Carrying the empty halter

The Empty Halter

By Melanie Mainquist

Every kid who's ever showed at the county fair and sold an animal in the auction has experienced the heartbreak of saying goodbye. Or at least most young 4-H or FFA members have battled those emotions where your throat swells up and there's certainly dust in the air, causing your eyes to water. The moment when you lead the animal you've worked with all summer to the chute sitting outside the auction arena. Whether the judge granted you a blue or red ribbon, a trophy, a royal purple rosette or whether you stood first in you class or last, there's a connection with your animal. You worked together, you cared for it, fed it, exercised it, made sure it stayed cool and trained its hair to lay a certain way. You practiced leading your lamb with only your hand and did your best to master the art of a show stick to set up your steer or heifer. Your mom pressed your shirt for showmanship and you wore your best jeans and boots. You might have even worn your cowboy hat or maybe you had a lucky purple shirt.

I had never shown an animal until high school and it was my Simmental cross steer, Burner, who stood second in the lightweight class, who would be sold for a premium. Burner had been one of 10 steers I had as my first FFA livestock project the fall before Kevin Jensen, our neighbor, picked out Burner as my steer for the fair. He even brought me some combs, brushes and a halter from the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Remember this is long before on-line ordering!

Being the daughter of an ag teacher had its perks including there was always one of Dad's former students around, especially at the county fair. On that particular sale day in August of 1982, it was Bobby Parker. Burner and I made our trip through the auction ring and then it was time to take Burner to the loading chute. My tears had welled up and Dad took the halter as I came out of the ring but there was Bobby. He didn't say a word. He simply took the halter from my dad and it was Bobby who led Burner to the chute and carried the empty halter back to me. I can see it clearly in my mind, and it stands as one of the greatest acts of kindness and caring anyone has ever shown me, but Bobby also spared my dad any emotions he might have been feeling as well.

Carrying an empty halter back to the stall is a defining moment for any youngster. It's part of growing up and understanding the reality of raising livestock. All of your hard work and commitment can be rewarded at the premium auction which also helps boost the financial reserves for another animal next year. As a mother said to her young son, it's the hardest money you'll ever earn, but the most worthwhile.

Congratulations to all the livestock exhibitors at the fairs. You understand responsibility and you gain new skills and self-confidence. Parents, neighbors, 4-H leaders and FFA advisors, thank you for being there. Thanks to all of the bidders and buyers at the sale who continue to support 4-H and FFA members. A shout out to Easton Hill, son of Paul and Nina Hill of Weld County, Colorado, for being the inspiration for me to write this. And a long overdue thank you to Bob Parker.