If you're that one
man on horseback in a cattle ranch responsible for managing dozens of
heads, what do you do if you want the herd to move? Cattle handling
expert Bud Williams offers a simple three-step idea to herding
cattle, whether it's a small herd or one with enough cattle to shoot
a Marlboro commercial. You already fulfilled half of the requirement
to pull this off by being on horseback; although riding an
all-terrain vehicle would work, as would doing it on foot.
The
herding technique involves shuttling back and forth in a straight
or slight arc profile to force the cattle to group together in a
loose bunch. Don't mind any stragglers as they'll come looking for
the safety of the herd eventually. As soon as this bunch grows more
compact, put more pressure on the herding by inching slightly toward
the direction you want the herd to move. Continue doing this until
the herd has finally reached the place you want them to be.
Every seasoned
cowhand knows that this method can be useful if you're practicing
rotational grazing in your ranch. You can have the cattle herd move
to another patch of grass when necessary with this simple technique.
To enhance the effects of the herding technique, Williams recommends
wearing a “predatory” stare. That way, the cattle will be
intimidated into bunching up and seeking safety in numbers.
