Halter Breaking & Leading

(From Selecting & Training Your Market or Breeding Beef Project written & published by Kathi Creamer/Lazy JB Angus)

"There are several different philosophies of how to halter break a calf. The following strategy has worked well for us. We strive to minimize stress and reduce bad habits. By following this process the calf never gets sore under the chin, learns to keep its head up and is never stressed.

We begin by placing a calf in a 12 x 12 pen. We enter the pen with the calf, using a calm voice and slowly extending our hands to the calf. As the calf adjusts to our presence, we stroke the calf with our hands or a comb. We spend at least 20 minutes with the calf. This process is repeated for 3 or more days until the time that the calf allows us to walk up and comb it.

The next step is to place a rope halter on the calf. Once the halter is on, we begin combing the calf. Once the calf is relaxed we gently tug on the rope. When the calf takes steps forward we reward the calf by scratching it. We continue this process until the calf walks without fighting. We do NOT tie the calf up until it seems comfortable with the halter and training process.

When we begin tying the calf up, we immediately begin using the show stick. First, we simply scratch the calf's belly. When the calf is comfortable being scratched we begin moving the feet using slight pressure. The calf learns how to "set up" and recognizes that it cannot get away. This is process is followed for 10 minutes everyday until the calf easily moves its feet into position. Now he/she is ready to be led outside the pen and "set up". If the calf puts his head down or moves when set up return to practicing the procedure while the calf is tied up.

NOTE:
Keeping halters on calves allowing them to drag the rope causes sores under the chin and on the nose; the calf also develops bad habits. Calves who are broke using this manner often times learn that if they get their head down they can jerk the halter and get loose and the person at the halter will struggle trying to keep the calf's head up. "

Great video tape By the American Angus Association "Fitting & Showing for Success" availabe for $15. This AAA web page http://www.angus.org/pubs/showing.pdf also contains information on fitting and showing. Have a Great Summer!