ROMAX
Well-known member
Why are we seeing more steers being shown with nose rings?
Spencer10218 said:Inbreds are the meanest
BTDT said:Might step on a few toes here (but hey, that is a talent of mine!)
1. People are taking the "easy way" of training show cattle. It takes a lot of time and dedication to make a animal super gentle. Sometimes when pushed, abused and "man handled" the animals learn to push back.
2. Certain bloodlines are known for their bad attitudes, yet they win, so therefore, people are still using them and even line breeding them which creates a big problem. Win at all cost mentality.
3. Parents pay big money for animals, and they certainly are not going to sell it at the salebarn if they can not get it broke, so therefore, slam a ring in it. Again, win at all cost.
I do not agree with the practice, but then again, I do not tolerate mean or wild behavior in ANY of my livestock, especially an animal I am going to take into the public and put everyone at risk just win a ribbon.
I refuse to show a bull WITHOUT a ring. If is lucky enough to keep its nuts after weaning around our place it gets a ring. No matter how docile they are they are still Bulls. Safety first!Boot Jack Bulls said:I frequently refer to nose rings for BULLS as emergency brakes. I never show one that needs the ring to be lead or reprimanded any more that a quick "I'm the boss here" sort of thing. A ring in the nose of a 2300 pound bull does not get you cooperation or respect if they do not already have it!
I think part of the reason you are seeing it more common in steers are the reasons listed prior. Again, we would never show a steer or heifer that needs one in the ring, but I guess I can see why some do. On the flip side, I think that some of the best show heifers have just a touch of attitude. They seem to be a bit more cocky and up-headed, and give that great show ring presence. One of our best heifers ever was like that, but she needed the clip on ring in for a few days of training at home early on just so she would tone it down a bit.