Breaking to Lead

We had snow and a very cold weather this year. I hope you all did your own feeding this Winter?
I did all the feeding and watering of my Steers, each time I did my chores I talked and rubbed on my steers so not to loose the work I did last Fall on breaking them to touch.

Now it is time to break them to lead. Everyone has a different way to do this. First I touched, rubbed and fed my steers all winter, doing this made it easier for me to break my steers to lead.

First I did the pull and release; this is done by pulling on the lead rope for a few minutes. This puts pressure on the steers head, and nose, then release the pressure. Do this until the steer takes a step or two. Repeat this step until the steer gives to you.

Next Place your hand on the lead rope closer to the steers head, and take a few steps. You are still using the pull and release and trying to get you steer to give to you.

This all takes time, I do this every morning and night at feeding time. I lead them to where I feed and tie them up while they eat. After they eat I lead them around for a while.

I have found that when breaking to lead a few steps at a time is a good start.

Before you know it your steers are leading all around the pen for you. Try to remember to stay calm and just keep working with them. I try to have my steers broke to lead by Spring so that it gives me time to do the ground work for the show ring..                                                                                                                  Something to always remember; Your steers are not pets, I never let my guard down when working with my steers. I work on the leading and show ring skills to the day I show and sale my steers. Then and only then do I think that my steers are broke to lead, touch, and show. 

Set you goals and work to meet them.

Stay Calm and just keep working. 

If you give it your best; that is the best you can do.