Washington

[allenacres]

Ive shown horses before but never cattle. Ive been told its less work to show cattle, and I would tend to believe that. Members of the NWHCA will help you if its your first time. They want people to show. We dont have a bigger truck and trailer (yet) so that is why I would have to hire a ride.
We will be away on vacation during the Grays harbor fair but Bitterroot farms (McCleary) will be there. Tom and Deanna are very nice folks. I dont know who else is showing at that fair however. They were trying to get more participants.

 

[czilas]

The fair dates are August 6th-10th, but I don't know the times or events just saw it on www.nwhca.org Just thought I would let you know since it's closer and less traffic.

 

[amysflock]

Shoot, I have to humor my husband with a fishing trip the weekend of the Grays Harbor fair, so I won't make that one.

I will definitely seek all info I can find from NWHCA folks on showing cattle. I actually saw a PBS-type show once in the past year about the world of showing cattle, with a special feature on the folks who groom them for a living...it was fascinating!

Last night I actually had my first combing session on BOTH girls in the pasture (Bridgit came over out of curiosity I think after seeing how blissed out Sheila looked). I'm so excited! Bridgit was wonderful, and let me comb just about every part of her, even combing out her tail! I discovered she really likes to have her muzzle lightly combed. She followed me back into the paddock, put her nose down about two feet from me and swished her horns in my direction...when she swished harder when I scratched her nose with my fingers, I took the comb back out...and that's exactly what she wanted! I'm so sorry my hubby missed the whole thing. I need to get photos!

 

[allenacres]

Yes they do love to be combed. That is how we get the calves use to us, go out with a comb and try to start combing. Usually its a lot of following until they finally stop, but they soon figure out that it feels really good.

Watch out for the swish of the horns, that is a warning to you. If mine do that to me I hit the underside of the horn with my comb and tell them to knock it off. Or if I dont have a comb in my hand I slap them somewhere and send them away.

I bet your girls looked good after you brushed them. They are pretty animals.

 

[amysflock]

Yes, I'm definitely careful around the horns. Sheila definitely uses hers as a warning, but I'm very aware of where they are in relation to me anytime I'm around her because they have such a wide reach (and sharp points!).

Bridgit, though...she reminds me of a toddler. She seems to use them to express "leave me alone," "quit it," and "I want more." The other day I fed her a few pea vines I pulled out of the garden, and when I ran out she stuck her horns in the hog wire and rattled the fence! She stopped when I came back for more.

In any case, when they do the horn swishing thing at me, I stomp my feet and say "No" and run them off a bit, but continue doing what I'm doing regardless. (I did get the picture from Sheila that she doesn't enjoy her tail being combed out, though, after she flogged me with it!)

 

[allenacres]

LOL, you sound like a seasoned Highland owner!

 

[mossyStone]

Thought i'd post a Hello from Arlington Washington, very new to goats but having a blast with them!

 

[bheila]

Hello from Kent Wa :bun

 

[Shell]

I am in Western WA also. Centralia!!
We raise and show chickens

 

[big brown horse]

Puget Sound BABY!!!