Setting the Record Straight: Why You Shouldnt Hate Fitters Everyone knows who the fitters ate at a show. Theyre the ones that have the music turned up, having a few cold beverages, and just having too much fun in general. This behavior is frowned upon even more if the show happens to be a junior show. Before you write these guys off as bad news and warn your kids to stay away from them, take a moment to consider why theyre here in the first place. Yes, theyre getting paid, but the real reason that they love kids, the family theyre working for, the stock show life, and good cattle. They love their job and are passionate about it. In most cases, theyre making a living, but theyre not getting rich. They probably come off as cocky and arrogant, but 90% of the people in the barn have already made up their minds not to like fitters anyway. Respect with fitters is earned not given and much of it is based on how you care for your cattle. Typically fitters learned techniques from multiple people, and theyre quite willing to share their knowledge with anyone that is trying to learn and willing to listen. A word of caution, do not ask for advice then tell them that isnt what your grandfathers sisters husbands cousin third removed who has a commercial herd of Corriente cows told you about show cattle. You will immediately destroy any chance at respect. Fitters generally dont mind clipping a CLEAN calf for someone a day or two before show day if their bosses are willing to share their help. Dirty hair dulls expensive clipper blades, and fitters are usually responsible for buying new blades and paying for sharpening their blades. If hair is not worked regularly, its not going to be trained. Untrained hair is not going to clip out as well as trained hair so dont blame the fitter if your calf doesnt look as polished as the string he or she taking care of. Good fitters take pride in their work just like good hair dressers. Both expect to get paid. Theyre going to give you a price, and if you dont like the price, tell them you dont want them to do it. Dont grudgingly pay them when theyve just made your calf look better than you thought possible and then complain behind their back that you were ripped off. Theyre just trying to make a living, and just like a good hair dresser, you get what you pay for. Kids love fitters, and fitters love kids. Theyre big kids that never grew up, and theyre probably going to be your childs hero. Its really okay. Fitters are rough around the edges and dont use G rated language. Before you get too bent out of shape, take a closer look at the movies and television shows your kids are watching and your own behavior. Theyre going to learn a lot of good things about cattle, showing, and life from a fitter. A lot of people think fitters should be banned from the livestock industry in order to level the playing field because not everyone has the money to pay a fitter. Not everyone has the money to drive a luxury car either. Contrary to popular opinion, hair does not win shows. Hair can be manipulated to improve areas and hide certain things, but hair cannot cover up poor structure, no muscle, unsoundness, and judges can see this regardless of how well an animal is fit. Since people pay fitters, obviously their knowledge is valuable. Even if you cant afford to pay a fitter, you can open your mind, pay attention, ask questions, and dont be afraid to join the party!
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 20:17:17 +0000
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