Behind the scenes with some of the Houston rodeo’s smallest competitors: the guinea pigs

When you think of the rodeo, you probably think of longhorns, calf scrambles, mutton busting and massive concerts. But amid the sprawling, impossible-to-see-everything scale of Houston’s rodeo, one event often gets overlooked: the Youth Cavy Show.

Cavy is the name breeders use for the rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae, more commonly known as the humble guinea pig. And for the children who participate in the event, those guinea pigs are their pride and joy.

Taco Tuesday, an American Satin, earned this year’s “Best in Show” designation. “Satin” here refers to an extra glossy quality to the coat, and Taco Tuesday shone like a star that Saturday, with an almost metallic, reddish sheen.

When asked about what set Taco Tuesday apart from all of the other piggies, Gillespie praised the cavy’s “high type confirmation, placement of markings, and finish of coat.”

The children win cash prizes ranging from $2 to $10 based on the number of entries within their breed, along with ribbons and trophies depending on the honors. “Best of Breed” and “Best in Show” also net special belt buckles to commemorate the day.

But regardless of results, the Youth Cavy Show is really all about one thing in the end: the community. For the young participants, that means getting hugs from parents and mentors, waking up siblings curled up in camp chairs so they can hear the results, and kicking up sawdust as you dance with friends.

And, above all, attending lovingly to a small rodent and encouraging others to appreciate their singular beauty and varied personalities just as much as you do.