, but rather is being judged for it's overall perfect condition and presentation. There are prizes to be won at this level too, but these cavies cannot compete in the fancy section nor attain any "fancy" awards. This section is open to all, juniors and seniors alike.

Another competition exclusively for the junior members is for the award of Best Junior Exhibitor of the year. This is to enable junior exhibitors to compete against other junior exhibitors only. It is their option, but if they choose so, they may compete in the overall fancy section instead. The choice is their own.

Best Exhibitor over all is awarded through an aggregate point system all during the year. Points are allocated by the number of wins you receive within your breed level and over all awards. Therefore the more cavies you show, the more often you show, you are automatically in the running for this award and also Best of whatever breed or breeds you exhibited successfully for the longest period. For example, you may not win the ultimate Best Exhibitor overall, but you may win Best English Self Buff Exhibitor, if you have been showing that breed successfully.

Best Breeder Exhibitor Overall award is won by entering cavies you have bred yourself in the Breeder/Exhibitor classes. Over the year points are allocated for the number of wins you receive in these classes.

Westside also conducts shows at Agricultural Shows. These shows are conducted the same way as other shows, only we have maximum public exposure. This enables other members of the public to know all about our club and our aims to promote the Purebred Cavy Fancy.

As well as all these competitions, Westside Cavy Society also runs monthly lectures on cavy breeds. Our aspiring judges as well as exhibitors benefit greatly from the expert interpretation of the breed standards. The lecturers exhibit good and bad show specimens to show you exactly what the standard calls for.

We also conduct information lectures which pertain to maintenance, breeding, grooming, genetics, and cavy problems. This is where everyone can ask questions and get answers.

New members are supplied with a Westside Cavy Society starting kit. This kit has lots of valuable information. It is available free of charge for prospective new members upon payment of membership. Our membership prices have already been stated on the previous page.

If you live too far to attend our shows but would still like to receive our monthly newsletter, which is full of interesting information, show results, upcoming events, etc. We have a newsletter subscription for only $15.00 per year. Very reasonable payment for quite a nice size newsletter.

Our experienced breeders/exhibitors/members of Westside make themselves freely available for questions pertaining to cavies and our shows. If they do not have the answer you need, they will point you in the right direction.

Members of Westside are treated as very important individuals. Our club policy is to inform our members of all decisions and their input on issues is always welcome. This is our hobby, our club, and as a member you are made very much a part of it.

You are welcome to apply for more information, a membership form, or a newsletter subscription simply by e-mailing us. We would be very happy to hear from you! E-mail: cupidtown@optusnet.com.au