Armed with his pink teddy bear, headphones, and his helper Carly earlier this month, 11-year-old Gage Perdue made his way into the show ring for the first time at the El Paso County Fair in Calhan, Colorado.
For Gage, who was diagnosed as autistic at 3 years old, this was no small feat. After the diagnosis, his family relocated from a single-bedroom apartment to 40 acres in Yoder with the hopes that hippotherapy and animals would help Gage, who was nonverbal at the time.
His mom, Tonya Perdue, said that the move allowed Gage to attend school at Pikes Peak BOCES, where he’s remained with the same classmates, teacher, and instructors throughout the years.
“Gage has a global development delay, so even though he’s 11, he’s more like 6,” Tonya told AGDAILY. “He’s in sixth grade, and he’s finally at a first-grade level; he can read basic words, write, and do addition and subtraction.”
Over the years, the family has added animals to their small farm to add therapy opportunities for Gage, who loves the sensation of feeling the different textures and features that livestock offer and learns the name of each animal, helping his parents take care of the livestock. The array of animals they keep — including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, llamas, and horses — has become an integral part of Gage’s life, aiding in his sensory development and emotional growth.
Initially, Gage’s interest in 4-H was uncertain due to the program’s complexity and regulations. Eventually, he and his family decided to give 4-H a try with the Ramblin Wranglers 4-H Club. With encouragement from Purple Mountain Livestock, Gage was introduced to the world of showing lambs.
He was paired with two lambs, Shep and Lambo, carefully selected and halter-trained to be gentle and manageable. Beginning in April, the family devoted time each day to teaching Gage how to care for his lambs, from feeding and watering to walking and halter training. This routine not only helped Gage become more comfortable with the process but also fostered his deep connection with the animals.
“Sometimes, he’d tell me he didn’t want to go take care of the animals, that he was tired,” quipped Tonya. “But, I’d tell him that it had to be done, and out we’d go.”
Preparing for last week’s fair was a family affair, with Gage practicing daily routines and learning to manage his lambs with increasing confidence. His favorite part, though, was just spending time loving on his animals.
When their 4-H club leader Lori Carneal’s daughter was unable to attend the fair due to paperwork issues, 15-year-old Carly stepped up to help Gage. Carly had struck up a relationship with Gage during their 4-H club meetings. During the meetings, Gage paces often, but his mom says that he’s often listening even when they think he isn’t.
“When Carly first came up to Gage and tried to befriend him, he kept stroking her face, saying, ‘Oh, so soft,” Tonya recalled.
That relationship helped Gage from the moment he stepped into the ring at the El Paso County Fair. He faced the crowd and the noise, working with his lamb exactly as he’d practiced at home, with Carly for support. After being handed a third-place market lamb ribbon, Gage dashed out of the ring back to the barn.
Because Gage can’t wear jeans, he was allowed to show in pull-on pants. Usually, he’s in Crocs, but a pair of sneakers that fit were found so that Gage could show.
“He has so many sensory issues — noises, lights, sounds get to him really easy. And yesterday, he actually held the blow dryer, and blew his own lamb,” Tonya said, with tears. “I haven’t stopped bawling. We didn’t even know if he would go into the ring. We didn’t know if he would go in without me. His helper was Carly, and she knew what to say or do to help him, and she walked beside him.”
Stepping into the ring by himself was a huge accomplishment. Then, Gage won two more ribbons in a second class and showmanship, making the sale. His lamb sold for $4,500 to Les Schwab Tire Centers.
“We were laying in my bed before watching cartoons, and I told him, ‘We’re so proud of how well you’ve done today,’ and he said, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
A now-viral photo of Gage, Carly, and his lamb (embedded below) has been shared over 10,000 times.
“We are just so humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love and support,” Tonya said.
As for the next step? Gage will be showing lambs again, thanks to the support of his 4-H friends, club, and, of course, his parents.
Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.