Cattledriving

Cattledriving is the practice of moving large groups of cattle from one location to another, typically from grazing areas to markets, railheads, or new pasture. It relies on skilled drovers, riders, and working dogs to guide the herd along a planned route.

Historically, cattledriving drove the expansion of ranching in North America and Australia. In the United States during the 19th century, long drives along routes such as the Chisholm Trail moved cattle to railroad hubs. Similar movements occurred in Canada, Mexico, and Australia, where droving routes connected inland stations with coastal markets.

Techniques include drovers on horseback guiding the herd, and the use of stock dogs to quiet, pace, and shape the mob. Riders manage pace, water, shade, and fences, while keeping the herd calm to prevent stampedes.

In modern practice, cattledriving is less common on small farms but remains in large ranches and certain ceremonial or historical drives. Planning addresses terrain, weather, water availability, fencing, and land access. Some drives are conducted with vehicles to supplement or replace horse-mounted work.

Cattledriving has shaped agricultural history and appears in literature and film as a symbol of ranch life and transhumance.