Need Advice or a Nerve Pill

Got 3 shorthorn heifers.  All very gentle and halter broken.  They lead fairly well for short distances - from the pen to the wash area and chute.  None lead well for greater distance - laps.  One is especially difficult, pulling back often and jumping forward when she finally does go.  Any suggestions welcome.  We are being persistent with the pull and release technique, but are physically and mentally tired from the tugging and frustration.  What can we do?  We've never had shorthorns before and wonder if this is a common problem with them since they are so gentle.  What is a reasonable goal for distance - laps?  What should we do?

How long and how high are you tying them? This is very important to breaking them.

They're broke to the halter quite well.  Don't fit it at all.  They're tied up 2+ hours each day above head level.  They just will not lead for longer distances. 

That should say they don't "fight" the halter.

A donkey would work great for this problem. If  you have access to one or the tractor and a hay rack tie them to the back of the hay rack so the don't get caught on the tractor tire!works great!!

a large paddle

If the calves are already fully halter broke and just won't go the distance, I'm not sure that a donkey will help. Donkey's are great to get them broke, but they don't necessarily do a great deal of mileage while they do it. I would suggest tying to the back of a hay rack. Have someone drive and you follow to prevent the heifer's from locking up their feet and dragging. If you drag a calf behind a wagon, you stretch the ligaments behind the ears and put them under so much stress that they aren't right for a long time.

we have found that the halters with a slip ring or chain link were the lead rope comes out really help.  They figure out faster that it feels more comfortable to give to the halter than fight it.

Ron
<cowboy>

barn sour.  take two at a time.  find out where there panic distance is, don't go that far, and scratch them there, extending that distance or going in a circle at that distance.  put the feed bucket just beyond that distance.  use the noggin.