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One of the fundamentals of grooming show cattle is washing. By washing
your calf regularly, you are not only removing dirt which has been
embedded within its hair coat and on its hide, but you also remove dead
hair and skin. This will give your calf a brighter, cleaner appearance.
You should wash the calf at least once a month until about 30 days before
a show and then begin washing it on a weekly basis. Use a mild, cold
water soap or you can use a livestock soap which is sold by most farm and
ranch supply stores. Be sure that you rinse all soap out of the hair
because any soap left on the animal will create dandruff and cause the
hair to have a dull appearance.
Finally, rinse with a mild livestock dip solution mixed with water
according to the instructions on the container. This will help to
prevent any lice or fly problems.
By trimming the animal's hooves as needed, you help the animal to stand
more correctly on its feet and legs.
Preparing a Texas Longhorn bull or heifer for the show ring is somewhat
different than preparation for many other breeds of cattle. Texas
Longhorn cattle are shown in their natural state. That is, they are not
altered by any means. Exhibiitors are encouraged to show their animals
in a neat and clean condition. Washing, brushing, combing and trimming
of excess hair are permitted. Specifically prohibited are: (a) the
clipping of hair other than at the prepuce of bulls on the premises of
show locations; (b) the sanding and polishing of horns; (c) polishing of
hooves; and (d) sheen or sparkle additives to the hair. Also, teasing or
balling the tail switch is not allowed. The hair is to be brushed down
and no other physical or cosmetic alterations should be made other than
trimming of the calf's hooves as required. (ADDITIONALLY, HORN WEIGHTS
WILL NOT BE TOLERATAED IN USE ON SHOW CATTLE.)
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
A. Any animal found to have its physical features altered or tampered
with by surgical means for the purpose of improving its appearance or
conformation will be disqualified and ruled ineligible to receive or
compete for premiums.
B. No animal may be shown that has had a foreign object(s)
attached in any manner for the purpose of altering its conformation or
changing its appearance.
C. No paint or other material may be used to cover or otherwise change
the natural color of an animal.
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