What should a showman do to maintain the cow's attention during a show?

Using gentle body language and making eye contact with the cow is crucial for maintaining its attention during a show. Cows are highly attuned to their handlers' movements and energy. By demonstrating calmness and confidence through gentle gestures, a showman can create a more trusting and engaging atmosphere for the animal.

Additionally, consistent eye contact reassures the cow and helps it focus on the handler rather than potential distractions in the environment. This connection between the showman and the animal is instrumental in showcasing proper control and presentation, which is essential in showmanship.

Other methods, like offering food frequently, can be distracting or lead to dependency on treats for attention. Constant loud noises might scare the cow, leading it to become anxious or difficult to handle. Keeping the cow tied at all times could limit the showman’s ability to showcase its movement and behavior effectively. All of these factors together highlight why employing gentle body language and eye contact is the most effective approach.