Cattle Cotillion
LEARN. PRACTICE. PROGRESS. SHOWCASE.
Course Details
Instructor line-up
Reba Palmer, Cathy Brown, Tara Bauersfield, Earl Ward, 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 @7PM CST
ONLINE SERIES
COWGIRLCONFIDENT.NET
AUCTION FINALE
ONLINE
SERIES AGENDA
SESSION 1: COWGIRL CONFIDENT CATTLE COTILLION OVERVIEW
TUES., FEB. 3 @7PM 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
Recording: Session 1 Overview – https://cowgirlconfident.wistia.com/medias/kylh4gkshh
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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM 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 @7PM CST
REGISTRANT ACCESS
ONLINE DVAUCTION FINALE
DATE: May 1 – May 3
LINK WILL BE PROVIDED
What’s Included
11 Sessions
Reference Material
Feb. 3 – Apr. 21, 2026
Live sessions will air via Zoom on Tuesdays throughout the series at 7:00 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.
