Michigan Winter Classic... HELP

[LindseysMaine_Angus]

Hi again (yes i've started a new topic 3x in 2 days)

So the question is how am I supposed to get my steer ready for the classic show i am looking to goto its December 8th - 11th and I am HOPEFULLY getting him Saturday. But the hard thing is; is that he has never been led. Also how am i supposed to wash him? And rinse him as the COLDER weather approaches. They have heated wash racks there (at the show). But, I would like to give him a bath before then. My barn isn't heated (which really isn't a bad thing so the cold can get to him and his hair will grow) But it isn't freezing. I still don't have a blower. JEEZ! If you guys can help me or know of any cheap cattle equipment and how you can help please let me know.
Thanks..
Lindsey

 

[twistedhshowstock]

Planning for a show that is only a month out for a calf you dont have yet and isnt halter broke yet may be putting the cart before the horse just a bit.  If you are going to make it happen you will have to put in some rigorous hours from the time you get him and show day! I dont know how cold it has been there, but taking a calf that is already gonna be stressed from moving and trying to halter break and washing him in cold weather with no way to dry him after could be a disaster.  I would focus on the halter breaking, tieing him up, brushing all over him, use some Kleen Sheen on him, work his hair a lot, make sure he isnt gonna kick and stuff.  If you get him settled down enough to feel comfortable showing him, then I would worry about washing and clipping at the show, sounds like you will be there a few days so you should have time. Try to find somebody there and borrow a blower from them.  Also, being that he is going to be very greenbroke, and its his first show dont be surprised if he doesnt act perfect or show well.  He is probably gonna go off feed when you get him, and will probably go off feed at his first show as well. Dont be discouraged by this, notch it up for experience and go on.
You sound like your gung ho for this and that is great, I dont want to discourage you at all. But from the post, experience is gonna tell me you might not be prepared for a show so quick.

 

[LindseysMaine_Angus]

I am not going to take him now. I would like to i said i didnt know if i was for sure.

 

[jalebe]

Usually the show supply trailers have used blowers that are refurbished if you get there before they sell out.

 

[twistedhshowstock]

I wasnt trying to discourage you, was just trying to say it is going to be a hard task to get an unbroken calf ready that fast.  I didnt want you to be discouraged and feel you had failed if it didnt happen.  With some calves you can take them from unbroken to showable in a matter of days, some take longer.  All depends on the calf's demeanor and personality.  Its not an impossible task, but at the same time not one that any of us could guarantee you would work in that amount of time.

 

[dare3324]

Twisted is right it. You just have to be diligent. My oldest had a heifer we bought 13 days before we put her on the trailer to go to beef congress. She beat me off the trailer when we got home and was upside down 3 times in the first ten minutes and we thought there was no way. But as twisted suggested we combed her every night and she was great. One thing we did fail to do which you should do , is introduce him to the show stick before the show.

 

[shortii]

If you cant make it Winter Classic there are other shows later in the year. Beef Expo is in April and Summer showcase in June at MSU. There are plenty of other smaller shows around the state, mainly in the spring. Also if you have a registered purebred steer you can contact the states breed association and see when their annual breed association show is.

Good Luck and have fun 

 

[OH Breeder]

1- Contact Pro-Fit Show Supply and see if they can help you locate a used blower. They are up there in Michigan and a GREAT group to work with. They travel alot and might run across something. Do'nt get frustrated because it takes time to acquire show supplies if you are doing it on your own.
2- Its is not impossible to have your calf broke for that show but you have to be diligent as others have said. Each calf is different as far as personality. When you get him home you will know if it is do-able. Just take your time.

 

[LindseysMaine_Angus]

I wasnt trying to discourage you, was just trying to say it is going to be a hard task to get an unbroken calf ready that fast.  I didnt want you to be discouraged and feel you had failed if it didnt happen.  With some calves you can take them from unbroken to showable in a matter of days, some take longer.  All depends on the calf's demeanor and personality.  Its not an impossible task, but at the same time not one that any of us could guarantee you would work in that amount of time.

You didnt discourage me in any way. I like opinions. If people dont give you opinions you wont get anywhere in life.