$1395 (all inclusive - 2009)

Aspiring cowgirls with a taste for adventure and new cowgirl camp challenges will find a real working guest dude 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 2009 Schedule!  Not a spa/resort-type cowgirl camp, Double E Ranch Cowgirl Camp encourages  you to challenge yourself by improving current riding 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 12 Cowgirl participants, providing plenty of opportunities for individual attention and instruction. 

Along the way, you'll develop the confidence to challenge yourself in an arena with the cowgirl fun  rodeo events such as barrel racing, gymkhana events and maybe 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 you want or need!

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 as much individual attention and instruction as possible.  Our Staff is comprised of real cowboy professionals, who have spent most of their lives earning a living at ranching.  They will patiently and quietly help you accomplish as many of your goals as possible during your 5 day visit.   Please tell us what your goals are.  We want to 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 experiencing the "Wild, Wild West".  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! 

"Cowgirl Camp was an amazing experience and will live in my heart as one of the best weeks of my life!  The person who contributed the most to my "cowgirl experience" was RJ.  I was definitely a 'high maintenance' cowgirl - short on riding knowledge and experience, long on excitement and nervousness, and filled with trepidation.  RJ took such good care of me, making sure that I was safe, comfortable and always having fun.  He was a wonderful resource and I learned so much from  him.  He knew when and how far to push, encourage and challenge me, building my confidence, while never asking me to cross any lines in which I was uncomfortable.  Throughout the week RJ exhibited a wonderful ability to balance the "working cowgirl" experience with a fun vacation.  He is such an asset  to  your operation!"

Hi from Normandy!  We want to thank you very much for the wonderful week with all of you.  We were so sad to go home.  This week was great for all of us and we especially want to thank RJ - we now know what is a ranch!

I don't know how to thank you all for such an amazing trip!  Looking at me and saying "I can do it" was so eye-opening!  I know now that I can to anything!

When I think back on my week at Cowgirl Camp, I realize I learned more, laughed more, and experienced more than I had ever envisioned possible before I arrived in N.M.

Itinerary for Cowgirl Camp Level I

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!

Day 2...Horsemanship!

You'll meet at the barn at 7 a.m. to groom and feed the horses.   After an 8:00 a.m. breakfast, meet back at the barn ready to saddle up.  Head for the arena and a morning horsemanship refresher course 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 know 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!

Day 3...Gymkhana!

You have the opportunity to experience the basics of Barrel Racing, Pole Bending or other 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!

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 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.

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 sure the Office knows your time preference.   There is an additional charge of $75, payable at the time of service, paid directly to the Masseuse.

Day 5...Round Up

It's what Ranching is all about...are you ready for a Roundup?  Plan on an all-day 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. 

Day 6...Rodeo!

This is a day to celebrate your newly acquired riding skills. Compete in a Double E Ranch 'mini' Rodeo designed to challenge your newly learned skills: Barrels, Gymkhana Event, Cattle Work - all timed, fastest time wins! Don't stress -- it's just for fun. But, the prize is for keeps!

Or, hike, swing in the hammock, or pack a lunch and do some exploring on horseback.  Ride through Hells Half Acre or the experience wonders of Horseshoe Canyon.  These areas are truly spectacular!

Day 7...Saturday Departure

After a hearty 8:30 a.m. breakfast, it will be time to say "adios" to your new friends and depart the Ranch.  For those taking the Shuttle to El Paso, you will have to leave the Ranch at 6:15 a.m.   If catching the return flight to Albuquerque, you will leave the Ranch at 9:30 a.m.  These times are always subject to change.    Please reconfirm  your arrival/departure time with the airline or shuttle and  advise the Ranch Office.  Due to elevated airport security, we will not make any assumptions - and, neither should you!