Throughout the years, however, new tools, equipment and transportation methods have reduced the need for horses to carry the complete load of ranch work on their backs and withers.
Tractors, pickup trucks and all-terrain vehicles have become common sights on most ranches, giving horses a little extra, well-earned time in front of a hay bag.
Most recently, side-by-side utility vehicles have emerged as the fastest growing category of vehicle on American ranches and farms. This exponential growth stems from the fact that side-by-sides (SXSs) offer the off-road capabilities of traditional ATVs, but with seating for up to six people, cargo beds for hauling supplies and other comfort, convenience and utility features that aren’t available with traditional single-seat ATVs.
Iron workhorse
David Billingsley Jr., owner of Billingsley Angus Farm in Keithville, Louisiana, is among the cattle raisers who have added a SXS vehicle to their ranch equipment inventory in the last year. Billingsley owns a Yamaha Viking VI, and he uses the vehicle for just about everything he does on the ranch.
“Honestly, I am shocked at how much I use the side-by-side,” he says. “It’s the most time-saving piece of equipment we have on the ranch. Whether it’s checking calves, fixing fence, hauling feed or just running around, I’m in that side-by-side just about seven days a week.”
The growth of SXSs in the cattle community is no coincidence. Manufacturers recognize the importance of ranchers and farmers as the fastest growing segment of their customer base and are designing SXS models specifically to meet their rugged needs.
Cattle producers generally have a very specific set of criteria. They want power, durability, reliability and comfort in a low-maintenance vehicle they can count on day in and day out. Splashy chrome wheels or paint jobs might not be at the top of their priority list.
Direct from the horse’s mouth
When ranchers and farmers talk, smart manufacturers listen. Many of the SXS models built are designed based on direct input from ranchers and farmers.
For instance, it isn’t a coincidence that the wheelbase of some SXS vehicles enables them to be driven through cornfields during early growth stages without risking damage to the plants. And SXSs are ready and willing to accept add-ons that afford the opportunity to personalize and oftentimes up the ante with respect to productivity in the field.
Many of the accessories we’ve developed are also the direct result of talking to ranchers, so we can build machines that are well equipped to tackle common ranch chores. Things like front-end trailer hitch receivers can make it easier to maneuver hay wagons, squeeze chutes and balers. And winches with enough power to pull the pickup trucks out when they’re stuck in the mud.
Nothing will ever replace the ranch horse. But with the increased use and popularity of SXS vehicles for getting work done on the ranch, manufacturers will continue to focus a keen eye on cattle producers and support their needs with models and accessories designed specifically to work on the farm. 
Steve Nessl is the ATV and SXS marketing manager with Yamaha Motor Company.
PHOTO: Many design features for today’s side-by-side ATVs have been made with ranchers’ and farmers’ considerations for work tasks. Photo provided by Yamaha.
