How to Organize a Cattle Drive

A cattle drive is the way ranchers get cattle from one place to another when there are too many cattle to load into stock trailers. Cattle are rounded up and driven to the new destination by riders on horses. Organization helps make the cattle drive go smoothly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know where the destination is and its proximity to the cattle. If possible, make a trip by vehicle to get an idea of how far and over what kinds of terrain the cattle will be driven. This can help anticipate obstacles in advance.

2. Determine how many cattle are in the herd to be driven. This determines how many riders and horses are needed to help drive the cattle. Hire enough riders in advance so they can make plans for the trip also. Hire a few extra riders so you have enough people if some can't make it. Extra help is always useful on a cattle drive.

3. Find out if the cattle need any attention before or after the drive such as branding, vaccinations, identification tags or medical attention. Set up a time and area for these things at the site before the cattle drive starts.

4. Talk to local officials to see if you need permission or permits to move the cattle. Let them know the route you are taking and how many cattle are involved. If you are crossing public roadways, you may need to hire officials to flag traffic.

5. Plan meals according to how many people are on the cattle drive and how long the drive is expected to take. If the cattle drive is short, only a lunch or breakfast may be needed. If the drive takes days, make advance plans including food, cooking arrangements, trash and water.

6. Set a course for the cattle drive according to how long the drive is. If the drive is long and lasting days, provide water and food for the cattle and horses.