Show Smart

Our Story and Inspiration

Hi, I’m Christina Ward.  I founded Show Smart in 2020 because there was a gap in the credible resources and education available to beginning and intermediate showmen. I knew there had to be a better way to support kids and the coaches that guide them.  

Since I didn’t grow up in a show family, I learned things the hard way. Trial and error, primarily error, until I got into high school, where I made a friend who grew up showing. 

His family and friends took me under their wings and helped me become more proficient at fitting, clipping, and showing. Thus, I was confident to jump in with a comb and clippers just like I am today. They are my friends and my people.

My husband, Frank, had a similar story in that while he was incredibly passionate to learn, his talent only developed with the help of industry leaders. He’s gone on to judge shows all over the country, including the Hereford Expo and Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE).

Ward Cattle Company

For over 25 years, our customer focus has been on kids and families. They’ve experienced much success at jackpots and county fairs in California.

Our boys, Will and Chance, help us operate Ward Cattle Company. We raise club calves and Angus cattle. We’ve been fortunate enough to raise several state fair champions in the West and Midwest. Our own kids have done well at all levels and have been fortunate to learn from some of the best folks in the industry. 

Opportunity for everyone

We realize that not everyone has the opportunity to learn from the fantastic folks that we have, and so we developed a way to bring confidence-building information to anyone who wants to know.

Raising and showing a livestock project is more than learning the “cool stuff.” Everyone wants to learn to fit and clip.  That’s important but not as important as knowing the basics.  

Nutrition, health, and selection are critical components of animal husbandry. A safe and practical facility is essential for the animal and the showman. Notice, I didn’t say fancy.  It doesn’t have to be fancy to work well.

Young people need to know how to study the behavior of the animals in their care, so they know when something is wrong. 

Our boys know that when they check pairs, they need to look at all the feet, ears, and eyes: everyone, every time. If one is lying down while everyone else is grazing, that may indicate a problem. 

We want all interested showmen to have access to the life-learned skills that each of our experts brings to the young people in their lives.

We designed Show Smart for you.  

No matter if you are a student/showman, ag teacher, 4-H leader. We understand that nobody can know everything about all livestock species with the expertise of experienced industry professionals  So, we hired those folks to teach their time-tested knowledge through Show Smart. It's delivered to you conveniently on your phone or computer.