On Oct. 31, Chuck McCullough from Aulerton, Iowa, led the fitting clinic in Hale Arena at the American Royal. McCullough and his family have been traveling across the country for the past 10 years sharing their knowledge of livestock fitting.
“It is a tradition we need to be willing to pass on to the younger generation,” McCullough said.
Sponsored by Sullivan Supply and Show Stock U, the demonstration offered tips ranging from preparations at home to the art of clipping at the show.
McCullough emphasized that daily care at home is the number one priority to fitting. It starts with the daily rinsing, blowing and training the hair in order for it to look just right on show day.
To start, when the calf enters the chute, put the show halter on properly. Place the show halter on so it lies under the rope halter. This allows for easy removal when at the ring. Next, blow all the dust out of the animal’s hair. After that, add Clean Sheen to the hair and comb and blow it in. Zoom Bloom comes next to add pop and shine to the hair.
“The longer you blow and comb the Zoom Bloom the better it will work for you,” McCullough said. “If your animal has longer hair, avoid using moose/foam – it will flatten the hair instead of making it look full.”
When starting the fitting process, McCullough recommends using a Roto brush to pull up the hair on the legs, allowing for less adhesive to be used. After brushing the legs, move your priority to the tail. Use a steel tool comb and Tail Adhesive to backcomb the hair and form it into a teardrop that lies just at hock level. This gives the illusion that your animal becomes progressively deeper when viewed on the profile.
McCullough opts to use Prime Time over Tail Adhesive to begin the fitting of the legs. It is lighter and gives the hair a chance to pop without using too much product.
“Stay back eight to 10 inches so it floats onto the leg,” McCullough said. “Pull the hair up and around the leg creating a smooth look to be clipped. After that, Tail Adhesive is used to add fullness to the legs and sets the hair in place.”
Be sure to check the rules of the show before using, Ultra White. If it is allowed, apply to the legs in even strokes, which allows you to see what hair needs to be clipped, he added.
After the adhesive has dried, clipping begins with the use of the X-Block blade. While clipping, be sure to use Hocus Pocus as a lubricant to clean the blades. Make long smooth strokes to blend the legs into a “banana shape.” The curvature to the front and back part of the leg enhances the soundness of the animal. After you clip the leg, add more Tail Adhesive and Ultra White to create an even fuller looking leg. Make sure to spray at least 10 inches away from the leg.
The flank is next. Start with Prime Time and pull the hair down to make the animal look deeper and shape the underline.
“Again, this is where daily care is important. Be sure to blow and comb the belly because if it is dirty you won’t get that deep look you are seeking,” McCullough said. Apply Tail Adhesive and Ultra White to the belly to create a full look and clip the hair in an even line to the naval, which adds a fuller and deeper look from the profile.
To paint the animal, McCullough recommends beginning with brown paint first so less black paint will be needed. Let every layer of paint dry before adding the next. Use Jet Black next. It is a duller black, but it adds a fuller look and does not melt the previous adhesive used. After Jet Black, apply Black Finisher to brighten the hair and give it a glossy look.
Finally, blow the remaining hair and dust out of the animal. Spray Pink Sheen into the body hair of the animal to add a shine.
After the show is over, use Hair Savior to break down the adhesive. Make sure to let the product sit for at least five minutes before heading to the wash rack. Once the animal is clean and dried, add a heavy coat of Final Bloom or Revive to the areas where adhesive was applied. This ensures the skin and hair will be treated with oil and enhance growth.
There you have it, a step-by-step process to being an excellent fitter! Remember, the work begins at home, so start your fitting success today!