Fair Enough
Getting a 4-H animal ready for the fair is no easy job. By now, most 4-H'ers have probably had more than a few unpleasant moments with their cow, pig, sheep or goat. Like many other things in life, you must experience the valleys before you can fully enjoy the mountaintops.
Here is what I mean by a few unpleasant moments: your 4-H animal may have stepped on your foot, butted you from behind, knocked over the water bucket, slobbered you, defecated on you, and run away from you. If a camera were present during these moments, I'm sure it would have recorded a sour look on your face. In the process of training your animal to lead, there are many ugly moments like these. As a 4-H'er, you may have even declared that you hate the stubborn, four-legged critter.
If that describes your June so far, I have some reassuring words: Things will get better—eventually. Knowing that things will improve can provide the motivation to power through those ugly moments. No one gets to the county fair in July without experiencing some disappointments in June. In the process of training your 4-H calf, you may get a rope burn, a scratch or a bruise, but please realize that these minor inconveniences are the price you pay for success. What I am about to say may be difficult for some young people to accept, but no one can have a successful 4-H project without some degree of sacrifice.
This is not pie-in-the-sky stuff. A while back, I read a really good story from a former Michigan State University basketball player who talked about his training routine. He said the key to his success was a thousand mornings in which he did the same things over and over and over. The same principle applies to working with your 4-H animal. If you are consistent with your routine, you will get the result you want by fair time. The payoff may not be a trophy or banner but rather a hog or calf that follows your lead.
June can be difficult. Don't let an unruly, uncooperative 4-H animal discourage you. Stick to your training routine and don't let up. There may be times when you would rather send your animal directly to the butcher, but you will be happy that you didn't give in. In time, your frustration will become joy.