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The big cattle muster. The morning sun was already blazing over the rolling hills of the Aussie farm as Jack and Bonnie pulled on their dusty riding boots. Today was gonna be a big one. Mitch had promised they could help muster the cattle on their dirt bikes. You kids ready to move some cows? Mitch called out sitting on his quad bike. Two Kelpies, rusty and blue sat at his feet panting with excitement. I'm ready to ride. Jack Shouted, pulling on his helmet and adjusting his gloves. His blue and green jersey was already speckled with red dust from previous rides. Bonnie in her pink and black riding gear grinned. Let's go get these cows. She shout. Their dirt bikes rumbled to life and the dog started barking with excitement. Rusty, the older dog hopped straight onto Mitch's lap. He's paws resting on the tank as if he'd done this a hundred times before. Blue ran alongside Jacks and Bonnie darting ahead and barking as if to say, hurry up the farm stretched out before them. Paddocks as far as they could see. Dotted with cows grazing lazily under the morning sun. The long grass swayed in the breeze, hiding all kinds of surprises, rocks, sticks, and even wombat holes. But Jack and Bonnie were too excited to worry. Mitch led the way, kicking up a cloud of dust alright, team, he shouted over his shoulder. We need to keep the cows moving, but nice and steady. If we push too hard, they'll scatter. Watch the dogs, they'll help us out. Jack sped up riding alongside a group of cows that were starting to wander off. Come on, girls. He called revving his engine to guide them back. The cows snorted and turned reluctantly. Joining the slow moving herd, Bonnie followed close behind This is harder than it looks. She said. Weaving through the cows to keep them together. Don't forget to pace them. Mitch reminded too much pressure and they'll bolt. Jack's nodded. Keeping a steady speed. The heat was intense and even the cows seemed to feel it. Mitch stopped the herd by a large dam so the animals could drink the water sparkled under the sun and a few cows waited in up to their knees to cool off. I'm about ready to jump in there too. Bonnie said, wiping sweat off her forehead. Not a bad idea. Mitch laughed. Rusty hopped off the bike and trotted straight into the dam, splashing around to cool off when the cows had their fill, it was time to get moving again. Jack's noticed one cow start to wander off, heading for the far corner of the paddock as one, making a run for it. He yelled, we'll go and get her. Mitch called back. Jack's twisted the throttle and sped after the runaway cow. His bike bouncing over the uneven ground. The long grass was so thick he couldn't see what was beneath it. Suddenly his back wheel hit a hidden log. Boom. Whoa. Jack shouted standing on his pegs to keep his balance as the bike bucked him all over the place. Careful in the grass mate. Mitch called catching up with him. It hides all sorts of surprises. Jack's finally caught up to the rogue cow riding just wide enough to turn her back towards the herd. Gotcha. He said grinning is the cow. Joined her mates again. Bonnie was weaving through the group, keeping everyone together when her bike hit a muddy patch near a dam. Woo. Splash. Mud sprayed up and splattered all over her jersey and goggles, gross bonty groan, wiping the muck off. That was cow poo. Jack's laughed so hard, he almost fell off his bike. You are covered in it. It's not funny. Bonnie said shaking her head, but she couldn't help but giggle too. As they climbed higher into the steep paddocks, the ground became rockier and the trail disappeared. The bikes bounced and jolted over rocks and loose dirt as they followed Mitch down into a deep gully. This is where the tricky cows hide. Mitch said the gully was full of thick blackberry bushes. Their thorns reaching out like claws. Bonnie's bike got close to the edge and scratch. A branch caught her arm. Ow, those thorns are sharp. She said wincing. Blackberries are everywhere in these gullies. Mitch said, keeping his pace slow. You just have to push through. Watch out for holes. The dogs barked ahead. Flushing out a group of cows that had wandered down to hide in the shade. Mitch revved his bike, nudging them forward. Alright, girls, time to head back. Jax and Bonnie worked together to guide the cows up the steep hill, dodging thorns, and keeping a steady pace. Jack's engine roared as he climbed the back wheel, spinning for grip on the loose dirt. Come on, come on. He mudd leaning forward to keep the bike steady. Bonnie followed, bouncing over rocks and clumps of grass, but suddenly thud her front wheel dropped into a hole hidden by the long grass, and the bike stopped dead. Ah, Bonnie Yelped as she tumbled forward onto the ground and into the hole. Bonnie sat up brushing dirt off her jersey. What was that? Jack's pointed into the hole. It's a wombat burrow. Just then a chunky wombat waddled out, staring at Bonnie, like she'd interrupted his nap. He's looking happy. Bonnie whispered the wombat snorted and turned around and disappeared back into his burrow. Jack's burst out laughing. I think you scared him more than he scared you. Bonnie couldn't help but laugh too. I'm glad he didn't decide to chase me. With Mitch's help, Bonnie pulled her bike outta the hole and got back on her bike. I'll watch out for those next time. She said shaking her head After hours of riding, they finally pushed the herd toward the yards at the bottom of the paddock we're almost there. Mitch called. Nice and easy. Now, Jackson and Bonnie Road wide, making sure no cows tried to sneak off as they guided the herd through the gate. The dogs barked and circled keeping the cattle in line. The sound of who's on dry dirt filled the air as the cows shuffled into the yards. Mitch rode up to the gate and swung it. Shut the loud, clung the job done. He said. Smiling proudly, we did it. Jack's cheered parking his bike next to the fence. Bonnie wiped sweat off her face as she climbed off her bike. That was hard work. I'm so tired, but it was so much fun. Mustering cows isn't easy. Mitch said padding Rusty who had returned to sit on his lap, but you two did an awesome job today. You kept the herd moving, dealt with the runaways, and even dodged a wombat. Jack's laughed, barely. Bonnie grinned and I smell like cow poo now for a week. Mitch laughed as they leaned on the fence looking out over the herd of cattle. The sun was starting to sink toward the horizon, turning the sky, shades of pink and orange riding dirt bikes and mustering cows. It can't get much better than that, Jack said. Stretching his arms. Bonnie nodded. Smiling. Well, any day on a dirt bike is a good day.