Introduction to Ranch Sorting

As an authentic working cattle and bison ranch, Paws Up Montana is proud to honor and preserve the traditions of the great American West by doing things the old-fashioned way: on horseback. In our Introduction to Ranch Sorting activity, you’ll learn how—and why the cowboys and cowgirls of Paws Up work cattle on horseback, getting them ready for weaning, sale, vet care and more. You’ll start by practicing some of the most foundational and important maneuvers that you and your four-legged partner will need to know in order to be successful, and then you’ll meet the cows! Along with a teammate (or the Wrangler, if you’re flying solo), you’ll be given the task of separating a cow from the herd and coaxing it away from the group and out of the pen just as our ranch team would do with the Angus herd. This slow-paced, technical activity will leave you with a newfound respect for the job of the rancher and the relationship they have with their horses.