Cattle Drive Positions: The Essential Roles of the Old West Cowboys

Cattle drive positions were the backbone of one of the most iconic periods in American history. These roles, each with its specific responsibilities and challenges, were crucial in moving vast herds of cattle across the rugged terrain of the American West. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various positions on a cattle drive, their responsibilities, and the skills required for each role.

Cattle Drive Positions

The success of a cattle drive hinged on a well-organized team of cowboys, each with specific roles and responsibilities. These positions were carefully structured to ensure the efficient movement of cattle over long distances. Let's explore the key positions that made up a typical cattle drive:

1. Trail Boss The trail boss was the leader of the entire operation. This experienced cowboy was responsible for:

• Planning the route and making key decisions

• Hiring and managing the crew

• Overseeing the overall progress of the drive

• Handling negotiations and business matters

2. Point Rider Also known as the point man or lead rider, this cowboy rode at the front of the herd. Their duties included:

• Determining the direction and speed of the herd

• Guiding the lead steer or bell cow

• Setting the pace for the entire drive

3. Swing Riders Positioned on each side of the herd, about one-third back from the point rider, swing riders:

• Kept the herd together and moving in the right direction

• Prevented animals from breaking away

• Supported the point rider in guiding the herd

4. Flank Riders Located on each side of the herd, about two-thirds back, flank riders:

• Supported the swing riders

• Prevented the herd from fanning out

• Kept stragglers in line with the main herd

5. Drag Riders Often the least experienced cowboys, drag riders brought up the rear of the herd. Their responsibilities included:

• Keeping slower animals moving forward

• Rounding up any stray cattle that fell behind

• Enduring the dust kicked up by the herd (earning them the nickname "dust eaters")

6. Wrangler The wrangler was in charge of the remuda, or spare horses. Their duties encompassed:

• Caring for and feeding the horses

• Treating any equine injuries or illnesses

• Assisting the cook with various tasks

7. Cook (Cookie) The cook, affectionately known as "Cookie," was responsible for:

• Preparing meals for the entire crew

• Managing the chuck wagon and supplies

• Often serving as a makeshift doctor, barber, or mediator

8. Night Herders These cowboys took shifts watching over the herd at night to:

• Prevent stampedes

• Protect against predators

• Keep the herd together in darkness

9. Ramrod (on larger drives) On bigger cattle drives, a ramrod or segundo served as second-in-command, assisting the trail boss with:

• Hiring and managing the crew

• Overseeing daily operations

• Decision-making and problem-solving

Each of these positions was vital to the success of a cattle drive. The cowboys worked together as a well-oiled machine, each understanding their role in the greater operation. This structure allowed for the efficient movement of thousands of cattle across vast distances, shaping the economy and mythology of the American West.

The Trail Boss: Leader of the Drive

The trail boss was the ultimate authority on a cattle drive. Their responsibilities included:

• Planning the route

• Making critical decisions

• Overseeing the entire operation

• Hiring and managing the crew

Skills needed

• Strong leadership abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the trail and surrounding terrain

• Experience in cattle handling and drive management

• Ability to make quick decisions in challenging situations

The Point Rider: Guiding the Herd

Also known as the point man or lead rider, this experienced cowboy rode at the front of the herd. Their duties included:

• Determining the direction of travel

• Controlling the speed of the herd

• Giving the cattle a focal point to follow

Skills needed

• Expert horsemanship

• Deep understanding of cattle behavior

• Ability to navigate various terrains

• Experience in leading large herds

Swing Riders: Keeping the Herd Together

Positioned on each side of the herd, about one-third back from the point rider, swing riders played a crucial role in maintaining the herd's formation. Their responsibilities included:

• Keeping the herd together

• Preventing animals from breaking away

• Supporting the point rider in guiding the herd

Skills needed

• Strong horsemanship skills

• Alertness and quick reflexes

• Ability to work in coordination with other riders

Flank Riders: Maintaining Herd Shape

Located on each side of the herd, about two-thirds back, flank riders worked to keep the cattle in a manageable formation. Their duties included:

• Supporting the swing riders

• Preventing the herd from fanning out

• Keeping stragglers in line

Skills needed

• Good horsemanship

• Ability to anticipate cattle movements

• Stamina for long hours in the saddle

Drag Riders: The Dust Eaters

Positioned at the rear of the herd, drag riders had perhaps the least desirable job on the drive. Their responsibilities included:

• Keeping slower animals moving forward

• Rounding up strays that fell behind

• Enduring the dust kicked up by the herd

Skills needed

• Resilience and stamina

• Basic horsemanship skills

• Ability to work in challenging conditions

The Wrangler: Keeper of the Horses

The wrangler was responsible for managing the remuda, or spare horses. Their duties included:

• Caring for and feeding the horses

• Treating any injuries or illnesses

• Assisting the cook with various tasks

Skills needed

• Horse care and management expertise

• Veterinary knowledge

• Versatility to handle various camp tasks

The Cook: Sustaining the Crew

Nicknamed "Cookie," the cook played a vital role in maintaining the crew's morale and energy. Their responsibilities included:

• Preparing meals for the entire crew

• Managing the chuck wagon and supplies

• Often serving as a makeshift doctor or barber

Skills needed

• Culinary skills in challenging conditions

• Supply management

• Ability to perform various additional roles as needed

Night Herders: Guardians of the Dark

These cowboys took turns watching over the herd at night. Their duties included:

• Preventing stampedes

• Protecting against predators

• Keeping the herd together in darkness

Skills needed

• Vigilance and ability to stay alert during night shifts

• Knowledge of cattle behavior in low-light conditions

• Skills in handling cattle and horses at night

The Ramrod: Second-in-Command

On larger drives, a ramrod or segundo served as the trail boss's right-hand man. Their responsibilities included:

• Assisting in hiring and managing the crew

• Overseeing daily operations

• Helping with decision-making and problem-solving

Skills needed

• Leadership and management abilities

• Experience in all aspects of cattle drives

• Strong communication skills

Conclusion

Each position on a cattle drive was essential to the success of the operation. From the trail boss's leadership to the drag riders' perseverance, these roles worked in harmony to move thousands of cattle across vast distances. The skills and dedication of these cowboys not only shaped the cattle industry but also contributed to the enduring legacy of the American West. Understanding these cattle drive positions gives us a deeper appreciation for the complexity and challenges of this pivotal era in American history.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.