What does the term 'set up' refer to in showmanship?

The term 'set up' in showmanship specifically refers to the positioning of the animal to showcase its best features. This involves arranging the animal's legs, head, and body in a way that highlights its conformational strengths and presents it attractively to the judge. A proper set up allows the handler to display the animal’s qualities, such as its muscle structure, balance, and overall appearance, which are crucial to earning a favorable evaluation in a show.

When handlers effectively set up their animals, they not only enhance the physical presentation but also demonstrate their handling skills and understanding of breed standards. This technique requires practice and knowledge about how to best position each specific breed to maximize its strengths in the context of competition. Hence, a successful 'set up' is vital for achieving top scores in showmanship events.