In the bustling city of Louisville, Kentucky, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) hosted its monumental 100th annual convention and show from October 7-11, attracting rabbit breeders from every corner of the country. Among the competitors were two dedicated residents from Libby, Montana, adding their names to the storied history of this century-old event.
The dynamic duo of seventeen-year-old Jason Quintanilla and his mother, Shanelle Hogan, entered the world of rabbit breeding eight years ago, inspired by the Oedekovan family of Kalispell. Introduced to the intricacies of rabbit breeding by their friends, the journey eventually led them to the grand stage of the ARBA convention.
For Quintanilla and Hogan, this marked their debut at the convention, an event that draws breeders nationwide. Their entry, a four-month-old Mini Rex named May, took center stage as Hogan decided to showcase the rabbit after initially committing to taking her friend’s rabbit to the competition. May, one of the two rabbits entered by Quintanilla and Hogan out of a pool of 33, impressively secured the fifth position in the highly competitive Mini Rex junior doe class.
Quintanilla expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “A ranking at the national level means you have one of the highest quality show rabbits for the breed.” Despite the absence of cash prizes for top placements, the recognition, ribbons, and prestige contribute to elevating the reputation of the rabbits.
The ARBA convention featured nearly 25,000 rabbits and close to 7,000 competitors, showcasing the magnitude of the event. In May’s category, Mini Rex youth, 469 rabbits vied for recognition, judged by a panel of 125 experts evaluating various aspects of the rabbits.
The competition employed a meticulous point system, scrutinizing each body part of the rabbit, with a maximum score of 100 points. Quintanilla explained the detailed scoring, noting that factors like fur density and softness carried significant weight.
Beyond the thrill of competition, a notable outcome for breeders like Quintanilla and Hogan is the impact on the market value of their rabbits. Placing in the top five allows breeders to command a higher price, potentially raising it by $50. Achieving a top-three placement can elevate prices by approximately $100, while a first-place finish can significantly increase the value by up to $150.
As Quintanilla reflects on the experience, he expressed a willingness to participate in future competitions, provided they are geographically more accessible. The ARBA convention not only serves as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of passion, dedication, and the fascinating world of rabbit breeding that continues to captivate enthusiasts across the nation.
