A dozen riders head out on a warm, windy Saturday morning.
The herd is gathered and pushed towards the first of many gates.
DRI Herdsman Mike Hall & "Pete" are in position at the first gate.
The girls head on through the second pasture.
KSU's Dr. Eric Moore earns his keep. He's truly a full-service veterinarian!
Wing riders make sure the herd doesn't head for the trees shown in the next photo.
It's always hard to show elevation changes, but this wooded draw has mature oak trees and is about 350-400' down from the hilltop. You'd need a couple of good dogs to get the cows out of there!.
David & Jodi, a husband and wife team ride wing. Jodi rode last year's cattle drive and felt a little off that day. Turns out she was newly pregnant! Their February-born son Wyatt spent this cattle drive with grandma!
Keeping the tail-enders moving along.
2 year rider Lana keeps the pairs moving in the right direction.
The above 2 photos show the riders stopping the herd at a water hole in order to pair up the cows with their calves. If this isn't done, the calves head back to where they last saw momma. As it was, we still had 1/2 dozen head part-way back, the little devils!
A hungry and thirsty group comes down off the highlands into the wooded, cooler comfort of the Deep Creek Valley for a campfire-cooked lunch and a little R&R before the return ride.
Soon to be married Coye Crenshaw-Kleve looks very happy at the prospect of lunch. Our daughter Laura Cate is right in front of her.
3-year rider Jerry Reece of KC and Wabaunsee County rides in on his beautiful buckskin.
Giving the horse a much appreciated cooling off.
This method cools off both horse AND rider!