working with my team

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  • January 31, 2010 at 6:44 pm #41372
    allison
    Participant

    I was wondering if someone could answer this question for me. I have a jersey team at 6 monthes old. They are doing great. I am so proud but I am
    5’1 and weigh 118 lbs. When I work the boys in the yoke, I feel like my stride can’t keep up with them so I don’t want to hold them back but should I be slowing them down to meet my pace? When they are pulling a cart or sled I want them to do what they need to pull comfortly but it seems so fast for me. Anyone with some ideas that can allow me to continue?

    January 31, 2010 at 9:17 pm #57520
    CharlyBonifaz
    Member

    you may want to check the “whoa” post for a solution….

    what about training them to obey commands from behind? gives you a chance to ride on the wagon……

    February 1, 2010 at 1:56 am #57521
    Tim Harrigan
    Participant

    If your question is should you set the pace for the team, the answer is yes. Are they pulling anything?

    February 1, 2010 at 12:58 pm #57519
    Carl Russell
    Moderator

    I have started a couple of teams of Jersey calves, and I have found that I usually had to put on sneakers….. but you should be able to teach them to walk at the speed you desire.

    Carl

    February 1, 2010 at 3:01 pm #57524
    allison
    Participant

    I work on a dairy farm and I am herdsmanager here. I am training the boys to pull a cart and sled to do some feeding for the other groups(dry cows, heifers,ext.) Also I want to train them to log a bit. They are also invited to go to a nice event in May. So I want them to relax and slow the pace to mine I just don’t want to hurt their progress. Maybe those sneakers are a good idea. Thanks to everybody for the education.

    February 2, 2010 at 10:51 am #57523
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Where’s your farm?
    I have a pair of Jersey crosses who are tied in the barn at this point(they’ve learned to leap the fence to be with me). They are anxious to GO. I’ve been prepared by having a Devon team earlier – now, they can GO. I’m working with the guys to go “easy”, as I’m not always energetic enough to trot alongside.
    They do pretty well, but are faster out of the barn than after a walk, some pulling and time to cavort in the field. I look forward to the time they are bigger and have more time in the paddock to just blow off steam so they’ll choose to go a little slower.
    oxnun

    February 2, 2010 at 11:43 am #57522
    Tim Harrigan
    Participant

    Most young calves are quick. They should be pulling a few hundred lbs on a sled or stoneboat. If they are working a little bit they will not be so interested in racing around.

    February 2, 2010 at 2:04 pm #57525
    allison
    Participant

    excellent thoughts and suggestions. I think you guys are right. The boys need some more exercise. They stay cooped up until they are worked. I’ll get them out and running a bit before putting them in the yoke.
    I work for a dairy farm that makes cheese out of Chapel Hill, NC. Jerseys make awesome cheese;)

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