ETLA September Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 2

EAST TEXAS STATE FAIR

August/September 2013

MEMBERS IN ACTION YOUTH BARNYARD SHOWMANSHIP TIPS MEET ETLA PRESIDENT HAPPY FEET

Welcome

I want to welcome all members and friends of the East Texas Longhorn Association. I have been involved with Texas Longhorn cattle for more than fifteen years now and have truly enjoyed working with them and being involved in the events surrounding them. But, it is the comradery and friendship of the LH breeders that I appreciate the most. Many of you have become close friends and I know you are just as passionate about your longhorn cattle as I am. I encourage each of you to participate in and support our ETLA events. The ETLA needs to grow and have an active membership. We can do that by supporting and participating in as many ETLA events as possible. Bring along a friend, they'll be hooked in no time!

Youth. Where are our ETLA youth? At our May meeting we had nine youth members present. I believe the youth are the heart of the longhorn association.

They are our next generation of cattlemen and women. I personally, would like to see the ETLA increase the effort toward growing our Youth membership and providing a purpose for them to want to be active ETLA members. Please talk to me (connie_ollive@aol.com), a board member, or the ETLA Youth Advisory Board Members; Jamie Ollive (jamieollive@gmail.com), Amy Weatherholtz (ETLASecretary@gmail.com) or Timothy Roddem 903-852-5225 about your thoughts for growing our Youth membership and/or a incentive program for the youth. I would like to bring your ideas up for discussion at our next meeting.

Check it out! We are now on internet. You can find us on Facebook: East Texas Longhorn Association. Also subscribe to the new the ETLA Newsletter. Tell all your LH friends! This is another way to keep up with your East Texas Longhorn members and breeders and to know what is happening on the East Texas Longhorn scene. We already have 59 likes.

The newsletter includes an ETLA Members In Action segment. Please support it by submitting news you have about our East Texas Longhorn Family: articles and/or photos of not only your Longhorn events, but community events, achievements, awards, even your vacation photos! List events on our new Calendar of Events. Having a sale or ranch tour, giving a talk about lean beef at the local FFA meeting, hosting a showmanship clinic? Invite your friends to attend an ETLA event, or our next pot luck dinner. You never know, they may be your next customer!We welcome, and will consider, any well written, up to date editorials or articles about Texas Longhorns or about raising cattle in East Texas.

So, all you long-time LH breeders, feel free to share your expertise and advice with the rest of us!.

The ETLA Youth has a new Facebook: ETLAYouth and have their own segment in the ETLA Newsletter as well. Both will be areas for their news and events. Youth, we need your submissions! How did you do at the last LH show you attended? Do you have showmanship tips for the other ETLA Youth? Write a story about working with your calf, was it funny? Are you saddle breaking a steer? What did you learn during a trip with your calf to the vet, what were the routine vaccinations? How did you do at a school sporting event or dance recital?

Do you sing, write music or poetry? Write your own LH news articles to share with us! Send photos! All Newsletter articles should be sent to ETLASecretary@gmail.com We hope to see all our ETLA members at the East Texas State Fair in Tyler, TX. If you are not showing, but happen to be at the fair on September 26th, 27th, or 28th- please stop by the ETLA booth in the LH barn or walk through the barn and look at the LH cattle. We would love to see your smiling faces! And if you feel the need to volunteer, I'm sure we can find a job for you!

Connie Ollive, ETLA President

ETLA Newsletter (903)681-0353 7994 CR 1115 Athens, Tx 75751 ETLASecretary@gmail.com Amy Weatherholtz • 903-681-0353 The ETLA Newsletter is published 6 times by the East Texas Longhorn Association, address.

Next Issue November 2013 deadline is October 20th.

But, don’t wait until the deadline, start sending the information in today!

ETLA Officers Connie Ollive, President 903-780-0665 6505 FM 1002 South Big Sandy, TX 76766 connie_ollive@aol.com Gene Hightower, vice-President 903-963-7442 950 FM 1995 • Van, TX 75790 glcattleco@aol.com Amy Weatherholtz, Secretary 903-681-0353 7994 CR 1115 • Athens, TX 75751 ETLASecretary@gmail.com Lana Hightower, Treasurer 903-963-7442 950 FM 1995 • Van, TX 75790 glcattleco@aol.com

Board of Directors Brenda Oliver (Past President) , Craig Hester, Timothy Roddem, Kurt Twining, John Powell, Barb Marquess, Jamie Ollive, Tom Miller, Joel Norris, and Jacob Weatherholtz

Between Newsletters keep up with the ELTA on Facebook www.facebook.com/ETLA

East Texas State Fair ETLA reports increase in amount of entries By: Amy Weatherholtz, ETLA Secretary

Cotton Candy. Hot Dogs.

Candy Apples. Funnel Cakes and 231 TEXAS LONGHORNS will be invading Tyler, TX on Sept. 26.

The East Texas State Fair held in Tyler, Texas will kick off on Sept. 20 and run through Sept. 29. On Sept. 26 Texas Longhorn cattle will begin arriving for the largest longhorn cattle show in East Texas.

Sponsored by the East Texas Longhorn Association, the longhorn show hosted 132 entries last year.

Total amount of entries as of Sept. 9 has been reported at a whopping 231, almost double of last years.

The Longhorn show has been a part of the ETSF for many years now.

Typically exhibiting the largest number per breed shown.

Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower began showing at the ETSF 19 years ago.

“The first year I showed a bull calf and the main concentration was not to fall down,” said Lana.

Not knowing the love of longhorns would lead them to stepping up as superintendent for the show.

Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower has severed as the East Texas State Fair Longhorn Show Superintendent for the 16

Courtesy Photo from 2012 East Texas State Fair. years.

“The Fairgrounds have the old country fair atmosphere, come out and enjoy the longhorns on exhibit,” said Lana.

Make sure and visit the Photography & T-Shirt booth, proceeds go back to the ETLA. There will be a limited number of t-shirts available this year, please pre-order your t-shirts by sending sizes to ETLASecretary@gmail.com T-shirts are available at fair booth only.

Also, take time opportunity to sponsor a belt buckle.

SPONSOR A BELT BUCkLE FOR THE ETSF SHOW

$100 donation - sponsors a belt buckle, banner in the arena, and mentioned throughout the entire show.

ContaCt Lana HigHtower • 903-963-7442

Members in Action Ollive’s exhibit 2013 TLBAA WORLD CHAMPION

Longhorns at Balloon Race

Watson 507 Bruce and Connie ollive, of Big Sandy own Bar o Cattle Company and watson 507. watson 507 was exhibited during the annual tLBaa world Champion show in Fort worth, June 2013. During the show, watson competed and claimed honors as the 2013 tLBaa world Champion Free range Female. watson 507 is an eight-year-old and an own daughter to tin Horn. waston 507 was bred by wes waston, oklahoma.

Donnie Taylor and Lana Hightower set up a Longhorn Exhibit during the Great Texas Balloon Race at the East Texas Regional Airport in Longview. On Exhibit is Taylor’s cow Stockanna. Over 30,000 people attended the event with many asking inquisitive questions about Texas Longhorns.

Are you an ETLA member in Action?

Share your news, stories, pictures here.

Please submit information to ETLASecretary@gmail.com or Amy Weatherholtz, 7994 CR 1115 Athens, Texas 75751.

RESULTS TLBAA World Show 2013 Hall Of Fame Awards Third place -Haltered Mature Female: Sarcee Orphan (Photo below) Fifth Place- Haltered Mature Female: Sarcee Watseka (Pretty Woman) Both bred and owned by: Bruce & Connie Ollive, Bar O Cattle Company Big Sandy, TX. Photo submitted by Connie Ollive.

Calendar of events East Texas State Fair Tyler, Tx Sept. 26-28 www.ETSTATEFAIR.COM

State Fair of Texas Dallas, TX • Oct.

15-17

Longhorn Celebration Waco, TX • Oct.

18-19

www.longhornroundup.com

Marquess Arrow Production Sale Ben Wheeler, TX • Oct.

Walker participates in A&M vet program Submitted by Kathy Belt

26

www.maranch.com

Kaufman Police Association Longhorn Show Terrell, TX • Nov.

22-24

ETLA Board approves new Youth Logo During an impromptu meeting of the ETLA Board of Directors at the Rex Mosser Longhorn Sale at Marquess Arrow Ranch on August 17. The BOD approved the following logo for all youth related activities.

Christian started the 4-H Veterinary Science Program in his Senior year in high school (2011) and instead of taking him 5 years to complete the program, he will complete the program in two (2) years (2013).

Christian is working hands-on with Richardson, Jesse A DVM - Henderson Co Veterinary Hospital and Syler Veterinary Clinic Van Der Suellen DVM. Both of Athens, Texas He only has a few months left and he will be taking his veterinary as-

sistant's license and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Once he has his veterinary assistant's license's, he will then go on to work towards his veterinary technician license's and then be transferred to Texas A&M to work towards becoming a veterinarian. His parents is very proud of him and look forward to seeing what the good Lord has in store for Christian's future.

Christian is the son of Billy Walker and Kathy Belt, of Murchison.

Barn YArd Submit your youth pictures and news to: ETLASecretary@gmail.com You can even post them on facebook.com/ETLA

ETLA Youth Meeting & Officer Elections during East Texas State Fair During the East Texas State Fair on in the ETLA at an annual due of $25 per Friday at 3 p.m. the ETLA Youth will year or $100 lifetime.

At the September 7, ETLA board of hold an annual meeting and officer directors meeting, the BODs created a elections by the arena, all you are 2013-2014 Youth Advisory Committee invited to attend.

The 2013-2014 year will consists of of Jamie Ollive, Amy Weatherholtz and many new educational events, Timothy Roddem.

These three individuals will be at the showmanship tip social, and East Texas State Fair - don’t hesitate team working to name a few. to get to know them.

To be elected as a Youth officer, you must be at the Youth meeting on Friday, Sept. 27 and elected by peer or self.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Officers must be an ETLA member, Get Involved! can sign up on Sept. 27, youth are free, but requires parent/ranch membership

2012-2013 YOUTH OFFICERS President Madison ollive Vice-President Haley Calhoun Secretary/Treasurer tara Moore Reporter Carson webster Teen Director Brayden tanner Senior Director garrett tanner

Calhoun excels Facebook Postings...

Submitted by Haley Calhoun Fifteen-year-old, sophomore at Cross Roads High School, Haley Calhoun showed in the Autobahn Scholarship Tour and National Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow with DL Brooklyn’s Ruger and BRR Pistol Peach.

During the Autobahn Tour, she participated in all the events and gained her Autobahn Letterman Jack while placing seventh in her speech division.

Recently, during the Henderson County 4-H awards banquet, Calhoun was recognized and presents awards for Dairy Judging and 4-H Show Team. She is also the vice-president of Chandler 4-H, (an office she has held for 3 years.)

Calhoun was recently named student Advisor for the Cross Roads FFA. Calhoun is also on the Cross Roads High School Color Guard and obtained the only flag solo in the performances.

Calhoun is currently the vice-president for the Youth East Texas Longhorn Association.

She lives on Blossom Ridge Ranch were she is a top ranch hand and the big sister to Savanah and Emily.

Calhoun is the niece of Jacob and Amy Weatherholtz, from Athens. And grand-daughter of Troy and Joy Calhoun of Athens.

Youth ready for ETSF

Hannah-Marie Gayle Reed and ACC Moonshine are getting ready for the East Texas State Fair Longhorn Show. Submitted on Facebook by Craig Perez

Brush up showmanship skills The following article was submitted by Lana Hightower with the rights from the Mississippi State University Extension Service Program

Beef Showmanship Showmanship is an ar area ea over which you control have the most contr ol when exhibiting your beef cattle. In showmanship, you are are judged control present on your ability to contr ol and pr esent an animal to bring out its best characteristics.

Advanced planning and har hard d work ar aree im im-exhibitor.. portant keys to becoming a good exhibitor enthusi-Showing beef cattle generates enthusi asm and competition in the showring and teaches valuable life skills, which include rresponsi esponsibility bility,, making decisions, learning character.. to win graciously, graciously, and instilling character effectively A good showman has a sense for ef fectively presenting pr esenting an animal in competition.

Start Early Success in beef cattle showmanship must start at home with halter br breaking eaking the calf.

Properly Pr operly put a rrope ope halter on the calf, and let the lead rrope ope drag on the gr ground ound for 2 to 3 days. This makes the calf awar awaree of the halter.. halter Next, tie the calf for an hour, hour, working up to 3 to 5 hours a day day.. During this time, brush br ush and talk to your calf. This will assist in calming the calf and allow it to become accustomed to you. In time, the calf will rrespond espond to your hand movements with the halter and show stick.

Training T raining a calf to walk, stop, and set up easily takes work and patience. At first, lead the calf to and fr from om feed and water water.. Later, Later, around ses-lead the calf ar ound for short practice ses sions to teach it to set up in rresponse esponse to the halter and show stick. Have another person aree at the halter; handle the calf while you ar this trains the calf to rremain emain calm under a judge’s close inspection.

so big that the nose-cr nose-cross oss piece is down by the mouth.

You Y ou must use a nose lead to show bulls. provides control increased This pr ovides better contr ol and incr eased safety for all exhibitors. Handle the nose lead as one with the halter lead strap; pr proopressure vide equal pr essure to both leads. calf’s When leading, walk on the calf ’s left side with the lead in your right hand. Hold from your hand 6 to 12 inches fr om the animal’s head on the lead strap. (This is near the junction of the chain and leather strap.)

Firmly grip the lead so your thumb is toward up and towar d you with your little finger nearest Your stronger near est the chain. Y our wrist is str onger this provides control way and pr ovides better contr ol over the animal.

Measuree the lead strap to be just long Measur enough for contr ol (about shoulder width). control It must not touch the gr ound; if the lead can ground; rreach each the gr ound, you or the calf may step ground, on it, making it awkwar d to switch hands. awkward T o pr event injury, injury, do not wrap the halter To prevent strap ar ound your hand or fingers. around

Using the Show Stick Four basic uses for the show stick include: • Assisting in placing the feet.

• Calming and contr controlling olling the animal.

• Keeping the top level.

• For scotch-driving the animal.

•

• •

Using the Halter Place the halter on the calf calf’s ’s head with the lead on the left side. Put the cr cross oss strap that goes over the nose 2 to 3 inches below the eye. Y You ou can adjust rrope ope halters and show halters for pr proper oper fit. Do not have the halter

•

When setting up your calf— Switch the lead strap fr from om the right hand to your left hand quickly and smoothly.. smoothly Switch the show stick fr from om your left hand to your right hand.

Slowly scratch the calf calf’s ’s belly a couple of times to help calm the calf. calf’s appropriate Set the calf ’s feet in the appr opriate position.

Remember Remember:: Y You ou have two tools in your hands to set the feet—the lead and the show

stick. Set the rear feet first. To move a rear foot back, push backward on the lead and use the show stick to press (do not jab) the soft tissue between the toes in the cleft of the hoof. To move a rear foot forward, pull on the lead and use the show stick to apply pressure under the dew claw (Figure 1).

A heel-to-toe relationship works best when profiling. The heel of one foot is parallel with the toe of the other foot. The front feet are set squared or staggered less than the rear feet. The toe of the front foot away from the judge should be set back half the width of the hoof on the judge’s side. By setting the feet in this manner, you give the judge a perception of depth and thickness. It also makes it easier to correct a top line and rump structure.

When using the show stick to correct a top line— • Apply pressure at the navel or flank with the hook of the show stick if the top is weak and needs to be raised.

• If the rump is steep and the loin is high, apply pressure to this area to bring it down; continue to scratch the calf’s belly to keep it calm.

While showing, always keep the point of the show stick down for safety and professional appearance.

Keep the stick in your left hand at the handle or about one-third of the way down when walking. This allows its use as an additional control tool if needed. If the calf is moving too fast, hold the portion of the stick between your left hand and tip or hook end in front of the calf’s nose.

To scotch-drive, push forward on the halter with your right hand, and touch the calf with the show stick on its side or rump. This makes the calf think someone is behind it, and it should start to walk. Scotch-driving is needed when the calf will not lead or walk and no one is around to help you get started.

Figure 1. Proper use of the show stick in placement of the feet.

It is easier for the calf to put a foot back than forward. When the rear feet are too close together, apply pressure to the inside of the leg just above the hoof or at the hock, and the calf should stand wider. You can move its front feet by using your boot or show stick to apply pressure on the foot while pushing or pulling with the halter lead in the desired direction you want the foot to move. Younger, less experienced exhibitors are safer using the show stick.

Placement of the feet depends on what view is desired for the judge and what makes the calf look its best. When cattle are lined up side by side in a straight line, the feet should be set on all four corners (bearing a full share of the calf’s weight). On this view, the judge is looking at the rear and front of the calf.

When the cattle are lined on the profile (head to tail), set the feet as if a professional photographer is taking a picture. Stagger the rear feet so your near side foot is slightly in front of the foot closest to the judge (Figure 2). As the judge moves to the rear of the calf on profile, an experienced exhibitor will again square the feet. As the judge moves back to the side view, profile the rear feet again.

Using the Comb or Cloth With haired cattle, carry a scotch comb in your right back pocket or in a comb sheath, with the teeth toward you for safety. Use the scotch comb to groom the hair that becomes messed up from the judge’s handling your calf or from another animal bumping into your calf. You can use the corner of the comb to level the loin.

If showing American breeds with short hair, carry a wipe cloth (bandana). You can use the cloth in the same manner as the scotch comb to groom the hair while in the showring.

At Show Time Before the show, walk over the showring to find any low spots on the surface. This will help you avoid these areas when setting up your calf. If possible, position the calf so the front feet are placed on higher ground than the rear feet.

Dress neatly and look like a livestock exhibitor.

Wear leather boots for safety and to look your best. If the calf steps on your foot, its foot will slip off a leather boot more easily than it will slip off a canvas shoe.

Figure 2. Set up when viewed on the profile.

2

Wear nice jeans or slacks; avoid faded blue jeans because they do not look professional. Wear a buttondown or Western shirt; do not wear a T-shirt. Leave hats or caps at the grooming area because they distract the judge’s attention from your calf.

Enter the showring promptly when the class is called. Have the proper equipment and exhibitor number for the calf you are showing. Unless instructed differently, always wear your exhibitor number on the left side so it does not interfere with use of the show stick or leading the calf.

Know where to line up and how the classes will move through the showring. If you are not in the first class, watch a class or two to learn specific techniques or show style the judge prefers. The advanced exhibitor is able to adapt to any situation and provide the judge with exactly what he or she is looking for on that particular day.

Generally, cattle are lined up side by side to start a class. When pulling into line, look where you will be, and head into that position. Do not merely follow the person in front of you since this usually ends in an “S” configuration. You can end up brushing against the calf that was in front of you as you pull into line.

When pulling into line, check your calf a few feet before reaching your destination to slow the calf. To check the calf, lift up slightly on the halter so the calf knows you are about to stop.

When walking into the ring, line up where the ring steward indicates. If you are third or fourth in the ring, line up even with the other calves, leaving 3 or 4 feet on both sides of your calf. This allows ample room for all exhibitors to set up. Smoothly, yet quickly, get the calf set up with its head high.

Be alert, keep a close eye on the calf, keep the feet set square, stay straight in line, and know where the judge is located. If your calf is not set square and the judge is nearby, set up your calf. Most judges will wait for you to present the calf at its best. Always give the judge the view he or she is seeking. Try not to stand between the judge and the calf.

When it is time to walk the cattle— • Move as the judge or ring steward instructs. Most likely you will pull the cattle up to the rail, turn left, go three-fourths of a circle, and walk right behind the tail of the other cattle in the side-by-side line.

• Assist the exhibitor in front of you in moving a calf if he or she is having trouble. Tap the calf’s rump with your stick, or, preferably, put your show stick in your right hand and twist the tail of the calf in front of you with your left.

• Let your calf walk out freely. Move at an easy pace, not too slow or too fast.

•

• •

When it is time to stop on the profile— Stop in a straight line head to tail. Remember to check the calf and then stop by lifting its head.

Allow 4 to 6 feet between your calf and the one in front. This allows the judge space to move freely around the cattle and helps to prevent calves from mounting or disturbing others in the line.

Position the feet as discussed earlier; keep the top line level and the calf’s head up.

Locate the judge and wait calmly. Do not “saw” your calf in half with rapid stick movement while waiting for the judge. Use slow, deliberate strokes with the show stick. Do not make noises or rattle the chain of the halter.

The judge may handle the cattle and ask a few questions. As the judge moves around the calf, move a half step back to allow the judge a full view. Be prepared to answer questions such as weight, birth date, sire, dam, pregnancy status of your heifer, feeding program, parts of the animal, yield grade, quality grade, and the retail cuts of beef.

If your calf has not moved and the judge has gone to the next animal, use the scotch comb or wipe cloth to fix any hair that is messed up. If your calf has moved out of line, pull out in a clockwise circle and bring the calf back into line. Set up and then fix the hair if necessary.

Be alert and aware of the judge. Look for a sign or motion to be pulled into line for placing. This may be another profile or side by side line. As the judge pulls cattle from the profile line, empty spaces occur. As spaces between cattle become empty, move forward in the line.

Remember to allow proper distance between calves, and set the calf up at its best. By moving forward and filling the empty spaces, it becomes easier for the judge to make comparisons. Once pulled into a side by side line, you are nearing the end of the class.

Stay alert and set the calf up as positions may continue to be switched.

When turning an animal, always turn to the right (clockwise) unless the ring steward gives other instructions. Pushing the calf’s head away from you prevents the possibility of the calf stepping on your foot, causing harm to you or the calf.

Certain situations may occur in changing placings (Figure 3). Note that you pass back through the same hole you left, then to the proper position. If positioned up to a rail, do not turn around in the line.

Back the calf out by pushing back on the halter with your left hand and applying pressure with your right at the point of the shoulder. Pull into the line at the instructed position.

3

When the judge starts his or her reasons, the class is over but your job is not. Continue to work hard and display good sportsmanship. Leave the ring in an orderly manner as instructed by the ring steward, and pick up your awards.

Courtesy and Sportsmanship Keep straight lines so the judge can compare all the animals. If you are blocking the view of another animal and have space, move so the judge can see all the animals; however, if you are the one hidden, it is your responsibility to be where the calf can be seen. Do not rely on other exhibitors since they may not have room to move. Pull back in line on the end if this is where space is available.

Avoid bumping, crowding, or hitting other animals. If your calf becomes nervous or unruly, act as a professional. Remain calm, be patient, and never get discouraged or lose your temper.

Congratulate the class winners and those who stood ahead of you, or be a gracious winner and encourage those who stood below. Remember: Showing is a learning experience. Leave the ring knowing you have given your best effort. Learn from your mistakes, watch other exhibitors, and improve your skills for the next show. You are always a winner just by having participated in a worthwhile learning activity.

Figure 3. Switching positions.

Copyright 2011 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

By R. Kipp Brown, Area Extension Agent III, 4-H Livestock/Meat Goats. Adapted from Publication ANS 95-002B, North Carolina Extension Service.

Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.

Publication 2210 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-10-11)

Meet your ETLA President

Connie Ollive

My first fascination with Longhorn cattle began when I looked out of the school bus window and saw a pasture of big horned cattle grazing near the town of Denton Texas. They were beautiful and unique. They reminded me of the Old West and the Chisholm Trail which is such a strong part of the history of North Texas. I had been raised around cattle and horses all my life, but these cattle were different and I liked them. I looked for them everyday and was disappointed when I didn't see them.

As time went on, the Longhorns were forgotten. I married and moved to Canada where we ranched and farmed. Bruce and I trained horses, raised Limousin and commercial cattle, and four

rowdy kids. Ten years later we moved back to Texas. Once my kids were all in school I returned to college and became a registered nurse. I have worked as a nurse in the nursery, labor and delivery, and most recently in the ER. The Longhorn cattle reappeared in my life when Bruce went to work as ranch manager for Mickey Wood in Lindale Texas ( the legendary "King" was at the ranch). Bruce, and our two sons, Lanham and Denton, showed some of the heifers for Wild Wood Ranch, including Ruby Baby, World Champion Heifer (ITLA).

And, I was finally able to become involved with the longhorned cattle that I had so much admired all those years ago.

It wasn't until the late 1990's we bought our first Longhorn cows.

These cows had been crossed with a Charolais bull. The calves were good and we kept several of the heifers to put into a small commercial herd. We continued to cross the older longhorn cows with Angus bulls to produce calves for the market.

Bruce's job moved to deep East Texas, as manager of another Longhorn ranch. We eventually sold our cross-bred cattle and built a small herd of purebred longhorns.

We have always enjoyed our longhorns. We have shown them, both in haltered and non-haltered shows, attended sales, and participated in several futurities.

We have been lucky enough to have won a few awards along the way. We have had class winners and grand champions, won bronzes, rifles and belt buckles, and even had a couple of sale toppers. But, most importantly, we have been able to enjoy seeing the smiles on the faces of our grandchildren as they lead a calf around the show ring. How lucky we are!

I have been a member of the East Texas Longhorn Association and Ark-LA-Tex Longhorn Association, both TLBAA affiliates. I have also been a member of the ITLA, CTTLA, TTLHA, TLMA. I have worn many different hats

and been a member of: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sunday School Teacher, Church Camp Director; Texas Nurses Association; owned a gourmet food business (Texas Red Hot Rooster), Texas 4-H; Texas FFA, Grand Saline, president parliamentary procedures, dairy judging team; Texas FHA; AQHA; NCHA; Canadian Limousin Cattle Association; Hawkins Chamber of Commerce; first Secretary (for recording and stamping papers for eligible offspring) for the Alberta Quarter Horse Incentive Program.

I have also been a founding member for these associations: Botha 4-H Horse Group, Alberta Barrel Racing Association, Gold Rush Pleasure Horse Futurity, the original Winchester Heifer Futurity.

Longhorn cattle have provided purpose, fun, companionship, and opportunities for our family to grow and learn. We (Bruce, my kids, and grandkids included) have all been fortunate enough to have met some great people and life-long friends throughout the years that we have been associated with Longhorns.

In my "spare" time I like taking photos (especially livestock), scuba diving, reading, and hog hunting. One of my favorite things to do is to ride through our herd of Longhorn cattle and just admire them. But, my most favorite thing to do is to hunt for those newborn calves- you just never know what you are going to find!

Upcoming Issue Topics: ETSF Results Prince & Princess Contest Meet Your Vice President New Youth Officers

LONgHORN LOvE BRINgS HAPPY FEET - TEACHES LESSONS Editor’s note: Please share your longhorn stories and tips submitting them to by ETLASecretary@gmail.com or mail them to 7994 CR 1115 Athens, TX 75751 By: Amy Weatherholtz Athens, Tx - Have you ever been so anxiously waiting the birth of a new calf? Well, I have.

Let me explain.

I turned the terrifying 3-0 this year in April. (I have survived and loving the new age bracket). But when most might update their car, buy a new outfit or something else their heart desires. What did I do? I bought a new longhorn!

Receiving an advertisement through the TLBAA e-mails, one glance and it was fate, destiny and love!

She was everything I wanted, great horn, beautiful color and would fit in the herd well. She was older, (16 years) and bred to a white and grulla bull.

Could she get any better?

She did after looking at her pedigree to see she had Overwhelmer and Classic, and she was gorgeous!

She was only 4.5 hours (one-way) from home and well who does not like a good road trip - especially if pulling a trailer.

Thinking my husband (Jacob) had to work, I asked my Dad to accompany me on this trip then Jacob was available so we all loaded up and headed out.

The guys know me by now, if Amy wants it - she typically gets it rather there is much agreement or not.

Still after over a year, Jacob & I can not talk about one of the heifers in the pasture because I bought her without consulting him first.

Back to PLR Sweet Thang...

We purchased her from a lady that said she should be

close to calving (7-9 months bred.) You could tell she was carrying a calf, so I’d wait.

I’d wait. I’d wait. I’d wait.

About the time I started talking to a friend about coming to palpate her, I had about given up - I noticed a difference in a day.

She had finally dropped her milk, loosened in the back and shifted in her sides.

I text saying, I think we can wait on palpating, I expect her to have it within the next two weeks.

A storm started rolling in the same day, a good summer rain is great. Then the second storm came rolling in.(In July) Our middle niece was having her tenth birthday, everyone at Blossom Ridge Ranch went to dinner to celebrate.

Running late on our regular feeding routines, it was dark and raining and the clouds were growing and extremely angry looking.

Rushing down to the pasture to feed, I noticed “Sweet T” underneath a tree. I drove by just to ensure she had not given birth during the beginning of the storm, although we all hoped for it to come on Savanah’s birthday.

One look and I knew she would have it during the storm, as canny as I could speak to a cow, I said. “Sweet T, you hold off and have the baby after the storm is finished.”

Oh Baby!

She listened.

Already

sleeping past my alarm, I knew I had to run out in the pasture before heading to work, (I’d only be a few minutes late on my arrival.)

I saw the most beautiful calf, ever. Grulla and white, big legged and Sweet T licking on it, everything looked normal.

I had Haley with me, she is the top ranch hand and gate opener. I left her in the pasture, cause somehow work does not understand how new births constitute the right to be more than a few minutes late to work.

I told her to watch & keep me updated. I wanted details.

I was in love. Longhorn Love.

About lunch, Haley said, “I think something is wrong, it is not getting up and I got close to it and the legs aren’t right - but it’s a boy!”

Having considered that she was an older cow and this was a pretty good size calf, he seemed to all be legs, I said well, try to help him up if possible and just watch him, I’ll be home after work.

Jacob got home before I did, “yes, his legs are messed up can not stand on the front and he has not nursed - what do we do?”

My heart sank, I wanted to cry, this can not be happening, this was suppose to be the perfect calf, in the words of Sweet Brown, “ain’t no body got time for that.”

Questions flooded my mind I’m a graphic artist, how am I suppose to be a vet tech over the phone?

Benefit of the doubt, maybe it was delivery issues, I had not ....Continued, See Happy Feet

BRR Strom Chaser & Momma, PLR Sweet Thang in the pasture, Haley bottle feeding. Even though we thought he would eventually suckle his mother, the calf was stepped on and fractured his “pvc pipe cast” causing a set back and forcing us to move him to the hog pen.

Happy Feet Continued... seen the birth. But I knew we were racing against the clock, he needed colostrum.

Like any good rancher, we did not have a bag on hand.

So to town Jacob went.

By the time I got home, they had already fed him a third of the bottle and our neighbor and good longhorn friend, Mark Oliver, came to lend a hand.

We all came to the conclusion, there was no muscles in his legs and possible joint issued. It was obvious, something was wrong.

Solution.

A few paint sticks, an old hanky and duck tape the guys created a splint that would get him up for a few minutes to stand but he was tired. Worn down from the day.

Mark came up with the name Happy Feet (after the movie.)

They worked with him until the moon came out, deciding he would come in the house for safety and nightly feeding.

Nighttime, I told Jacob I wanted him to take him to the vet to see what the issue might be. “We do not have the extra money,” he said. I agreed.

Seeing the lively hood of this calf, I knew we had to try.

“I was saving this for a trip, here is my extra, take him tomorrow.”

With Jacob and Haley taking him to the vet the next day, our calf arrived back home with a full leg cast. A full leg cast opposite of the one I thought he would have it on.

Did the vet put it on the right one?

After observing him, I knew his other leg needed to be casted, however we could not afford to take him back to the vet.

His other leg received the good ole’ method, ace bandages, paint sticks and duck tape. Did not have to look great to work.

After a day of speaking to friends about him, my Dad said

one of his friends told him a PVC pipe makes a great cast, he had used it before on dairy calves.

Well at this point, it is worth a try. Just had to make sure it was large enough for his joints.

Knowing the ranch crew would be able to handle any issues, I went out of town for the weekend.

The calf had made such a progress that he would stay out in the pasture during the day and receive one or two bottles, trying to make him hungry enough to suckle his Momma.

At this point, he is a pirate peg-legged calf, enjoying the pastures during the day and my home office at night.

During one of the days out in the pasture, his PVC piped cast got stepped on and his knee joint was fractured.

At this point, he was getting heavy to tote in and out of the house, so deciding it would be easier, he made his new home in the hog pen.

It was across the road from the pasture and we even moved “Sweet T” over to be closer, she decided she like to go through the gate and be

Only boy Hal ey Calhoun is allowed to ki ss behind th barn! BRR St e orm Chaser aka Happy Fe et. with the other cows. She won.

Many hours of nursing and tending to the calf, Haley did not much leave his side.

We gave him extra amounts of vitamins, and prayers.

And the vet tech cut opened his leg removing the cast.

This calf has overcame many obstacles.

Now almost two months old, spoiled rotten to say the least.

We never determined what caused this “weakness” however with a lot of love, dedication and determination,

BRR Storm Chaser or aka Happy Feet is able to run around the pen, although his front feet are still “flat footed” walking on his hocks with hooves forward.

He is taking 4 bottles a day, eating hay and learning what feed is.

He is getting stronger by the day and thriving.

Want to read postings about Happy Feet? Keep up with him on Facebook at BRRLonghorns