Enjoy the Moment

Ted Howard, Production Animal Consultation

Ihave been writing a winter article for the last few years for the Protein Producers magazine . Each winter I remind you of the increased pressures you and your horse experience during this time of the year. I mention the stress of weaning calves, inconsistent ground conditions, and the change of nutrient and water requirements for your horses. However, this year, let’s change horses midstream, so to speak, and discuss enjoying each day.

Take a moment to recall one of your best days on the job or with your crew. What made this day stand out? Perhaps cattle were emptied out of their pens and loaded quietly or everyone on the crew laughed and visited while getting their work accomplished. Maybe your horsemanship work paid off in how your horse worked off your leg pressure. Whatever your best day at work memory is, try and recreate it every day.

When we enjoy our work, we give more effort and are rewarded with more success. Don’t get me wrong, everyday isn’t a pizza party; however, we can find a positive in each day. When I visit feedyards, I can immediately identify the crews that will enjoy their day’s work. They greet each other and me as we arrive to work with a “good morning”. They ask me specifically about my travels and my horses. They are open to the relationship we are building.

I can also see the improved stockmanship and horsemanship in the crews that enjoy each other and their work. They receive my suggestions and advice with open minds and positive attitudes. The ability for me to build trust with these people is much easier than with those that are not enjoying their work. A stockman who enjoys their work is reflected in their horses and cattle. Our equine partners are very sensitive to our moods and take their cues from the pressure we put in their mouths or the use of our spurs. A content horse will maintain a low headset and controlled foot speed. Our cattle also become easier to move, acclimate, process, doctor and load when we enjoy our job and work with them in a quiet, content manner.

We are all very different people with the common goal of caring for the animals entrusted to our care. That one very important commonality is what opens the door to start building relationships with those we work with. Some of the most positive yards I visit have a great relationship between the cowboy crew and the feeding and maintenance crews. I can identify these great relationships when the feed truck drivers and maintenance crew wave as they drive by or are working in the pens. When I see the feeding or maintenance crews setting gates for the cowboy crew or the cowboy crews waiting on the feeding crews to move out of an alley before they set gates, I know leadership is on the right track. It is the little things that help us to enjoy each other and our day.

So, remember, whether you are riding one horse or are changing horses midstream, enjoy the moment.