We will explain more about the art of driving cattle as we go, but here's the basic info. The objective is to keep the herd fairly in a constant, elongated bunch without gaps. Most of the time the herd will be shaped in a long oval. There are 6 positions along the outside of the herd: They are Right Wing, Right Flank, Drag, Left Flank, Left Wing and Point.

Each position has a specific job to do and with all the positions working together the moving of cattle goes very smoothly. Each morning and after lunch, each team will move one position clockwise. For example, if you started out at Right Wing in the morning, after lunch you would be riding Right Swing and the next morning you would be riding Drag until lunch, then Left Flank.

DRAG: The cowboys riding Drag will push the herd forward without letting strays drop off behind. They must keep aware of what's going on at the front of the herd. If the back end starts going too slowly, then the herd will string out too much with big gaps in it. If the Drag pushes the herd too fast, the riders at the front have to work to hold them back.

FLANK/SWING: The Flank and Swing riders will keep the herd intact by keeping the sides intact. When chasing a stray out, you roll to the outside and face the cow to turn its head back into the herd. If you turn in to the herd, you will split the cows near you into different directions, causing a rupture!

WINGS: The Wing riders keep the cattle moving in the general of the Point Leader. This is done by both sides working in tandem, one side giving way a little and the other side moving in a little. The Wing position also can slow the pace of the herd down by moving in on both sides, which keeps the cattle from moving out too fast. When this occurs, (and it will) the Drag must instantly be aware of it and ease up a little to keep the cows at a steady pace. This will be especially important as we come into Reno as we'll be on city streets and the herd must be kept quiet and calm or we will have horses, riders and cattle running off in all directions.

It's a pretty basic process that hasn't changed in over 100 years. Each night we will have a talk about cattle driving so please make sure and attend. If you have any questions, ask your Drover (team leader) and they'll fill you in more!

Sponsored by