Blowing Steer for Shows

[mainecattlemother]

I know this sounds like a stupid question and our family has been showing for many years so we should know this but how long would most of you blow a steer for an important show such as state fair. We have a Shorthorn and Maine Anjou steer and I really would like to settle a family quarrel. Just for your info both steers have more than enough hair if worked with properly.

 

[vc]

Not sure on your question, how long each time? Until they are completely dry. Then add sheen or what ever product you are using comb it in and then blow it in good. Then comb and blow out just before you kick them out for the night
How often? We rinse 2 to 3 times a day for the last 3 months, so 2 or 3 times a day plus when we kick out.
Combing and brushing is what trains the hair.

 

[okiegirl]

Our steer guru tells us "when you think they're dry, dry that much more"  He's a pain but right, lol <rock> <beer>

 

[mainecattlemother]

We are having the argument at home because I think they should be blown for a good hour regardless of being dry or not. We did this at our county fair with the Shorthorn and he looked so much better than previous shows. He was more attractive to the eye.

 

[vc]

That's what it takes to get one truly dry, about an hour. (unless it is 95* with a humidity of 15%)

 

[Tallcool1]

In the morning, we just get the heavy water out of them and get them into the cooler as soon as possible.  There are fans in there, and they take care of the rest.

At night, its a completely different story.

We will have at least 2 fans behind a steer, brush for about 15 minutes (2 or 3 people on 1 steer), then blow them out until they are probably 75%-80% dry.  Then they get the sheen and roto brush.  Then blown out again.  Then they get the oil, and blown completely dry.

I am personally not a huge fan of a blower, other than lower leg hair and getting the majority of the water out of them.  As far as hair training and quality...I really prefer fans and brushing.  The fans blow it forward, and we brush it up.  The hair will really lift.  We take butt fans with us to shows just for this reason.  We put a fan behind them in that blocking chute when we are fitting.  I just don't know of anything that I like better.

 

[AAOK]

I may be wrong, but the way I read the question was how long to blow during fitting. I would assume we all know you blow a calf completely dry before starting to fit.

So, the length of time to blow is until all the hair has "popped".