If you take a drive through River Lea during a muster, odds are you will see dogs working with our operations team on horseback, getting the job done. I sat down with our Operations Supervisor Andrew Jansen to talk about why we use this tried and true method of working dogs and horses and the benefits that we reap from this combination. 

“For the 13 years I have been working here, we have always used dogs and it shows in the herds temperament and manners” AJ said. “There are many reasons beyond reducing staff numbers that we use dogs. They have an element of eliminating risks on the job, they can position themselves faster, they’re stable on the terrain and can get to pressure points quickly in a quiet manner. It’s more than just being able to send one person out with a dog because a good dog can read and handle cattle as good or better than any stockman” he explained. The ability to settle and herd cattle in a low stress manner means the cattle are likely to arrive at the yards in a calm, positive mind frame resulting in an easier work environment for both animal and person. 

Not only are dogs a fantastic work tool, but their skills translate into recreational activities that are an asset to both the dog and handler. AJ has been involved in dog trialing since 2019 and sees how rewarding the training process is for the handler and their daily operation. “Dogs are a man’s best friend and bringing your best friend to work is really rewarding and satisfying. An uncontrolled dog is nothing but upsetting. Putting in the groundwork, time and effort reflects on the stock handler to a higher level and the higher level of stockmanship on the cattle reflects their performance in the yards.” 

Alongside our handy canine companions, horses play a massive role in operations at Bar H to maintain a placid environment for our cattle. “You can do every job here on a horse, teamed up with dogs that combination can work well on all types of stock. Stress affects things like reproduction, safety, shrinkage and if we can get the cattle on the truck or to the yards composed, we’re going to see better results.” There’s a lot to gain as an employee working with horses, creating a positive flow on effect for the operation as a whole. “I think horses bring job satisfaction and a happy worker is a productive worker.” AJ continues, “Horses automatically encourage a slower approach and a more harmonious way of moving cattle. It gives you the time to take in the elements and safely look around. Horses work with you too; they’ll notice things and so will dogs that we ourselves might miss.” It could be argued that motorbikes are a more convenient option, but here on River Lea, we have smaller paddock sizes and the blade plough country is simply not suited to bike power. “Tasks like mothering up and cutting out calves isn’t impossible on a bike, but I would argue that slow and correct beats fast and wrong every time, and horses fit that mold for us.”

This traditional method of stockmanship isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, AJ believes. “Horses is the one thing we got right, right from the start. I see today’s horse and dog industry only getting stronger, you can see the proof in the growth of the dog and horse sales, displaying that these methods are practical and beneficial. It brings financial backing to the choice rather than it being just a personal preference.” Modern additions like choppers and drones to a mustering team are an exciting advantage to utilize but a strong ground crew is still necessary. “Even with aerial observation you still need boots on the ground, you can’t get away from the use of horses and dogs.”

“Herd mentality is 101 and it’s what we strive to achieve. The combination of horses and dogs is yet to be beaten and outperformed. The gentle and positive nature they bring on the herd is priceless, because a happy cow is a healthy cow, and healthy cattle produce.”