Out On The Trail

Cattle Drive

It was a back breaking task for the cowboy to drive the wild cattle North, across the rugged land. They were out on the trail for months at a time and could usually make seven to eight miles a day, sometimes even fifteen miles on a more successful day. While riding along, the cowboy would often croon softly, hum or whistle to keep the cattle calm. All it took was thunder and lightening or some loud noise to panic them, and if panicked, the cattle would stampede. Many a man lost his life due to a stampede. It was something which every cowboy feared.

At night, the cowboy would sleep on the rough ground in a bedroll, using his saddle as a pillow. He brought along no change of clothes and would often go unwashed and unshaven for weeks.

The first cattle drive was recorded about 1837.

Cattle drive duties included:

- Horse Wranglers -
(took care of the remude - the other cowboys' horses)

- Dragmen -
(stayed at the end of the herd and kept the cattle going)

- Flankers -
(kept the cattle from straying)

- Pointers -
(pointed the cattle in the right direction)

Happy trails to you, 'til we meet again!