How to Show a Black Angus Steer

While everything that leads up to the day of a show---feeding, grooming, training and caring for your steer---can be a lot of work, actually showing a Black Angus steer is a fairly easy task. Even so, it's a good idea to practice showing your steer several times shortly beforehand, in addition to the months of training your steer to "set up" with its feet in the right position.

Things You'll Need

  • Show stick
  • Halter
  • Scotch comb
  • Leather shoes
  • Clean jeans and shirt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear clean clothes to present a professional appearance, together with strong leather shoes to protect your feet. Be kind and polite to everyone in the ring, and pay attention to the instructions the judge and ring steward give you.

    • 2

      Lead the steer into the ring, holding the show stick upright in your left hand, and the halter lead in your right. Give the steer about two feet of slack, so that he doesn't feel crowded but also can't get out of control.

    • 3

      Walk your steer in a clockwise direction around the ring, when directed to do so. Keep at least three feet between your steer and the one ahead of you.

    • 4

      Set up your steer whenever you stop. Switch your show stick to your right hand and use it to position the steer's feet squarely under him. Start with the back right leg, followed by the left, then the right front and finally the front left leg. Place the back legs slightly wider than the front to show the steer to his best advantage.

    • 5

      Keep the steer between you and the judge when the judge examines it. Rub the steer's belly with your show stick to keep him calm. When the judge moves to the steer's head, switch your show stick back to your left hand and stand to the left of the steer, so the judge can get a good look.