A cattle drive is the process of moving a herd of cattle from one place to another, usually moved and herded by cowboys on horses.

What is the purpose of a cattle drive?

Modern cattle drives

Today, cattle drives are primarily used to round up cattle within the boundaries of a ranch and to move them from one pasture to another, a process that generally lasts at most a few days.

How does a cattle drive work?

Cattle do not trail in a group, but strung out in a long line. Several natural leaders usually take their places in front, while all the others fall into an irregular line behind them. A herd of 1,000 head might stretch out one to two miles on the trail.