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Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:57 pm
by Jamie
Can Dexters with horns be shown? If so, do they have to be to a certain standard or untouched etc.?
Thanks,
Jamie
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:38 am
by Jamie
Anyone on here think they can help? Also, does anyone know where I can view the Dexter Breed Standard?
Thanks,
Jamie
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 11:56 am
by Louisa Gidney
My herd is horned and I showed cattle regularly until 2000, achieving some successes. Horns don't need much attention, possibly a quick rub over with sandpaper but definitely a wipe over with something like hoof oil. Don't make the horns too sticky.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 12:39 pm
by Duncan MacIntyre
There are probably not so many show with horns now. I used to occasionally. Preparation of horn involves a bit of light sanding to make the surface smooth, and a light oiling at the show field to brighten them up. This really changes the appearance of the white and black horn and makes them look much more attractive. For the sanding I used to use emery tape from the local garage which wraps round the horn and can be drawn back and forth easily.
In former times all horned breeds would be shown with horns, and there were endless systems for training the horns to grow exactly to desired shape and symetry. I think most of these devices would best be left in the dark ages on welfare grounds now.
Duncan
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 12:43 pm
by carole
Hi Jamie
If you send an sae to the main office they will send you a copy of the standards.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:18 pm
by Jamie
Ok, thanks. So do they still need to look symmetrical and desirable or does the judge no longer look at this?
Thanks,
Jamie
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:57 pm
by redhill
Jamie,
We also have a horned herd, of 25 Dexters, and like Louisa showed them until 2000 , we used to wash the whole Dexter, including a good scrub for the horns, a couple of days before the show, as our farm is on red clay, and Dexters (with or without horns), just love digging for moles, this shifts any ground in dirt. Then the day before the show, the horns can be smoothed using sandpaper, then a polish ,we have found linseed oil gives the best result.
If you let the show organisers know you are showing horned cattle, most are very obliging and will allow you extra space, and put you at the end of the line which is a good idea, as some non horned Dexters are jumpy around horned cattle. Oh dear... I'm getting withdrawl symptoms I think Dulcies magnificent antlers will get a good polishing tonight!
Good luck Sue (Castlemears herd) Forest of Dean
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:04 pm
by Saffy
Digging for moles? ???
Stephanie
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:08 pm
by redhill
PS. If the horns look good to you (a fairly matching pair) judges are not supposed to mark on horns. Go for it. I bet they will be the best horns in the showring Sue
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:12 pm
by redhill
Saffy,
Yes any mole hills in our fields have to be excavated . I shall try to get a photogaph. Sue