Rabbit agility show at Westmoreland Fair hindered by loud music, youth handlers press on
Beating drums and songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” might put pep in a human’s step, but those loud noises have the opposite effect on skittish rabbits.
Spectators found that out the hard way during the Westmoreland Fair’s rabbit agility show, which was hindered by a band practicing its set list yards away.
The rabbit agility show was scheduled to take place in the Excela Health Show Arena at 6:30 p.m., followed by artist Gary Pratt.
However, rabbit show superintendent Michelle Forry said the band was already set up when rabbit show organizers arrived at the arena. Organizers decided it would be best to hold the show in an adjacent pavilion for the safety of the animals, Forry said.
Minutes into the rabbit agility show, the band began rehearsing for its 7:30 p.m. performance. Rabbits are “creatures of prey” that are easily frightened by loud noises, Forry said.
Many rabbits refused to hop over the hurdles, and others needed coaxing from their youth handlers. Forry said several factors in addition to the music — such as the heat and stress of the week — could cause a rabbit not to hop.
Regardless of the circumstances, the seven youth who showed rabbits persisted through the course.
Isabel Calaerac of Unity took home the title of grand champion after her rabbit, Revenge, completed the course in 11 seconds. Calaerac said she was surprised by the win.
“(Revenge) is startled by loud music, so I didn’t think she was going to go,” Calaerac said.
Calaerac has raised rabbits for 10 years and shown them for eight. She hopes to cut her time down during next year’s show.
Forry’s daughter, Sara Forry, also competed in the show. Sara’s rabbit, Lilly, has completed that course in 7 seconds, but it took Lilly over 30 seconds to complete it during the Wednesday show.
Sara, who was crowned the 2022 Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders Association Princess, has shown rabbits at the Westmoreland Fair six times.
She often uses vocal encouragement and snapping to encourage her rabbits to complete the courses.
“I like getting to show them and take care of them,” said Sara of Berlin.
Despite the loud music, many spectators watched the entire show. The rabbits and their handlers elicited “aah”s and cheers from the audience .
Michelle Forry chose to look at the bright side. She appreciated that many people came to watch the show.
“We hope that maybe some people here get into rabbits, even if it’s not for hopping,” she said. “It’s a great hobby to be into.”
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