We Assume Too Much

By: Ted Howard, Production Animal Consultation

Have you ever sent a text message that was taken out of context? Have you ever received a text message that you misunderstood? In each instance ASSUMPTION was the culprit. Unless we ask enough questions or analyze the big picture we will not always react appropriately based on our initial assumption.

I have had some stockmen tell me that it has taken up to two weeks to get their horse to work a gate. Unfortunately, as we go into our pens we assume our horses understand how each gate needs to be handled. Being able to work in different yards, I have seen all different kinds of gate configurations. By understanding how to ask a horse to move his body properly, we can help our horse to understand how to maneuver appropriately, no matter how the gate is setup.

As we ride through our pens, often times we assume our horse understands which calf we have identified to pull. We need to be patient with our horse until he has realized which animal we are after. As we walk our cattle to the gate we must position our horse at a 30-degree angle so our cattle can see us easily. Too often we assume that the horse would understand the appropriate angle.

Once we have our pull close to the gate, we stop and open the pen gate; we assume the calf being pulled knows that the gate is open at that moment. The mere act of opening a gate in the vicinity of the calf being pulled does not ensure the calf understands that the gate is open.

When we don’t empty a pen correctly where the cattle flow out smoothly, we cannot assume that the cattle at the back of the pen understand the gate is open. We need to recognize that each animal must be assured the gate is open for a successful pen emptying.

Sometimes I assume that the stockmen/women understand more about the topic we are discussing and I don’t always start at the beginning in the training. I have learned that when this happens, I need to back up and reestablish the groundwork so that everyone is on the same page. So no matter what you are doing – texting, opening gates horseback or pulling cattle – don’t let assumption cause you frustration.