Cole Bolton, 16, is one of the stock show\u2019s youth vying for a prize in this year\u2019s rabbit show.<\/p>\n
But rabbit breeding is not just a competition to him: the show is helping the Haslet teen prepare for a career in agriculture.<\/p>\n
He remembers all the \u201cbeautiful heifers and calves\u201d he saw at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo as a kindergartner, sparking his passion for agriculture.<\/p>\n
Exhibiting rabbits helped Cole get his start.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like an entry drill. Once you do rabbits and you really enjoy it \u2026 that\u2019s your first step into the goats, lamb, sheep, pigs or any of the others,\u201d Cole said.<\/p>\n
Over 50 nationally recognized rabbit breeds are eligible to compete in the annual stock show event hosted by the Southwest Regional Rabbit Breeders Association. Now in its 73rd year, the contest awards trophies and ribbons to rabbits from 10th to first place in their breed.<\/p>\n
Over 50 breeds of rabbits are featured at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo youth rabbit show and auction on Jan. 29, 2026. Rabbits are sorted into rows by their breeds. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n
Since childhood, Gay Sparks saw and exhibited all kinds of farm animals at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: cattle, dogs, horses, hogs and goats.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Still, in her 33 years working the event and six as its superintendent, Sparks considers the rabbit show and auction like no other event.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody wants to see the rabbits,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a close-up deal, and everybody wants to pet the fuzzy little rabbits.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exhibitors compete for scholarships and awards for best of breeds and best overall.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Judging rabbits varies based on the breed but typically involves coat patterns, color, weight and pose, among other features, Sparks said.<\/p>\n
Rabbits awarded first place in their breed will then go up against each other for the largest award \u2014 best in show.<\/p>\n
The youth rabbit show and auction ran Saturday and Sunday. Stock show goers can catch the open division of the show on the event\u2019s last day, Feb. 7.<\/p>\n
The rabbit show could see more exhibitors entering their animals in future events as new breeds are introduced, Sparks said. This year, the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized a 53rd breed.<\/p>\n
Rabbits have fetched as much as $2,500 during an auction, Sparks said. They can sell for thousands of dollars due to the care and attention they receive.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0129-RabbitShow-MC-08-copy-1024x683.jpg\")
About 1,500 rabbits are brought into Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for the youth rabbit show and auction on Jan. 29, 2026. Rabbits will be judged and examined based on their breed standards. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe rely on some of our very good breeders and people that really support us in order to bring a nice animal,\u201d Sparks said.<\/p>\n
More than anything, the money goes to a good cause \u2014 funding higher education, Sparks added.<\/p>\n
Operated by the Texas Rabbit Breeders Association, the auction money can fund as many as five scholarships a year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0129-RabbitShow-MC-03-copy-1024x683.jpg\")
Over 50 breeds of rabbits are featured at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo youth rabbit show and auction on Jan. 29, 2026. Rabbits are sorted into rows by their breeds. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n
Cole started competing in the rabbit show beginning in 2018 and became a member of the Texas Rabbit Breeders Association a year later.<\/p>\n
Three years back, he landed a youth leadership role through the National FFA organization, formerly the Future Farmers of America, preparing youth for careers in agriculture. He said he\u2019s happy to help first-time exhibitors. For children interested in agriculture or competing in the stock show, Cole encourages them to start with rabbits.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, the teen owns 30 rabbits and is a youth superintendent with the state rabbit association. Cole was also named youth breeder of the year in 2024 by the state group.<\/p>\n
\u201cI made a lot of friends, and they taught me. And there\u2019s more to it than just the showing,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s also the judging and the youth contest and a whole bunch of other other things.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the event, attendees will find an array of rabbits \u201cwide-eyed and bushy-tailed,\u201d Cole said, just to get ready for showing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a beautiful sport,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0129-RabbitShow-MC-01-copy-1024x683.jpg\")
Around 1,500 rabbits are brought into the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for the youth rabbit show and auction on Jan. 29, 2026. Youth from around Texas and surrounding states traveled with their rabbits to get them settled into the stock show before the Jan. 31 show. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n