Opinions on steer please

Our son is showing his first steer at the County Fair in 3 weeks.  The steer will be slick sheared before the show.  Any opinions/ tips are appreciated! Thank you!

Finish wise, I would say he is ready, he does look like he favors his right rear pastern, does he always stand with it cocked that way?

Do you all not rinse or work the hair much because he is going to be slicked? We never had to slick one, just wondering if working the hair makes a difference when you slick them or not?

Hello-thanks for the reply!  Yes sir, he got his hoofs trimmed the day before this and he has been favoring his right rear pastern since.  Although I don't know if the two are related-He did not stand this way prior to that and I'm not sure what, if anything, caused it or to do about it as it still has not resolved.  Any advice?

As for the hair, we do rinse it often but not as you would for a long hair show. It has, however, been raining everyday (inches and inches) and these pictures were taken right before we rinsed him that evening.    I'll have to post an updated picture after he's sheared. 

Here's a picture at a bit different angle. 

Thank you for your time and comments, sir.  It's much appreciated. 

vc said:

Finish wise, I would say he is ready, he does look like he favors his right rear pastern, does he always stand with it cocked that way?

Do you all not rinse or work the hair much because he is going to be slicked? We never had to slick one, just wondering if working the hair makes a difference when you slick them or not?

Click to expand...

I also noticed the rear pastern issue. If you trimmed his hooves, that makes sense. He sure looks pretty darn near finished to me, best of luck with him!

What area are you in? I know of some who slick out their steers down south. At our fair, plenty of people slick theirs out too. Ours is in late summer though.

We are in Texas about 60 miles Southwest of Houston. 

Anything I can do about his rear pastern issue at this point?  This is all new to us so I have no clue.  Trying to learn though. 

If it seems that the hoof is tender, check for hoof rot, the area between his hoof will be for a lack of a better word gooey, and have a bad smell. If it it is call the vet to treat.
If it does not appear to be hoof rot, try soaking his hoof in epsom salt, put him in a chute with a tub of water and epsom salt fully disolved, for as long as he will stand there, for a few times a day for a week and see if it does not help. A small kiddy pool or a tub for mixing concrete is big enough that they can walk into it and not tip it over.

Good luck.

As far as finish, condition, and health he looks great. As far as how he will do it really depends on your county and how they show. We are about 2 hours north of Houston. Our counties are strictly by weight, they do not split the classes in any way based on breed. This calf is obviously American and I think he can do well in the American division. Very complete calf, great bone. Looks sound other than the right hind that has been pointed out previously.
I urge my clients to work hair for slick calves just like they would for a haired show. Its not just about working the hair it is about keeping that hide healthy. If you are 3 weeks out. I would go ahead and slick him off now. Rinse him every day and condition his hide. Then go back 3 or 4 days pre show and go back over him with a cover coat blade. That is my prefered method for having one looking good for a slick show.

Thanks for the advice and kind words everyone.  I will soak his foot and get him sheared and update soon!