Out Around the Barn

There are many things today that we may consider as part of our livestock equipment on the farm or ranch.  The tractor, feed grinder, feeders, buckets, sorting paddles, ropes, chains and so many other things are considered as part of our livestock supplies.  These are all necessary items that are used in the business of raising horses, cattle and other livestock.  We use all kinds of tools to build fences and repair buildings that we don’t often look at the one tool we really need when it comes to training our livestock.

I am speaking of Trust.  This is the one must have tool that we need when working with our animals.  If you watch the kids in 4-H and see how they handle their cattle, pigs and sheep, you can see how they work with them so closely.  They have to trust them to not hurt them and visa – versa.  It is the same on the farm working everyday with your livestock.  Not to say that you shouldn’t be cautious because you should, but you learn how they react around you when you feed and they become accustomed to you being there everyday.  You learn to watch for changes and be aware.

There is what is called “The Pecking Order,” among herd animals.  This can be deceiving to understand, so I will try to simplify it for you.  The pecking order is not just who gets to drink first or eat first as most of us believe when we first here of this.  It really has to do with which one of the herd is the strongest and most likely to protect the rest of them if danger arises.  The herd chooses their leader and trusts that one horse or bull to protect them. 

It is the same when we work with our animals.  They have to trust you to protect them. If  they don’t trust you, then you more than likely will have issues.  In return, you have to trust your animal as well.  As both of you build that bond with each other, you will have wonderful results in accomplishing the task at hand. 

This just isn’t for large animals. A good example is my Jack Russell, Bella.  Something happened to her when she was little, not sure exactly what, but she became quite a terror to her owner.  My son saw her one day and decided that I needed a puppy.  Therefore, I became her owner.  I did not know of the previous  happenings in her life and just picked her up and loved her and cared for her.  She is my most loyal pal.  To this day, oh she has her moments, she has not ever hurt me but, she is not friendly to anyone else, except my two sons. I am the only one that can hold her to do anything with her.  She trusts me.  I won her trust by loving and caring for her and giving her the attention she needed. 

Trust is a livestock supply that we really need to stock up on.  You never know when that particular tool just might come in handy.