|
"I've
Just Participated in my First Longhom Show
and I Have a Champion !!!"
Initially when you read this
line, you are probably anticipating the following story will be written by an ITLA youth. But instead, I'm a middle-aged adult and added to that, I was born and raised in the city, so this
"cow stuff" is really new for me.
I thought the current ITLA
membership when prospecting nature ITLA members would be interested in my tale. My story
is one that points out an important characteristic of Texas Longhorns that is critical for those of us with limited animal-raising experience. In my mind, that significant plus is the gentleness
of the breed. From reading Drover articles,
participating in ITLA Universities and listening to long-time Longhorn people, I have come to appreciate good conformation, sound constitution, spectacular horn length,
fertility and reproductive efficiency, and proven merit
bloodlines.
But some of us Longhorn owners have
our animals simply because they are great pasture pets. And in my eyes, there are no better
animals than the ones
that graze at Oak Lawn Farm.
My husband Steve and I are both originally from the suburbs of Chicago. About 5 years ago in apparently a mid-life crisis moment, we decided to quit our jobs and leave the city. We purchased a 35-acre hobby farm
that happened to have a fenced area ideal for larger animals. We debated
what kind of four-legged creature would be best for our suiting and lack of knowledge. Llamas, buffalo, Angus, horses,
peacocks, ostriches and goats were all suggested, discussed and vetoed.
A nearby couple who have since provided us with invaluable help recommended Texas Longhorns. And so we purchased Idaho from them.
I knew the minute I saw her she would be perfect
for me. She walked right over, licked
my hand and expected me to scratch behind her
ears.
Our herd quickly
grew from there when Idaho calved, and we also purchased a second Longhorn, Miss(issippi) Matched,
with the excuse we "needed something to do
now that the kids were away at college".
Not wanting to bore you with
ail the details, but again
the ease of raising
Longhorns certainly has been of benefit to
us. We have figured out how to hot-wire fences,
build and use a squeeze chute, halter-break, pour-on, muck, cull, preg check and teach our vet to bravely approach for vaccinating. All absolutely necessary
requirements in maintaining a cow herd, but
first time challenges for us beginners. When asked by local ranchers about our loss ratio, we could proudly admit - no lost humans or cows.
Our herd continued to grow.
Last summer Idaho produced a handsome, very personable guy we call Nevada Liberty ("Bert"), and Missy blessed us with a beautiful heifer, Ladd's Louisiana Lass ("Lu") with potential for good horn growth. A crazy
thought crossed my mind and we were on to the next stage of raising Longhorns.
Let's try a show.!! Again after much trial and error and lots of questions for and observations of neighborhood 4-H kids, we loaded up on June 15 for the Ohio River Valley
ITLA Qualifying Show in Delaware, Ohio.
Entering the Diamond C Arena barn to see where my calves would
bed for the night triggered a reality check reaction -"Let's go back home, I'm
way out of my league." Everyone around seemed to know exactly what to do and had brought
everything they would need. Embarrassing tears dripped down my face as Bert initially refused to leave the trailer When he did stumble out, his left hind side was covered with that familiar greenish
substance, and of course all the other cows were spotless.
Fortunately the words of a good friend came back to me, "Be
proud of what you show, it's the best you have and can likely be the best at the show." I was now determined and held my head up just as high. Training calves starting from no knowledge or experience is frustrating and confusing at times, but I still felt the right
to try. We had worked hard, so I would have to participate in the show to convince myself it was all worthwhile . After a quick
bath, Bert and Lu proved me proud by cooperating circle after clockwise circle around the practice ring that night.
The next morning, clad in my Western shirt, show jeans and boots topped with a brand spanking-new cowboy hat, I calmed Lu when she nervously balked
at the smell of wearing a first-time leather halter. Despite an hour wait for the judge
to arrive, the sponsors moving the showing ring, and last minute instructions to enter and circle counter-clockwise,
we did our best. After much deliberation by Judge Brian Gilvesy, Louisiana Lass placed
second in her class. Yes! A short time later,
to my amazement, Nevada Liberty placed first in his class and went on to receive Reserve Grand Champion All-Age Haltered Steer.
The lick on my cheek from Bert said it all. We had done it!!!!
Oh, the stories to tell the family and friends now - from Bert
taking a liking to the gentleman on my left's table and chair, to borrowing a show stick and other necessary
equipment, to meeting knowledgeable owners and learning more about showing Texas Longhorns, to viewing other great cows and
pre-judging which would place, to being asked to lead in another participant's cow, to best of all,
being handed my first trophy plaque and promised a Longhorn belt buckle. My show cows
and I are now part of that elite winners circle. Oak Lawn Farm Longhorns may not be the
top of the line quality that many breeders are striving for, but in my eyes I'm the proud owner of the best animals ever.
Special thanks to good friends Jim
and Jody Small for initially acquainting us with Texas Longhorns and without hesitation providing assistance along the way, to the two gentlemen from near Gettysburg for calming
pre-show jitters and offering numerous useful suggestions, to the members of the ORVTLA for many encouraging words and friendly advice, to Mike Tomey for last minute tips as I entered the ring, to my children Kristin and
Mike for supporting their mother's eccentricity, and especially to my husband Steve
for always finding the means to make my dreams
come true.
|
 |
|