Need Advice....should I try to start my daughter showing?

[dknupp]

My daughter is 7 with a July birthday.  So next summer she won't be able to participate in our 4h show until the year after....and obviously not our junior or state fair level here in IL.  However, she is "dieing" to show.  I was going to wait until the summer of 2015, but we have clubby heifer that is good and I'm just not getting the offers I think she is worth so I am thinking about keeping her and letting the process begin.  The heifer is really docile.  I have not even tried to put a rope halter on her yet and have twice walked out into the lot and petted her.  My daughter is all about it, and is big for her age.  Biggest kid by a long shot in her class.  Weighs prolly 70 lbs today and is tall (her mother is 6 foot).  Not that any of that matters with a 800 to 1200 lb heifer during a show year.  I figure we could go through the motions and take her to one winter jack pot while the heifer is small (in and out type of deal, one day show) and then may two open shows here locally during the summer.  I just don't want to get my daughter buggered at this young age.  I'm not sure she can handle the competition at 7 going to be 8 years old (maturity wise).  But then again she has to figure it out sometime.  What do you all think?

 

[obie105]

If she wants to do it then go ahead let her. I know at several of the county fairs in our part of IL there are open shows where any age can show.

 

[dwcc]

Go for it!! I have 2 young boys and one still to little. We just show open class at our county fair, bit they enjoy working with them up to the fair and then going. I have them broke well before they start working with them, but they really enjoy it. I remember showing one of my uncle's Angus calves when I was 5 and been showing and raising cattle ever since. My oldest son is 6 and showed a bull by himself for the first time this year. My boys r like your girl it sounds like, I just hope it continues to b fun for them.

 

[subcattleco]

If you trust the calf let her go for it. I started my two kids out at that age we just kind of went to our local shows with a peewee division. In the first years all was focused on how the child performed and not how the calf placed. It was all about having fun showing. I think a lot of kids get burned out because they are exposed to the super competitive, labor intense side at to young of an age.
I think she will enjoy it and make memories that will never be forgotten. Good Luck!!!

 

[iowabeef]

If they kid has desire, that is half the "battle".  Take advantage of that current attitude and go ahead.  There is not a better way for family to spend time together and learn so many valuable life lessons.  We have found that the earlier the kids show desire and start they better they will be down the road. 

 

[LLBUX]

It is not all about winning, so don't worry about how the heifer will place.

Make sure it is a safe and enjoyable experience for her and you'll have a real showman down the road.

Good luck!

 

[ferkj]

If they kid has desire, that is half the "battle".  Take advantage of that current attitude and go ahead.  There is not a better way for family to spend time together and learn so many valuable life lessons.  We have found that the earlier the kids show desire and start they better they will be down the road. 

That's actually about 95% of the battle.  If your daughter has the desire the rest is piece of cake.  Make it fun, don't worry about how she places and enjoy the daylights out of this experience.  I have 2 daughters ages 12 and just turning 8.  Both are barn rats and love to do this.  What really becomes rewarding is when other families with older kids will come to yours for advice and help and complent you on kids ability.  (clapping)

 

[Auburnviewfarms]

We have 4 kids with three old enough to show, I couldn't agree more if she has the desire to do follow through and make it fun. We have always told our kids ages 14,11,9 and 14 months that the true win is showmanship. If you can do well there you can take a good calf and make it better. I couldn't be prouder of my older 3. The 2 oldest won grand champion showman ship in their age group and the third won beginner interview champion. We use the time together both in the barn and on the road as family time. Just make sure to cheer her on and make it fun.

 

[RankeCattleCo]

If that calf is docile and if she wants to show I would let her! When my sister first showed at 6 years old she had a favorite dairy heifer she insisted on showing. It was a damn good calf too but the thing had an attitude. I think one of the major things is getting them to trust the animal, knowing it won't take off, or kick, or cause trouble. A docile calf is also going to out up with the hanging on and whispering in the ears and kissing of the nose that she may out it through second, if the calf is good and can be competitive it's even better. At that age they can lose interest fast, and I learned that one of the best ways to make them want to start working with next years project the day after the lasts years got shipped is if they have success in the ring. Just my opinion.

RCC

 

[herfluvr]

IF you have a heifer you feel is a good match then do it.  We started our child at 8 with a heifer that was average but she loved her boy and gave him the confidence to not be afraid.  One word of caution.  While she was very gentle sending a little one into a pen where not all the calves may be a broke as yours is something you must be aware of.  Some shows allow the child to have another exhibitor walk with them to keep everything under control.  Good Luck.  This first year will probably be the funniest one you will have. 

 

[renegadelivestock]

We have a Pee-Wee division here at most of our show. My nephew is 3 and he is calf crazy. I take him in the Pee-Wee class at almost every show we go to, mostly I just lead the heifer and he "scratches" her, and plays in the dirt with his show stick, but he loves it and I am a believer that it is never too soon to start. With that, I also agree with herfluvr, although you may be every cautious with your kid and calf, not everyone is, so be aware of the other exhibitors, and don't be very far away if she gets in bind, your local show may even allow a helper in the ring.

 

[bruiser]

As a parent of three kids (two girls) that started as soon as they where old enough for 4-H, go for it!!!!!!
We've survived broken fingers and many broken hearts but all three have no regrets. They all have friends they have met at shows, that they would have never met playing video games.
All three have a trait that is hard to find in today's youth - a great work ethic. The oldest two have graduated college and both have good jobs and are starting families of their own. Our youngest has started college with flying colours and is looking forward to his "last go round" in the showring.
Even if you can't afford high priced showstock let them show. We've never spent big money and we usually have good results. Our kids grew up doing the work and learning what it takes to get to the show ring.
Sorry to jump on my soap box but this topic hits close to home and at the heart of many conversations between my wife and I.
So go ahead - Let the kid show - And stand back and watch the fun!!