1 Docility: There are many different theories and methods out there for halter training cattle and getting them show ready. The first step is breeding. No matter what training you do with wild animals, they will still be unpredictable when being shown. The first step should be to ensure the animals you intend on showing are docile, and this begins with breeding. Docility should be one of the main aims when selecting both the sire and dam. Breeders will select bulls based on many traits, but will always have docility in the backs of their minds, especially if it is a young stock person who will show the animals.

2 Start young: They say the earlier you learn to swim, the easier it is; the same applies to cattle. The earlier halter training starts, the more successful it can be, but it is a slow process and needs to be done gradually. In addition, the younger the animal is when you start to train them, the less risk there is of injury and the more control you can exert over the animal. Where you are training an animal that is still suckling its mother, exert extreme caution in separating the calf from its mother before starting to halter train. If the calf becomes agitated, so too may the mother. For that reason many breeders will gradually separate the calf from its mother during the day to get both of them used to being away from each other.

3 Build trust: It is impossible to train an animal for the show ring without ensuring the animal trusts the handler. Trust has to be built up gradually. Many handlers will start building trust with the animal once it is a few months old. Often meal is used to get the animal’s confidence, with the handler feeding meal to the animal, usually just small amounts. As the animal is eating, they may be somewhat distracted and there will be less of a willingness to move away. Over a period of weeks handlers will gradually get closer to the calf by touching it as they feed. Safety again is massively important. At all stages a close eye should be kept on any other stock that are near to avoid injury. Many handlers will use their show stick to gently rub the animal’s back as it eats the meal. This is not something that can be done straight away but can be done over time. Using the stick will also ensure that you are at a safe distance from the animal in case they kick, or startle.

4 Handle regularly: In a field the animal can take flight easily and quickly. Once some trust has been built up, many handlers will take the calf to a smaller pen. In some cases the calf is put in a crush and over the course of an hour or two the handler will again rub the animal’s back carefully. Using the crush this can be safely done with the handler’s hand. Many will repeat this process over a number of days, again gradually building trust while getting the animal more used to handling. As trust develops, handlers will move towards the animal’s head until it is calm enough that they can easily rub its head. This is crucial for a handler to be able to place a head halter on the animal.

5 Head halter: The next phase involves the handler placing the head halter on the animal and starting to lead. It may take several attempts to do, but the head halter should be placed on the calf on its own several times before attaching the rope. Once the head halter is on the calf snugly and the calf is not excited, leading may begin.

6 Keep control: No matter how quiet the calf is, it will not be easily led. At this stage handlers try to ensure the animal knows that they can’t win the fight against the halter; this is crucial as the animal gets older and becomes much heavier and stronger. In some cases the head halter may be tied to a crush or wall. It should be tied in such a way that it can be easily and quickly released. There should be enough rope for the animal to stand up or lie down, but not enough for the animal to become tangled in it or jump and injure iteslf against a wall or crush. Handlers may repeat this over a few days. However, when the calf is tied, the handler should remain close by to ensure its safety.

7 Leading: Once the calf knows it can’t get away once tied, it is time to start to lead it using the rope. This will be a slow and difficult process and the calf will often time resist. It is crucial to maintain control. It will take strength and patience. This practice should be repeated for an hour each day to get the calf used to it.

It also may help if each time you lead the calf, you lead it to fresh grass, or meal or water or brushing. The first few steps are often the hardest and take the longest, so using treats such as meal for each few steps will help get the calf moving.