Hi Everyone, I would like to know if anyone has done a cattle drive, even though that I am an english rider by heart it has always been a dream of mine to go and ride with the "cowboys".  I would like to know if anyone has done any of this, where did you go? what did you think of it?.  Any info would be great, hey even some pictures.

Thanks

Yes, I have been on a cattle drive. We drove about 400 head to new grazing pasture in Wyoming. I have had the opportunity to do horseback riding worldwide, and I can tell you that a cattle drive is now my last choice of an equestrian activity. We left the corrals at 9:00a.m., and arrived back at 8:30p.m. It was hot, dusty, and the bellow of hundreds of mama cows for their babies as we stopped periodically to allow "mothering up" is a loud sound not soon to be forgotten! In the morning, before we started, a hand at the ranch said that before we were done, we would be throwing rocks at the cattle and wanting to bite off the testicles of the calves. I laughed...joke was on me! About 6:00p.m., as the herd was descending down a hill and making a sharp right turn into the pasture (finally) a group of us was to make sure they made the turn. We got off our exhausted horses, made a pile of stones in front of us, and sat down to rest our weary bones. We hurled the stones at cattle that didn't want to make the turn...we were too tired to stand. There was no lunch break, we ran out of water, etc., etc. And yes, if one got close enough, I would have bitten off the testicles if I hadn't been so tired!

One of my favorite rides is with Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. You ride their horses into some of the prettiest scenery on earth. It is reasonably priced, with good food, and sleeping in tepees. If you put the name in Yahoo the sight will come up. I seldom like to visit the same place twice, but have done this ride twice, and will do it again. They rotate areas of Banff for the ride each year.

Brenda

Working cows is hard work. Cows walk so much slower than horses. Especially the type of horses I like to ride. It drives me crazy following behind a bunch of cows. Now cutting horses in an arena are a different story. But that not what a cattle drive is about. I'd much prefer to just ride down the trail and enjoy the scenery.  

Let me suggest you check out some of the great rides around Utah's Canyon country.  Excellent scenery, There are several guides and outfitters that offer fully catered rides and you can ride at reasonible speeds and wth out all the bawling and dust of moma cows. 

 Can't recommend any since I've never hired or ridden with one. I can recommend the scenry. But I do see them when I'm out doing my own thing. They seem to take good care of their clients.

Here is a link:  http://www.trail-rides.ca/Howdy.html

Wow, I'm surprised by the number of you that don't enjoy work, especially if you consider sitting in saddle is work.  I've never met a person who complained about moving cows.  I hope to keep it that way.

We've been to http://www.sweetgrassranch.com/ three times.  Haven't been to a nicer place, but that's just one man's opinion.

We moved cows for two days in June, and June is moody in Montana.  Snow in the mornings, 70 at lunch.  Cows & calves ARE loud.  That's what they do.  The bulls are mean, too.  Not for petting on.  But isn't that what it's all about?

This place only moves cows up valley in the spring and down valley in the fall.  Generally not hot or dusty that time of year.  Excellent food, great people, and nice accomodations.  If you want a tv and a tennis court, look elsewhere.

I've spent too many days, doctoring moma cows, throwing calves on the ground, casterating them, dehorning them, vaccinating, tagging the ears, and  branding them.  After working the calves I come home feeling pretty beat up. A couple of head butts from a 300 lb 10 month old calf can leave bruises. I hurt, I'm very dirty covered in calf blood. Nope that's not what I need to do for a vacation.

On my "bucket list" is the Owens Valley Horse Drive, near Yosemite. It is a fast paced, exhilarating ride.....more to my liking. Also have great evening entertainment.

We are going to Mongolia in the summer of 2010 to ride with the last of the nomadic horsemen on earth! Very excited! Will sleep on the grassland steppes in Gers (traditional huts) and 2 person tents. Riding the small, tough native horse with the Buryat Soldier Saddle should be a very unique experience! 

Brenda

Please post lots of pictures when you get back.  I have looked into a similar ride and think it would be a wonderful experience.

My wife, daughter and family friend went on a week long ride in Ireland this summer. They had a good time and met some nice people. Next year their planned trip will be in Whales. If you're interested in their intermarries, I can furnish some more info.

Gard

I have done the "Northern Exposure" ride in Iceland. We were 80 miles south of the Artic Circle. Despite the rain and cold, we had a wonderful time! We were at the tolt 90% of the time. As a result, we changed horses throughout the day. The herd followed along. Nights were spent in community centers and a mountain hut. One of the most memorable experiences for me was leading our horses single file over a long, old lava flow. We had to walk in front of our horses in case of air pockets under the lava that may give way!

Brenda

I've done multiple riding holidays around the world (Ireland, Hungary, Portugal, Australia, Canada, and in the US Wyoming (8), Utah, Arizona, &  Missouri.). I did one Cattle Drive in Wyoming and it is without a doubt at the bottom of the list.  

 You move cattle very slowly so they don't lose weight, they poop & pee like crazy, lots of flies, etc. 

I much prefer a moving riding holiday where you can see a nice variety of terrain, mixture of speeds, climbing mountains, etc 

Brenda,

This is the trip that my husband and I are considering.  We ride gaited horses so the idea of riding the Icelandic horse is very appealing to us.  Do you have any pictures you can share?  Would you go back again?

Jacci

I used to go on a trip in the early spring and then a couple in the summer so the time you go on the trip helps narrow down the list.

The European trips are usually hotel accomodations whille many of the US ones are outdoor camping.  Many people won't camp in a tent, so again that can shorten your list.

Connemara Ireland rides are wonderful!  And my first ride was the coastal ride with Willie Leahy.  You need to be in shape for posting and lots of riding.  The horses, food, and accomodations were wonderful, the weather wasn't.  It always rains in Ireland and is cold, so you gotta be prepared.  I wasn't (I live in south Fla) and had to borrow gloves, wool sweater and bought a sweathshirt.  I rode in long sleeves, sweater, sweatshirt, vest and raincoat most of the time!  I went in early May '87. But it was a fantastic trip.

Hungary - excellent horses, but more structured ride.  You weren't allowed to pass the leader and rode 2 x 2 at all times.  Walking and cantering, very little trotting.  Food wasn't as good but that was in '88 when Russia was still in charge.  we rode and explored castles, vineyards, forests, etc great riding and great weather went in Sept/Oct '88

Portugal - rode wonderful highly trained dressage stallions out on the trail.  Had to ride in a specific order since they were all stallions, but only one was bad mannered.  I don't remember his name in Portugese, but we decided it must be "little shit!"  Great riding, scenery, 2 hour lunches out on the trail were our favorite meals.  this was the Sintra ride, did it 3/94

Utah Anazazi ride May '90 was my all time favorite ride.  Loved my Arab gelding, incrediable scenery, lots of climbing, great food, outdoor camping in a tent. 

Wyoming - I ended up working for them a couple summers helping to guide, help with the guests, etc so I did quite a few rides here.  I would go for 3 weeks and get the ride in exchange for working part of the time.  I love wyoming.  outdoor camping, rode their young horses, packing in the mountains, etc

Missouri - was real nice, all gaited horses, went in Oct so the changing of the leaves, etc   I rode a Missouri mule for several of the days and fell in love witht him

it's really important to like the horse you get as it can make or break the ride.  They usually have some extras or you can switch with another rider.  In Ireland I started out on a 15 hand Connemara/TB who rooted (pulled the reins really hard) and I personally hate that.  I switched with a girl whose horse at home did that and she didn't mind it.  The TB she had been riding was 16.3 (she was only 5') and Charlie was a dream to ride - so the switch was a great one for both of us.

Be prepared with the clothing for the climate, bring pommel packs or cantle bags to carry camera, water, lunch, gloves, etc  don't over pack as you might be lugging your duffle around depending on the trip.  Be prepared for the amount of riding and do NOT overstate your riding ability.  On the Hungary ride, we had one lady who was only an advanced beginner (couldn't canter) and she almost fell off the first time we cantered.  She ended up riding in the van most of the time or it caused us to have to slow down quite a bit on the days she rode with us.  

    Riding holidays can be a fantastic way to see a place and anytime I went on one I also would schedule days to see the city I was in. 

Gail

The Iceland Ride is one I would heartily recommend, as it is very unique, and there is no place in the world to have the experience except Iceland. If you go to Hidden Trails Horse Vacations website, and click on Europe, then Iceland, then Northern Exposure, you can find 41 pictures of the ride under GALLERY. You fly to Reykjavik, then take a commuter plane to Kelfavik. Would I do it again? Yes, if I had my bucket list of rides complete. So, if I live long enough, I will probably go back. Right now, there are about 10 rides ahead of Iceland.

Brenda

Thanks very much, Brenda, for the information.  I will check out the website.  I have been looking at Equitours so I am glad to have other options.

Happy Trails!

Jacci