Six Tips to Consider When Helping Move Cattle

Everyone wants to help move cows for the local ranchers near Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. A friend of ours tells storie about liking the help; but it is always like amateur hour out there on the horses. He doesn't want to tell people no when they ask to come help because he can always use more bodies; but sometimes he ends up helping them more than they help him. Not all horse or people are prepared to move cows. There are things you have to think about when moving cows and their calves. 

I personally love helping brand calves and move cattle down the road with another friend once a year. My boyfriend likes to remind me that it is only pleasurable because it is just once a year. Here are my tips if you do go to help someone move their cows.

1. Take a head count. Count your cows and calves before you move so they are all accounted for when you get to where you are going (we have lost a calf more than once that we had to go find later).
2. Be aware of your surroundings - cows can jump fences if motivated to. Don't get them too excited or they will move where you don't want them to.
3. Close gates ahead of time. Drive the road you intend to travel down and close all the gates you can before you get there.
4. Have people well ahead as well as behind the group of cows you are moving. People ahead can block drives/roads as you pass and can help keep the pace for the group.
5. Don't bring your dog if they have not been trained or have not moved cows before. Untrained or unruly dogs will only add to the chaos.
6. Stay still when cars are passing. Don't try to move the cows or yourself around too much; let the cars get back when you can and don't be afraid to make the cars wait.

So, if you have the opportunity to help someone move their cows then take it an enjoy it. It is not every day that you get to participate in something like this!