Building Trust in Our Cattle

By: Ted Howard, Production Animal Consultation

In today’s society, some of the cattle we are receiving into our yards have not been introduced to horses. With the use of four-wheelers and even helicopters in some remote areas, cattle haven’t been given the opportunity to become comfortable with the presence of a horse. Therefore, we must make a good impression on their first introduction to our horse when they step off the truck.

Our horse needs to be positioned so that the cattle can see them as they file off the truck. The horse we choose must be very confident and relaxed. Normally a relaxed horse will have a very level headset that is reassuring to cattle.

As we ask cattle from the holding pen, we position our horse on their left eye. It is important to lead our cattle to their home pen. As we arrive at their home pen, we need to position ourselves on the left side of the gate to introduce the cattle into their new environment.

After the cattle have gotten comfortable in the pen for a few hours, we need to acclimate them into each corner of their new surroundings. Finally, we need to settle them at the bunk. This is how we offer five-star accommodations that allow the cattle to relax and trust they are in a safe place with access to food and water.

Acclimating cattle into their home pen allows the stockman to pull the cattle in a much easier manner. When cattle start to trust their environment, they are much more confident in being handled. It is important to ask these new cattle to leave their pen the day after arrival. We need to assess the cattle for any soreness or bruising from their recent transport. Once the cattle have been processed, we need to exercise them for three days in a row to help alleviate any shipping or processing soreness. It is very important to use a very confident and relaxed horse to accomplish these stockmanship goals.

Getting off to the right start with our new cattle will build a foundation of trust. This trust will ensure their stay in our feed yards is one of better health and therefore better gain.

Parents: