Cattle Cotillion

LEARN. PROGRESS. PROGRESS. SHOWCASE.

Course Details

Instructor line-up

Reba Palmer, Cathy Brown, Tara Bauersfield, Laura Bratton, Amy Maynard, Dr. Mindy Davis,  Tara Martin, Steve Stephenson, Julie Bowen, Taylor Blake

Level

Beginner

Duration

12 Weeks

Type

Self & Team Guided

SERIES OVERVIEW

FEB. 3 @8PM CST

ONLINE SERIES

COWGIRLCONFIDENT.NET

AUCTION FINALE

ONLINE

SERIES AGENDA

SESSION 1: COWGIRL CONFIDENT CATTLE COTILLION OVERVIEW

TUES., FEB. 3 @8PM CST

Focus: Program overview, expectations, calf entry options, and understanding the optional auction pathway

Presented by: Kim Clayton, Cowgirl Confident Events/Clayton Corner Farm & Kim Kohler, DVAuction

Session provides:

An overview of the Cowgirl Confident Cattle Cotillion, outlines program expectations, and explains how the optional auction finale fits into the experience – including the option to enter up to three calves or none at all, with plenty of time to decide. We’ll also introduce how the Cotillion’s step-by-step preparation, documentation and transparency create a strong marketing foundation for sellers while giving buyers the ability to follow each calf’s journey, understand its development, and bid with confidence. Kim Kohler of DVAuction will then walk through the online auction process, share marketing and listing best practices, and answer questions.

OPEN TO EVERYONE

SESSION 2: INTRODUCTION & READINESS

TUES., FEB. 10 @8PM CST

Focus: Safety, health, setup and goal setting

Instructor: Reba Palmer, OSU Ottawa County Ext. Agricultural Educator

Learning Includes:

  • Choosing the right calf & applicable documentation
  • Facility setup (pens, halters, safety)
  • Health readiness & biosecurity
  • Daily handling routines

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Calf introduction (short walk-around)
  • Handling space overview
  • Participant goals

REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 3: PHOTOGRAPHY, MARKETING & STORYTELLING

TUES., FEB. 17 @8PM CST

Focus: Showcasing calves & farms

Instructors: Julie Bowen, Cowgirl Confident Events/The Bowen Farm & Taylor Blake, Knuckle Bump Farms

Learning Includes:

  • Taking quality photos & videos
  • Writing calf descriptions
  • Telling your farm story

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Final calf showcase video
  • Farm introduction
  • Why this calf represents your program

REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 4: NUTRITION & CONDITION

TUES., FEB. 24 @8PM CST

Focus: Supporting growth & appearance

Instructor: Dr. Mindy of Dr. Mindy’s Veterinary Service

Learning Includes:

  • Feed programs
  • Minerals & supplements
  • Adjusting for hair, condition, temperament

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Feeding setup
  • Body condition overview
  • Nutrition plan explanation

REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 5: HALTER BREAKING FOUNDATIONS

TUES., MAR. 3 @8PM CST

Focus: Trust and communication

Instructor: Cathy Brown, Oklahoma Miniature Lovable Livestock

Learning Includes:

  • First Halter
  • Pressure & release
  • Knot Tying
  • Standing tied safely
  • Leading basics

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Calf accepting halter
  • Calm stand or short lead
  • Calmness & responsiveness progress

REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 6: SOCIALIZATION & CONFIDENCE BUILDING

TUES., MAR. 10 @8PM CST

Focus: Calm cattle in real-world settings

Instructor: Tara Iannacone Bauersfield

Learning Includes:

  • Desensitization to noise & movement
  • Handling my multiple people
  • Preparing for public settings

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Calf walking through mild distractions
  • Grooming interaction
  • Behavioral Progress

 REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 7: GROOMING & PRESENTATION

TUES., MAR. 17 @8PM CST

Focus: Daily care + show readiness

Instructors: Laura Bratton, Cupcake Cattle Company & Amy Maynard, Maynard’s Triple M

Learning Includes:

  • Brusing routines
  • Washing & drying
  • Hair building basics
  • Safe restraint for grooming

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Grooming routine
  • Before/after comparison
  • Handling during grooming

REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 8: SHOWING & PRESENTATION SKILLS

TUES., MAR. 24 @8PM CST

Focus: Presentation without pressure

Instructors: Reba Palmer, OSU Ottawa County Extension Agricultural Educator & Tara Martin, OSU Craig County Ext. Agricultural Educator 

Learning Includes:

  • Walking patterns
  • Setting Feet
  • Calm positioning
  • Ring etiquette

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Mock show walk
  • Stance demonstration
  • Handler posture

REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 9: HEALTH PROTOCOLS & TRAVEL READINESS

TUES., MAR. 31 @8PM CST

Focus: Responsibility & credibility

Instructors: TBD & Steve Stephenson, IDEXX Bovine Consultant

Learning Includes:

  • Vaccines & Testing
  • Biosecurity
  • Preparing calves for transport, shows or agritourism

Video Submission via the Cowgirl Confident learning portal:

  • Health checklist walk-through
  • Clean handling equipment
  • Vet or testing documentation
    • Health certificate

 REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 10: THE CATTLE COTILLION CULMINATION & FEATHER PINNING PREPARATION

TUES., APR. 7 @8PM CST

Focus: Final presentation and reflection

Presented by: Kim Clayton, Cowgirl Confident Events/Clayton Corner Farm & Julie Bowen, Cowgirl Confident Events & The Bowen Farm

Learning Includes:

  • Assembling a sale-ready auction video to enter into the auction finale or as a keepsake for those who choose to not participate in the auction finale
    • Video should reflect a complete, thoughtful presentation that reflects both the calf and the participant’s journey throughout the Cowgirl Confident Cattle Cotillion.

Final Showcase Video Components:

The final video should include…

  • A calm, clear presentation of the calf
  • Sequential cadence of front, back, right side and left side view of calf
  • A brief introduction to the participant’s farm or ranch
  • An explanation of why this calf represents the participant’s operation and Cattle Cotillion experience.

The goal is honest, responsible representation – showcasing preparation, temperament and care rather than perfection or performance.

Cowgirl Confident Cattle Cotillion Feather Pinning Preparation:

The Feather Pinning Ceremony is a Cowgirl Confident tradition which recognizes the program completion, the hard work accomplished and the camaraderie with other registrants.

As a part of this celebration:

  • Participants will create a feather arrangement for themselves and their calf or calves
  • Optionally participate in a fun costume contest. Design a creative costume for you and your calf and enter to win a prize!

 REGISTRANT ACCESS

SESSION 11: FINAL VIDEO/ CALF DESCRIPTION SUBMISSION DEADLINE & FEATHER PINNING

TUES., APR. 21 @8PM CST

REGISTRANT ACCESS

ONLINE DVAUCTION FINALE

DATE: TBD

LINK WILL BE PROVIDED

What’s Included

11 Sessions

Cowgirl Confident Cattle Cotillion Handbook

Reference Material

Feb. 3 – Apr. 21, 2026

Live sessions will air via Zoom on Tuesdays throughout the series at 8:00 pm CST. We understand that you have busy and unpredictable schedules so don’t fret if you miss a live session; the sessions will be recorded and posted above for access anytime after airing.

JOIN US!

Events by Clayton Corner Farm, LLC

Copyright © 2026 Divi. All Rights Reserved.

Course Content

Session 1: Cowgirl Confident Cattle Cotillion Overview
Virtual (Optional)