An apparatus for urging livestock animals includes at least one alleyway which is defined by a frame having a stationary portion and a reciprocating portion. The reciprocating portion includes a paddle assembly including spaced pairs of pivtobably mounted paddles. The reciprocating frame swings between a rear position and a forward position. The paddles are mounted to the reciprocating frame such that the paddles may pivot forward but not backward to permit forward motion of a livestock animal and to apply force to the hind quarters of the livestock animal when the reciprocating frame moves forward or to prevent rearward movement of the livestock animal in the alleyway.