Fitting

In your personal opinion can you put yourself at a disadvantage by "over fitting" a calf for show? Do some judges become skeptical of whats under the perfect fit job? 

It's possible.  Jary Douglas judged the steer show at Indiana State Fair yesterday and today and commented a few times about steers being too "gooped up" and wanted one to look more natural.

I think that sometimes people lose sight of what a calf should look like while they are fitting. A truely "fit" calf will look impressive but still natural. RW

ROAD WARRIOR said:

I think that sometimes people lose sight of what a calf should look like while they are fitting. A truely "fit" calf will look impressive but still natural. RW

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Exactly. I like fitting one up as much as the next guy, but there is definitely a line that is crossed when some people are fitting.  The point with breeding stock is to fit them towards the optimum shape, not maximum bone, flank, tailhead, and whatever else can be faked with hair/paint/glue.

We don't get quite as carried way as you guys but it depends on the judge. Sometimes if you have a old fashion or a English judge the cattle need to fitted very subtly. Then you need to Fit to hide faults and highlight good points in a discert style. Helps if you can find out what the judge likes. IMO for breed cattle the natural look is best.

Aussie, you are what I love about the internet. What a great way to hear about how things that pertain to the cattle business are done in other places. Thanks, and keep on with the great posts.  (clapping) (clapping)

sometimes you need to ask others about the judge.  some dont like a lot of fitting, others like the real fitted ones.  I personally like them more natural, (maybe cause I cant fit one real good)

I agree...make him look natural...and do as much as possible to hide faults and hilight good..but dont overdo it...there is nothing I hate more then seeing a steer walk in the ring and thinking WOW...then putting my hands on him and realizing he is all hair and glue with nothing underneath!