Heifer short strides only at shows. What to do?

[Fish Creek Ranch]

I have a show heifer that is a year and half old and everytime we go to a show she short strides in the ring.  She doesnt do it at home.  What should we do?

 

[Telos]

When cattle get tired they will not rotate those hind legs as much a they could. I would let her relax until the last minute before you get her up and start fitting her. Also taking them for a short walk on softer ground and not cement before you get them in the clipping shoot will loosen them up a bit and can be beneficial. The idea is to make sure they are fresh and energetic when they go into the ring. Giving her a chance to relax her head and neck also helps. Too many times, exhibitors have their animal's head and neck pulled up too tight and standing for long periods. Just keep them relaxed and let their necks drop a bit. They will have plenty of time in the show ring with their head up.

It is also important that you give your animal a chance to relax if they go back for champion. I have seen calves get beat  because they became choppy on the move only because they were just too tired.

 

[Fish Creek Ranch]

Thanks for the help.  I waited the last minute to put her in the chute. But I didnt walk her before.  I will try that next time.  We showed yesterday and that is what the judge got us on.  I'm going to try and get some weight off her as well and see if that helps. 

 

[cattlejunky5]

You might also want to try Melatonin. I had a heifer that went nuts in the show ring and would not walk what so ever. After a few weeks on Melatonin she calmed down and also grew some hair. I hope that this can help you some!

 

[SSIMMENTALS]

As said, try to let her rest as long as you can before getting her up. I also make sure we go on a nice long walk at night and a shorter walk in the morning. If you can, I love to take panels to longer shows where thay can walk around loose at night. This really helps us on keeping our heavy breds fresh and loose. As heifers mature and get heavier and/or heavy bred, it can take a lot more work to keep them from getting overtired and stiff at shows. Good luck!

 

[Bradenh]

if your at a long show. take her out in the ring at night (or rodeo arena at some shows) and wrap the halter around her head so it doesnt drag the ground. and let her run. and if she doesnt run then chase her and that will loosen her up alot just about ten minutes is good. alot of people at shows dont excersise them enough in days 1 and 2 of a show. and try to do it all on the last day possible. and that isnt a very effictive method. good luck with her.. also if you cant access the ring just find a friend to follow her in a fast walk up and down the isles while you lead her