How to practice fitting?

[FutureBreeder2013]

Im wanting to learn how to fit but Im not really sure  what to practice on since I sold my steer at premium auction.

 

[GM]

I learned to fit by working for breeders throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall.  The majority of your time will be spent working on everything but fitting, but that is the best way to get to know people, and be able to watch and learn from the best.  I started by fitting the "class filler" type animals where mistakes didn't matter as much.

 

[flacowman]

I learned by going withmy ag teacher's husband when he fitted calves...he fitted proffessionally for years and in my opinion he is right up there with Stierwalt...try to find a mentor if you can

 

[GoWyo]

We started breaking all our replacement heifers to lead so they are easier to dig out of the pasture with a bucket of grain and a halter.  While they are in the corral in the winter, we use those to practice on since they won't be shown, but we can see what works and what doesn't as far as clip jobs.  With their winter hair, even the purebred Angus heifers have something to work with.  Also gets them gentle.

 

[Nasc]

Find a local breeder that has a production sale every year
and offer to help them get their cattle ready for sale.
Around here they always seem to be looking for extra hands…….
Be prepared to be a gofer at first but when you do get a chance
to actually work on the calves pay attention to all the details,
big or small,
and take any sage advice offered.

 

[The Show]

I watched the pro's for years. As I continued showing and started buying more and more cattle I started to make more contacts. I got a mentor who taught me to clip, fit, found me work, and drug me along. Like most people I started out fitting class fillers. As I got better I got better cattle thrown my way. You never stop learning  <rock>

 

[Cattledog]

A lot of good posts on here!  Like everyone says.  Watch the guys that you think fit well.  I didn't have anyone to teach me when I was growing up so I had to buck up and ask alot of questions.  Most people will help you, especially if they see you trying to improve.  I still watch when I can to see if I can pick up something new.  Also, when you're a beginner you need to practice at home.  Be careful, if you fit them up too much at home all of their leg hair will fall out.

 

[kcampbell]

I didnt grow up in a 4H environment, met my husband, moved on a farm, had kids and when our daughter came of age we initially hired it done.
Can be costly traveling to 8 shows in a year so we decided we'd try.. So my husband tried  on a cow and she was bleeding!!!! So, I of course tried at the ripe age of 35.
It's been 12 years and we've been extremely blessed!  Weve often taken 10 or so head when we travel. Cow/calf ,heifers and steers. You just need to think of it as an art. Sculpting . PRACTICE practice
It's helpful to pull out the closeup photos from magazines, like  SHow Circut and review them carefully.  A majority of our herd for the last 15 years we've rasied, and shown.  I bet you can go out in the field and clip on any of them.  Perhaps you can find a farmer that is similar, and likely he may help you clip.
WATCH the heads, very dangerous the PSI are extreme and can kill you with the right swing. (i know a lady who's face was smashed, and another who fell back and died when she hit her head) To stablilize the head,  loop the rope halter over the chute, above the animals  right ear, then stick the opposite end through the loop. swing the rope down under the jaw and back up over the left ear.  Pull Tight, like a noose and tie it off (dont suffocate them) this will help somewhat with the movements.  When youre done, then replace the halter as normal.
The heads are the hardest. Learn to tie a break away knot on your halter so if he goes down, you can loosen with ease!
Like other's said watch. or pay someone once for their time to teach you.
I find it to be an escape, much better than dishes and laundry.  I put on my I Pod and clip away! Good Luck Dont forget a good pair of clippers and oil! and be sure the animal is clean.