Practicing Before a Show

[ChristaCheatham]

Hey everyone! I got my shorthorn steer a couple of weeks ago and now I am practicing everyday for a show in a couple of months. What are some tips on setting up a calf for the show ring as practice at home?? I've been setting him up decently... but will practice just make him set up on his own?? He seems to like stretching out his legs??? but it just doesn't look right? anyway any comments would be appreciated??

 

[AAOK]

If you have the room, walk him in big circles every day, just like you and your steer are in the ring.  Pull him up facing the rail, and set him profile at many different stops.  If you can, have someone in position to watch closely at what speed your calf walks best.  Also let them advise you how to set his legs, head, loin, tailhead, etc.  Practice set up by using the halter much more than your Show Stick.  Different ways you push, pull, and twist his head with the halter will cause him to move his feet.  With enough work, and time, he will walk at his perfect gait, and will set himself perfectly each time he stops.  

 

[Gargan]

i agree with AAOK, just to add 1 thing, practice walking him into setup. Invision being on the final approach in the show ring on the profile. slow him up about 3 calf links b4 u plan to stop him and practice having him stop with at least his front feet being in perfect placement. After a while your calf will know how u want his feet set. by inching him forward with lite tugs on the halter, u can get his feet pretty close to set up. that way he always looks dandy for the judge.

 

[ferkj]

Another thing you want to keep in mind is lighting.  I've seen cattle through the years get freaked out by shadows or lighting that shines into the ring from sides instead of straight down.  Try to mix it up some at home if you can.  We use the portable work type lights and move them around to create differnet lighting effects.  The more variables you can expose them to at home the better because you never know what your gonna run into at a show.  A radio playing and few people walking around while you practice setting him up are good ideas to.  Good luck

 

[Angusboy]

Something else i would add is have somebody walk around your calf. Have mom dad brother etc. walk around ur calf make some noises and feel them and things just like a judge would do. That would really help your calf to get more ready for show day.