how far should i walk my calf every nite?

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AAOK

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Jan 30, 2007
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5,264
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Rogers, Ar

What we did in the evenings after rinsing/brushing was to get in the square lot and work on gait and set-up.  I would sit outside the lot and see at what speed each calf walked best.  Our girls would learn to go round and round at that exact speed.  With enough practice, their heifers would always have that same gait.  I would also Judge them on turning, pulling out of the lineup, setting legs, setting up at profile & headfirst.  Remember, calves are dumb, creatures of habit.  With enough repitition of things done correctly, a Show Calf will walk it's self into a perfect set every time.  Judges quickly notice a calf which never needs a pull or a stick.
 

ruhtram

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Oct 5, 2008
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Location
Iowa
I never walked mine more than a hour...But that was closer to my show, I hardly walked them this early.
 

CAB

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Mar 5, 2007
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Location
Corning,Iowa
If you're walking them for exercise, you can walk them further, quicker if you take the halter off and walk/chase them. 20 minutes and you can get some distance other their feet. If your calf is broke super well, this is how I would do it. It is how Kirk Stierwalt does it.


Pipo, what's the breeding of the heifer in your Avatar? She sure looks good!!
 

ruhtram

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Oct 5, 2008
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Iowa
CAB,
This isn't my heifer, I just found her picture on the internet a few years ago and really liked her. If I remember correctly she is a Simmy that was sold out of the maximum exposure sale in Oklahoma. lol Maybe I should change my pic since she isn't mine.
 

Bradenh

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Jan 10, 2010
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2,646
Location
Central Texas
we walk ours 50 yards to the washrack and blowers and 50 yards back and thats it everyday. but they are also turned out in a 5 acre trap all day when the weather is under 80 so they excersise theyr selves. but when you break it down. how far in the ring is that calf gonna have to walk? not far lol so no need in walking him alot at home if he isnt stiff and doesnt need it. now if you get a calf with walking prolems.all bets are off. but setting up and using the stick is what matters most
 
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