2025 Montreal ARBA Show

This was the first time for me attending one of the Quebec shows. This was a new show at a new outdoor venue held in L'assomption, near Montreal. I made the trip with Christina and her English Lops. We were so worried about how the rabbits would do with the brutal heat we have been experiencing. Turned out we were worried for nothing and while we were prepared for the heat, we were not prepared for the very cold and very rainy day we ended up experiencing. Nevertheless, the show was a lot of fun. 

I only brought two English Angoras, the two REW girls, Narnia and Mamba. Every one else got full shaves already to help them be more comfortable for the summer.

The show tent full of cold, wet, but happy rabbit people

This was a double ARBA event. Show A was judged by Danny Long from OH. Show B was judged by Christine Toering from AZ and Livia Delattre. Livia is an incredible young woman from QC, and a very accomplished youth breeder. We met a few times at the show table as she used to breed English Angoras. It was Livia who won all 3 Best in Shows with her beautiful English doe at the very first ARBA show I attended. She became a registrar soon after and now was in the process of becoming an ARBA judge. Part of that process includes judging under multiple established judges and that is what Livia was doing at this show. It was such a pleasure to have my angoras evaluated by some one who I know is very experienced in the breed and is very discerning. I was very happy to hear Livia genuinely say that both girls were very nice and to give me an honest opinion on their strengths and weaknesses.

While Narnia was the favorite at our previous shows, she was no longer hanging on to her coat as well as Mamba was holding on to her's. The judges loved both girls but Mamba took the win in both shows because she had the better density all around. Narnia's coat was beginning to open up at the top as bits of her wool floated away every time the blower was on her. 

Narnia trying to get every one's attention

Narnia went on to being picked as the 3rd place animal for Best in Show by judge Danny. While this was not an official ARBA title and the placement was for fun only, it was still an honor.