After months of preparation, it was time. Fifteen-year-old Kort Henderson from Elbert was on his way to the arena with his home-grown steer D.A. for the Junior Market Beef Show at National Western Stock Show in Denver.

All of his hard work and dedication would be judged in two minutes by one man. Would it be enough? Did D.A. have what the judge was looking for?

The hours before Kort walked into the ring, he was transforming D.A. into what he hoped was the body of a steer the judge would like. Knowing his strengths and weaknesses, Kort spent hours molding and maneuvering D.A.’s hair to make him look bigger in some areas and smaller in some areas. One of D.A.’ s weaknesses is lack of hair, so Kort focused on making the illusion that D.A’s hair is longer using advice from family friend Shane Goss.

“Shane has coached a lot of kids and he has coached Kort for two years,” said Brad Henderson, Kort’s dad. “Kort needs Shane to be there and he won’t even start working on D.A. until Shane is there to coach him.”

Because D.A. was a larger steer, he was in the last class of the show. As the time grew closer for Kort to show his steer, the adrenaline increased and Kort was in the zone. He had a job to do and was ready to face the judge in the arena at the National Western Stock Show.

“I get a little nervous but D.A. does really good, he knows his stuff,” Kort said. “Even if I’m not paying attention during a show he will pull me forward when it’s time. He’s good.”

D.A. finished eighth in his class out of 10 other steers. He did not qualify for the Junior Market Beef Championship Selection later day. Immediately after the show, Kort said goodbye to D.A.

“This time around it was harder for Kort to see his steer go. He was with D.A. from the beginning,” Brad said. “But overall this is a business and Kort understands that and knows he gave D.A. a good life.”

Although D.A. did not win grand champion, Brad is proud of Kort and his dedication. To him, it’s not about the winning, it’s about the lessons Kort learns and the progress he makes developing into a responsible adult.

“This is what we do. We live the western lifestyle,” Brad said. “The stock show and the fairs are a family event and that is why we do it. We all work together and support each other.”

Elizabeth business at the National Western Stock Show

Linda Williams is the owner of Running Creek Miniature Horses and Tack Supply. She has been a commercial vendor at the National Western Stock show for the past 15 years. Her mobile unit specializes in custom design miniature horse tack and also sells Breyer Horses.

Linda owns and breeds her own miniature horses and at one point used to show miniature horses at the stock show. Currently at here home she also has two zebras she bought at an exotic animal auction. For information on Running Creek Miniature Horses and Tack Supply visit www.runningcreekminis.com or call 303-648-3181.