Lesson #5: Did Anyone Else Get Any Glory Wounds This Weekend?

Did anyone else grab a glory wound this weekend? You all know what I am talking about...that wound that is left after the dust settles down and you are perfectly sure you are going to make it!!

Why is it that we are so proud of our "glory wounds"? Take a 4th grade child that has just won showmanship, but was stepped on in the process. He will show you the belt buckle he won, but then he will spend 5 minutes telling you how he got stepped on, how he got the calf off, and what each second of the horrible pain felt like...of couse, he mentions he didn't cry...he took it like a man!! If you are lucky you can get away before the boot and sock come off...visual effects always stand out in people's mind!!

I was the lucky owner of a glory wound this past weekend! (It was on my head, so I couldn't show it off! darn...hahaha)

My family and I were loading replacement heifers this past weekend. My dad and I were driving them into a trailer and as always there was one little heifer that wanted to stay behind. (Isn't that a kind way of putting it.)  She had ran past me once and I felt we were in a hurry...so there was no way this was happening again! (The Metts family running behind...never...) The next time she came by I stepped out in front of her. (I guess..I am not sure what I called myself trying to do.. ride her I guess....like the RFD TV says "Long Live the Cowboy"!) Tuff Hedeman didn't have anything on me!! That ole heifer hit me just right and when she did up went my legs and down went my head!!

I hit my head first and then my shoulder! I jumped up like I thought she was coming back for more!! But, after jumping up like some super hero (really a coward who wasn't getting run over ahead.) I just kind of stood there..more like old Otis on the Andy Griffin show!

It is amazing how you can go from being one of the world's greatest cowboys to "falling" around like some kind of drunk....

I have had other nice glory wounds....bruised feet from calves who can't walk without walking on you...bruised legs from calves who consistently forget it is a blow dryer..the same one we have used a million times...and a great big bruise from being thrown into that huge power box at Perry, GA! Talk about a blast!!

However, getting hurt by your cattle or while working with your cattle while isn't a laughing matter! It can be quite serious. Most of us cattlemen who have been around cattle for a while get hurt because we are too comfortable in the situation!! They always say the bull that will hurt you is the one you trust!

For you newer exhibitors here is just a little bit of advice:

#1 - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER tie a calf of any size to you!!

I have seen some of the calmest calves in the world get spooked and go crazy!! Trust me...you don't want to be on the other end of that rope with no control over where you are headed!!

#2- Don't walk underneath your calf. If you don't know what I am talking about your feet will soon!! and for goodness sake please wear shoes that can take getting stepped on...please don't wear flip flops to halter break cattle. (Please don't act like there are people out there who don't do this...)

#3 - Either get far enough away from the calf so he can't kick you or get close enough that it won't hurt as bad. Why is it that we all want to stand right where the calf can get a great kicking target.

#4 - Don't put yourself between your animal and a solid area.  Especially when breaking your animal.

#5 = Please alway tie your animal with slip knots. This is for the safety of your animal and you!! If you don't know how to tie a slip knot! STOP! Watch this video click here and learn how to tie a slip knot! My dad must have made me practice this one millione times, but it was worth it.

(for your safety and your calves)

Do any of you more seasoned showers have any advice? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know!!