As a general rule, the earlier a sick animal is treated, the better the animal responds to treatment. Obvious signs of disease are usually not difficult to detect, but by the time these signs develop, the animal frequently has been sick for 24 hours or longer. Detection of the early signs of sickness requires a great deal of knowledge, patience, persistence and genuine concern. A good pen rider should get to know cattle just as a school teacher knows students. A proficient, experienced pen rider who is in the pen every day has a much greater success rate for early pulls than does the inexperienced individual.
Early pulls is the key to success.
The length of time the cattle have been on feed is important. Initially, new cattle may not be accustomed to the environment, which may include a horse and rider, so easy, quiet movements are necessary. New animals need to be checked, two to three times a day, as compared to animals that already have adjusted to the new environment. Many early clues will be lost once the rider enters the pen and the animals become aware of his or her presence. After entering the pen, ride in a course that allows you to look at all cattle as naturally as possible.