Roberts made his preliminary sketches for this painting at Collendina sheep station, near Corowa. He then worked in the Brocklesby station woolshed and his Melbourne studio, finishing parts of the painting in situ, carting the large canvas cross-country for the outdoor work.

In this complex action picture, the rider works with his horse in a futile attempt to prevent further rushing of the sheep. Choking dust almost obscures the other horseman and more sheep further up the slope. One of the kelpies has been bowled over in the stampede while another runs wide, doing his utmost to work with his masters to regain control. Dozens of sheep already lie stricken at the edge of the waterhole, unable to pull themselves from the mud or to escape the press of more sheep coming from behind.