Expert: Eileen DuJardin - 7/18/2011

Question
Have a 4-H steer that has us very confused.  We can halter him in the pen, lead him around some, wash him and even use a show stick on him.  However, when he decides he's done or had enough or wants to be somewhere else, he just takes off and we can't hold on to him.  He very much respects a fence post when he is tied to it, and we can lead him easily with a pick-up.  He even leads easily by a human when he's in the mood!  When he does get away, if we are out of the corral he runs quite a ways away, but then runs back to the other steers and we can just pick up his lead rope and work with him some more.  He is very alert to all of his surroundings, and seems jumpy when something or someone new enters the picture.  Any suggestions on how to make him stop running away when he decides he wants to?

Answer
Jeanne,

This is a tough one.. especially since the steer has already gotten away from you more than once.  Unfortunately, now he expects that he CAN get away, so he's going to be harder to hold on to.

I would stop using the pick up truck.. you can't take him into the ring with a truck, so teaching him to lead behind that is pretty much useless.  Is there anyone you know that is stronger that you can "borrow" for a week or so?  You absolutely have to find someone that can hold on to him, or you'll never be able to trust him in the future.

Start back at the beginning with him.  In his pen, halter him and lead him.  If he's gotten away from you in the pen, use someone that can hold on to him, or, lead him along the fence, so if he starts to run, you can quickly snub him to a fence post.  Then just let him fight until he quiets down, and lead him off again.

Do not take him out of his pen until you feel comfortable IN the pen.  He's going to try and run again, it's a guarantee, so you have to be ready.

When he goes to run, if you can, you need to jerk with all of your strength to get his head turned around, and off balance.  That's the only way you can stop him at all.  Once he gets straight, there's no way you or anyone will be able to hold on to him.

I hope this helps.  You can e-mail me directly if you  have any more questions:  www.thebulllady@hotmail.com

Good luck!