If you want to win at a livestock show, you need a lot of training and practice.You can find shows by joining a cattle association or searching online.To be successful in a show, your heifer must be trained.At the show, you want your heifer to look full and healthy.Make sure your heifer is well-groomed for the show.
Step 1: Three months before the show, start training.
Three months before the show will give you enough time to break-in and train your heifer.You want to start training your heifer when it is a calf.You can build trust with your heifer by doing this.
Step 2: You should break your calf.
Attach a nylon rope halter to the calf's head.The calf should be allowed to walk around the ring on its own.The calf will inevitably step on the halter as it walks.When you begin to lead it, the resistance will get used to the pressure.It will take about a week to halter train your calf.
Step 3: Reward your calf for good behavior.
Give your calf a reward by brushing it and talking to it.While it adjusts to its new environment, this will calm it down and make it feel at ease.Say in a sweet voice, "Good girl" as you brush your calf.You did a good job.
Step 4: Your calf should be taught how to lead.
You can teach your calf how to lead once it is familiar with the halter.Take your calf to the feeding area.Your calf will associate leading with a reward.Take your calf in circles around the ring.As you lead it around the ring, make sure to keep it moving at a fast pace.It takes a long time to teach your calf to lead.It's important to reward your calf even if it only takes a few steps.
Step 5: You should teach your heifer how to stand.
Your heifer needs to know how to stand correctly.To adjust the placement of your calf's feet, use a show stick.The front legs should be side by side and slightly apart, so that your calf's feet are positioned squarely underneath it.
Step 6: You can choose a show based on your age.
There are shows for people of all ages.If you are a junior, check with the local FFA, NJAA, or 4-H chapters to find a show.For example, if your heifer is a dairy cow, then you can sign up for the dairy show.
Step 7: Become a member of the association.
You will be kept up to date with local, state, and national shows by cattle associations.You can sign up for an association in your state.You should review the newsletters for upcoming shows.
Step 8: There are county fairs in your state.
A livestock show can be found at county fairs and rodeos.Look for county and state fairs.There is a livestock show at the fair.Review the qualifications and sign up if it does.
Step 9: Before you travel, feed your heifer.
Feed your heifer a full feeding before it goes to the show to make sure it is healthy.Feed it again when you get to your destination.You may not want to feed it the morning you leave if you are traveling a long distance.Feed it half a meal once you get to your destination.
Step 10: Limit its water intake.
Give half of your heifer's water intake the night before the show.It will be more willing to drink on the day of the show.Since it helps to fill out the heifer's stomach, drinking before the show is important.
Step 11: Feed your animal an hour and a half before the show starts.
Feed your heifer stomach fillers.These types of food will help fill your heifer's stomach and make it look better.At this time, you can also water it.Some owners wait until before the show to water their animals.Feed your heifer by 7:30 a.m. if the show starts late.Feeding your heifer before the show starts will allow it to rest and save its energy.
Step 12: An hour and a half before the show, wash and dry your heifer.
Before the show starts, you should wash and dry your heifer.All of the hair needs to be washed with water.Continue rinsing until all of the shampoo is gone.Then put your heifer in the dryer.Make sure the hair is dry.
Step 13: 30 to 45 minutes before the show begins, brush in a conditioner.
The first thing to do is to brush a conditioner over your heifer's entire body.The hair should be brushed forward to make it look fluffy.Go over the hair with a dryer.Make sure the hair is dry.Before you arrived at the show, you should have had your hair clipped.
Step 14: The legs need to be sprayed.
Working on one leg at a time, mist the glue over his legs from the knee down.Pull the hair up and forward with a comb.Don't let the glue dry before brushing the hair.If you want to keep the hair in place, spray a little more over it.The legs have to begroomed from the knee downward.The hair on the upper part of the leg should not be touched.When you brush the cow's hair, the glue in the spray helps it stand up.There are specialty cattle or livestock show stores where you can find it.
Step 15: The show halter should be on the heifer's head.
Show halters are usually made of leather and have a lead strap.It's important to make sure the halter is fitted correctly.About halfway between the eyes and nose is where the nosepiece should be.
Step 16: Take a look at your heifer's stomach.
Give your heifer some water if his stomach is not full.hay can be given to fill out the stomach.
Step 17: Put show oil on your heifer.
Before you enter the make- ready area, make sure to mist your heifer's entire body with show oil.The oil from the show adds shine to the heifer's coat.If the show does not allow aerosol cans in the make- ready area, you will need to apply the oil to the chute where the rest of the grooming takes place.Show oil can be purchased from specialty cattle or livestock show stores.