TGS | No One Wins Without a Team

As is the case for many livestock showmen, it is anything but secretive that it takes a team to achieve success. Working together is not merely a helping hand, but an impactful necessity. For Altus native Rhen Johnson, he gets to work firsthand alongside others on a whole new level: in the showring.

When it’s time for his lamb to enter its class, Rhen wheels them in with the help of his trackchair, equipped with a head brace strap and adjustable speed. Once Rhen’s stopped and ready to set his lamb, he uses his chair’s mechanical levers to set it to his liking, and a trusty friend helps assist in moving the lamb’s legs, preparing it for the judge.

While this show method looks a little different than most, Rhen says he’s got it down and makes it work, leaving no excuses for getting in the ring and experiencing what it’s like to show sheep amidst an elite level of competition.

What once started as an idea to get Rhen into the showring has transpired into an ingenuitive and effective process that has proven there is not just one way to compete during a livestock show. Adaptability and brainstorming new approaches should never be feared, for it is usually these very methods that turn out to be some of the most pleasant – something you can take pride in, Rhen said.

“There is no doubt it takes a big team, including my dad helping ringside, my mom and sister cheering me on, and my brother and show team there for everything in between,” Rhen said. “Doing my best and making the sheep look their best is a reality because of them – we just make it work.”

Just like his show projects, ample time is spent practicing at home before entering the showring.

Rhen and his younger brother, Jon Ross, spend abundant time every day out in the barn prepping their show projects, Rhen said. While Jon Ross walks his pigs, Rhen mixes feed, and together they practice setting up Rhen’s sheep. When they are not practicing for a show or playing a quick game of pool in the barn, the duo is aiding each other in any way they can.

Even from the earliest stages of the process, the Johnson brothers work together to tame their livestock projects and get them accustomed to Rhen’s chair.

This time of togetherness is the same for shows. Alongside their “show family,” Rhen and Jon Ross have fun cheering each other on, and positively impacting their friends through steadfast encouragement, with the occasional prank or group ride on his trackchair, Rhen said with a smile.

“My chair has helped me have fun and create awesome memories in the barn and the ring,” Rhen said. “I am thankful for the lessons it has taught me about the value of teamwork and the ability to work for and with others,” he added.

Not only has Rhen’s trackchair increased his confidence in his show ability, but it’s provided the opportunity for Rhen and his family to join in on everything from the exciting moments to the mundane routines.

“I never really get nervous in the ring because I am just happy to be there and have my family cheering me on,” Jon Ross said. “I get to learn from my dad, watch my siblings take pictures of me, and hear my mom shouting, ‘Go, Jonny, go!’”

These interactions of encouragement have established a mutual affection within the Johnson brothers for taking time to be present with family and friends, and for cultivating new relationships.

“At the end of the day, it’s the people who make this special and a great experience,” Rhen said. “I know that no matter how Jon Ross or I fare that day, we will always go have dinner together after the show and appreciate the time we all get to spend together,” Rhen added.

This year, the Johnson brothers are still eagerly juggling sports, academic team, showing, and family time, but no matter the activity, they are able to pursue their passions thanks to a full team of supportive family and friends inside and outside the ring.

Looking forward to the 2025 Oklahoma Youth Expo, Rhen and Jon Ross said they hope to win some banners but more importantly create lasting memories, play board games together in their camper, dish out numerous of hugs after the show, and have lots of fun championing each other and their team.

Watch Rhen's full story here.