Aspiring cowgirls with a taste for adventure and new cowgirl camp challenges will find a real working guest ranch experience  - and much more - at  Double E Ranch  women only Cowgirl Camps,  which are scheduled throughout the year.  Sign on for 5 full days of wide open spaces in our southwestern Cowgirl Camp classroom and ride back in time with authentic western tradition, safe horses and patient instruction.

If you have lost your confidence for one reason or another, have recently made the decision to get back into horses after raising a family, or you are finally able to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning to ride and owning your very own horse, then Cowgirl Camp is for you!

In this stress-free, phone-free atmosphere,  Cowgirl Camp is an all-inclusive adventurous women only ranch week for adult Cowgirls of all ages.  Cowgirl Camps for more Advanced Cowgirls are also  on our 2012 Schedule!  Not a spa/resort-type cowgirl camp, Double E Ranch Cowgirl Camp encourages  you to challenge yourself by improving current riding skills and learning new ones with our patient, knowledgeable wranglers who will teach you basic ranch horsemanship techniques, how to communicate with your horse and how to relax to enjoy a trail ride. All of this translates into you becoming a better rider.  Top it all with learning what it takes to gather cattle and move them to the working pens!  We make every effort to keep Guest capacity  small -  with an average of 6 to 10 Cowgirl participants, providing plenty of opportunities for individual attention and instruction. 

Along the way, you'll develop the confidence to challenge yourself in the arena with the fun cowgirl rodeo events such as barrel racing, gymkhana events and some team penning.  Guaranteed - you'll make new friends who share similar interests from all over the United States and Europe!  Laughter is contagious and your sense of accomplishment is real empowerment!  This week is all about YOU.  But, in order for us to meet your expectations,  we need information -- don't be afraid to tell us what your goals are, what you want to try or need to work on!

Our horses are gentle, trust-worthy, willing.  Your  horse and saddle will be selected especially for you by one of our professional wranglers, based on your own personal horseback riding skill level.  Your comfort is our priority.  Let us know if the "fit" isn't right.

Because our "Cowgirl Camps" are designed for small groups, each participant will receive individual attention and instruction.  Our Staff is professional, experienced and patient.  They will quietly help you accomplish your goals during your 5 day visit.   Remember - tell us what you are striving to accomplish!  Let us help you make your week a personal success!

You are encouraged, supported and applauded with every one of your achievements.  It's a safe, comfortable, non-threatening environment to learn - and make a few mistakes, too! Whether you are a novice, beginner, or  timid rider - or - an intermediate rider or advanced rider, Double E Ranch "Cowgirl Camps" offer you an opportunity to live your dream of being an accomplished, confident horse woman.  Share the day's adventure with your new friends, and revel in your achievements.  You've earned it!  You deserve it!  We'll help you make it happen!

Travel Suggestion: When confirming your space, let Debbie know you are interested in "car pooling" with other Cowgirls who might be sharing your week. Meet each other in El Paso, Albuquerque or Phoenix, share rental car expenses and use the opportunity to begin your adventure with friends. With your permission, she will share email addresses, making it easy for you to contact other Cowgirls.

Roundup Week Suggestion: Consider a Cowgirl Camp Week scheduled just before one of our Roundups. It would be a great opportunity for you to "transition" your new confidence and skills into a full week of participating in a cattle roundup!

Itinerary - Level I Cowgirl Camp

While the Staff at Double E Ranch will make every effort to ensure you have a memorable experience during Cowgirl Camp, our program is never so structured that we can't or won't make adjustments to the itinerary. Please remember that Double E Ranch is a working cattle ranch. There occasionally may be unplanned events, situations or conditions which will require us to alter or adjust our published itinerary. We will make every effort to minimize the impact on your visit.  We always encourage you to tell us what you want or need!

Horsemanship!

Cowgirls meet at the barn at 7:30 a.m. to meet and groom their horses.  Breakfast at Headquarters by 8:30 a.m. Back to the barn by 9:30 a.m. Staff will assist you in saddling.  Head to the arena for a morning horsemanship - a refresher course for some - to make sure you are comfortable with your horse and saddle.  Balance, correct posture, soft hands, comfortable seat...the "why" and "how" of western riding.

Participants may have slightly varying levels of riding skill.  Some of you will be complete beginners; some of you might be more advanced.  Most of you will never have experienced this kind of terrain.  Now is the time to ask questions, tell us what your goals are, let us hear what kinds of problems you might be experiencing or what you might want to improve or focus on.

After a morning spent in the arena, you'll be ready for a relaxing afternoon trail ride.  Because of the unique, varied terrain, expect to make numerous creek crossings, do some climbing up and down rugged, rocky surfaces or canyon exploration.  This will probably be new country to most of you, so please don't be shy about asking your Wrangler what to do, what to watch for, how to handle it.  Let us know if you are concerned about heights - before it becomes an issue!

Gymkhana!

You have the opportunity to experience the basics of Barrel Racing, Pole Bending or other fun, arena events that will further improve your horsemanship  and satisfy your need for speed!  Don't worry -- you can walk  the events, too!  Remember -- it's all about having FUN and learning! After lunch, an afternoon trail ride to the Indian Ruins!

After dinner, stop by the Cantina to watch competitive videos of these events - see what you can aim for!

Cattle Basics!

Now that you've got the basics for riding your horse, put some of your new skills to work!  You will learn what it takes to Team Pen -- to sort, cut and track cattle, turning and moving them from one end of the arena to the other.

It's not always about speed...working cattle slowly is usually the best approach. Most of the horses at Double E Ranch have some level of cow experience. Team Penning is a heck of a lot of fun, great for teaching yourself to turn your brain off and RIDE!

Massage!  You've "cowgirled up" for 3 days.  It's time for just a little pampering.  As part of your Cowgirl Camp experience, Double E Ranch has arranged for a Licensed Massage Therapist to visit the ranch.  We'll need to schedule your time in advance, so please make to sign up at the Office with your time preference.   There is an additional charge of $80, payable at the time of service, paid directly to the Masseuse.

Round Up

It's what Ranching is all about...are you ready for a Roundup?  Plan on an all-day, pack your lunch, ride covering some very spectacular country. You'll find out what it takes to gather cattle from rugged, brushy terrain and move them to the working pen!  It's more than a "trail ride" - you have to find 'em first!   While branding isn't always necessary, anyone  having sensitivities with regard to moving and working cattle (including branding) should please let us know, in advance. 

What next?

This is a day to celebrate your newly acquired riding skills. The end of your week and your accomplishments are many. Confidence, skill level, knowledg are all up there! Today, you choose: ride in the arena for more team penning, hike, swing in the hammock, or pack a lunch and do some exploring on horseback.  Whatever you choose, you should be feeling pretty darned proud of yourself!

Departure

Cowgirls will depart the ranch on Friday afternoon between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. If Ranch Staff is taking you to the airport or motel in Silver City, you will depart the ranch at 3:30 p.m.

Other Important information:

Cabins:  Your accommodations are private, comfortable and complete with refrigerator, coffee maker, and micro wave oven; thick  towels, and comforters.  Most have decks with rocking chairs for relaxing.  If there is something you don't see in your cabin, let us know!  We keep them stocked with coffee, tea, creamer, sugar and sweetener.  Please be aware that you will not have daily maid service or trash pick up.  It's a good idea to bring your own speciality drinks. Let us know that your trash needs to be removed.  We are happy to take care of it for you.

Meals:  Meals are served "family style" at Headquarters.  We serve home-style American and Mexican-style meals.  Breakfast generally consists of any combination of pancakes, eggs, bacon, breakfast burritos, cereal, French Toast, cereal, juice, and coffee.  Lunch can be anything from casserole dishes to cold cut sandwiches or burritos.  Dinner is pretty standard and will include beef, chicken or pasta, vegetables, salads, breads and dessert.  We happily try to accommodate most dietary needs, however, our Cook is not a dietitian and we don't claim to offer "gourmet" food.  Please be responsible for your dietary requirements.  Remind us, on your arrival, if there is something out of the ordinary we need to be aware of.