By No means am I a steer clipping expert; but when I started learning to clip and groom my steers I could not find a place to show me just the basics. So this year one of my goals was to learn to clip and fluff my steers for the show ring and I thought I might share what I learned with you.
This year I had three steers so when my Dad was showing me what he knew my Mom was taking pictures for me to share.
The most important thing you can do long before you start clipping is to wash and blow-dry your steer. Make sure that you comb and blow the hair forward.
Next you will what to apply a styling mousse for steers, and comb it in I use a rice brush to do this. This foam creates a thicker hair coat without matting the hair. Great for training the hair, show day grooming or clipping. Now let the mousse dry.
Clipping the the head, I was told to clip the hair in the direction that the hair lays. Try to not to clip to short; When I did my first head I clipped it to short; if this happens don't worry just spray pink oil on and it won't look so bad. I found that you should clip the head at least six or seven days before the show ( just in case ).
Depending on the style you can leave the hair on the pole of you can remove it. I did both ways this year .
You may want to leave the hair on the pole until you are at the show to see what the style is at that time.
The Brisket is next; when clipping the brisket you clip from the head and neck downward. try not to take off all the hair you what this to be clipped but look natural.
For the hoofs we clip the hair that lays on the hoof to clean them up a little. DO NOT Clip the hair on the legs.
Now that you have just the beginners basics go to the watch and learn and watch the pro's clip and groom.
Red Angus do not have much hair in the summer so there is not much clipping to do; here is Munch he was my highest placing steer and graded prime plus.
this is Pepper my Black Angus.
Remember you are trying to make your steers look the best that you can.
You will always what to follow the rules of the Show, Fair or Association that you are participating in.
