chambero said:
Problems with soundness can happen to the best of them. It is usually not something you cause with handling. With any calf, you give yourself the best chance for soundness in the end by:
Letting them get plenty of exercise at night in a big area.
Keeping them on soft bedding during the day.
Not pushing them too hard on feed for long periods of time - keep them gaining around 2 to 2.5 pounds a day. More than that and you run a chance of soft tissues not being able to keep up with the weight gain.
Avoiding use of muscle supplements or implants until the last little while before your terminal show.
Proper foot trimming.
That is really good advice right there!
As far as the hoof trimming in April, go get them done now. Unless they were just done, there is no reason that you can't get them trimmed now.
When you fit the steer, pull the hair on the back of his legs straight back. Try to exaggerate the appearance of flex in his pastern as much as you can.
Now, here comes the fun part. Take him out in a big pen at home and see if the popping will go away when you lead him at different speeds. Does it go away when you lead him slower? Does it go away when you lead him fast? Figure out if you can just plain "show it out of him". If you can, then tighten up your belt and go get 'em kid! Showmanship is more than just a class. Figure out how to conceal his weakness and don't let those judges see it.
You can do it if it can be done!!!