Steer Planet - Show Steers and Club Calves Forum

I think before I sent him to the locker; I would put a nose ring in him and see if that will help.  I have a little girl showing and I put one in every steer we put on feed. It makes a big difference for a little one.

smart move!   Hind sight is always 20/20....but in the future, get your daughter involved in the breaking of her calves at the outset, not when the calf weighs a half ton.   IMO, if a child isn't old or big enough to help break the calf, then it's too early for them to be showing a calf.    I'm not saying they have to do it by themself, but at least be involved when the calf is first purchased.  

...and whomever said "man up" needs to quit giving advice when a topic regards safety and young children.

For next year's project, ask the seller for his input as to which calves would be good for a beginner. We always have a good idea of which of our calves are going to be sweethearts and some that will take a little more experienced showman to handle. If they are around the calves like they need to be, the seller will pretty much know which calves will work for your daughter. Good luck.

As many of you have said, many times it means selecting for docility. We have seen many heifers that we have liked that look very flashy and sound, but many times their attitudes aren't that great... We have learned (the hard way) that we would rather have a docile animal than a mean one that tries to run you out of the pen. I have broken animals that can have a bit of a temper, but they are still very unpredictable regardless of the amount of time spent working with them, and they almost finished me with showing. I took a Simmental with a 'tude to NAILE, and after having to rely on us for feed and water for two weeks, she straightened out, but she still would be grouchy. Sometimes the amount of work that you have to put into them just isn't worth it. I started out with the calmest thing in VA, which was Herefords, and when I moved into commercial and Simmental, I had to deal with irritating animals with atitudes. I clearly remember thinking that if I had started out with animals that I was afraid of, then I would most likely not be showing today. You made a SMART call by sending him out, especially when your child's future show career, and more importantly, her health and safety were in danger. 

Tie him up when you feed him.