Soule: All About Gee, Haw, and the Now

I've been working hard to prepare three of my cattle to compete at the Sandwich Fair. During training, Owen, a Scottish Highland steer, ran away seven times when I asked him to turn right.

I took Owen to the fair, but because he didn't have a partner, he couldn't compete. They did let him practice the course, which called for very few "gees" (right turns) and a whole lot of "haws" (left turns). That suited Owen. He didn't even think about running away.

With 4-H teamster Rose DeFreitas at his side, Owen was downright obedient, and I was proud of them both.

I entered Sam and Bingo, my Black Angus–Normande cross steers, in the official log scoot class. I

n this class, teams of steers drag a loaded sled through an obstacle course. Sam and Bingo did everything I asked.

The trouble was, I hadn't asked often enough at home.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, N.H. where Saturday, Oct 17 you are invited to the Cow Crew Experience from 1 to 3 pm where you can meet our friendly bovines.