Every vacation begins with a fantasy.  And a horseback riding or ranch vacation is certainly no exception. It follows that the closer you can come to fulfilling your expectations, the more satisfying your riding vacation experience will be.

We don't offer you  a fancy dude ranch or resort experience.  Because we are a working ranch, expect to get your hands dirty and your boots scuffed!  

At Double E Ranch, you'll get lots of "hands-on" practice!  We consider you part of the Double E Crew.  This is one major difference between "dude" ranch" and "working ranch".  Double E Ranch isn't  a  spa dude ranch.  Ranch life at Double E is pretty much the way it has always been in New Mexico for well over 100+ years.  We offer our guests an authentic experience - and we work hard to preserve it.  The smells, the sounds, the dust in the air, the animals, the chores are all part of the experience.  Wake to the melody of birds in the trees, horses anxiously nickering to be fed and the sight of a spectacular sunrise splashing over the mountains.  Head to the barn and begin your day.  Dude Ranch??  No way!

Enjoy a quiet moment on your porch with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in your cabin. We begin our day by bringing horses from their pastures to the barn for feeding, grooming and saddling.   There's no rush-hour traffic to fight, no appointments to keep!  This is about as hectic as it gets! 

Weekly Riding Options

Whether you join us for one of our scheduled Roundups, a Wildlife & Nature Week, Native Cultures Week, a Cowgirl Camp, or simply want to spend your week experiencing exciting ranch riding through spectacular country, we think you'll have a horseback riding experience to remember forever.

Every Day at the Ranch: 

While each days' schedule will vary, depending on individual rider experience level, any  ranch work we need to do, or weather conditions (rarely does weather affect our schedule, although it can happen),  we invite you to get involved! Don't be shy!  Grab a halter or a wheel barrow!  By 8:30 a.m., you're  joining the rest of the Double E Crew for  a hearty family style breakfast around the table at Headquarters, meeting back at the barn by 9:30 a.m., preparing for to mount up. Please remember -- all times are subject to change. Check with the Ranch Office if you have questions.

Each days' activities are discussed the night before, during dinner.  Your voice counts!  So, let us hear what you think!  Our goal is  to help you realize as many of your riding dreams as possible.

Please remember that Double E Ranch is a working cattle ranch. Dealing with cattle and horses, there occasionally may be unplanned events, situations or conditions which will require us to alter or adjust any published itinerary or activities. We will make every effort to minimize the impact these events might have on your visit.

A Sampling of Riding Options:  

You always have a variety of riding options to participate in a ride which compliments your riding skill level and interests. 

- Two 1/2 day rides (with lunch packed for you - picnic or eat in your cabin).

- Full day riding with packed lunch to explore the thousands of scenic acres with lunch packed for you and eaten along the trail!  Faster paced riding will be based on your individual riding skill level.  Your safety is our primary concern! Every day you'll have the opportunity to experience abundant wildlife, amazing geological phenomena, incredible vistas, nearly perfect weather, challenging activities and improved horseback riding skill level!

- Spend an entire day leisurely riding and exploring the Native American Ruins and Caves of the Mimbres Indians which lie along Bear Creek. This will be a relaxing, pack your lunch ride.  These ruins are  700 to 1300 years old, authentic and very interesting!  Packed lunch.

- Half day ride and Barrel Racing (for fun!) in the afternoon. Packed lunch to eat picnic style along the creek or in your cabin.

- Explore the magnificent canyons and astonishing geological formations at Hells Half Acre!  This will be a full days ride with packed lunch suitable for all level of riders.

Have something special you would like to try?  Let us know! 

For Saturday/Sunday riding options, please talk to Debbie in the office.

Extended Visits:  If  your visit extends over a Saturday/Sunday, or longer than 7 days, please make sure you discuss arrangements with Office Staff.  Two of our cabins have full kitchens.  Each cabin has its own refrigerator and micro wave for preparing your own small meals. Horseback ride, hike, pan for gold or enjoy a book you've been meaning to finish.  You have endless opportunities for birding, geological hikes, wildlife viewing or botanical exploration.  Visiting local area attractions is an option if you have a rental car.  Remember: please speak with Debbie regarding horseback riding options on Saturday/Sunday. There may be an additional charge for a Saturday night stay.

Off-Ranch Activities/Touring: Double E Ranch Staff does not provide transportation for any activities taking place off the ranch. If you wish to take advantage of entertainment in Silver City or other locations, it is necessary that you have your own vehicle.

YOUR SAFETY will always be our priority.  Assessing your riding level before your first official ride is at the top of our list.  Don't be offended -- it's likely you'll be riding in country different from anything you've ever ridden in before!  While we know and trust our horses to travel well in this country, every horse is unique, with the capacity for erratic or unpredictable behavior.  Additionally - every horse/rider combination has a different "chemistry".  Let us make sure you're comfortable and the "fit" is right.   We will continually reassess each riding situation and do our best to match you with an enjoyable mount  When we make suggestions, requests or decisions, please understand that we are  sincerely concerned for you and want you to remain safe.   IMPORTANT!  When you ride at Double E Ranch you agree in advance to abide by all decisions made  by Staff with regard to safety issues.  You understand that you are participating in an activity which can be dangerous and you are riding at your own risk. 

While there may be occasions on the trail when it is necessary, we discourage 'nose to tail' trail riding at Double  E Ranch!  It's horseback riding the way it was intended to be, in country that can only be experienced from the back of a good horse.  We do ask that you listen to and respect your Trail Boss, following his/her directions at all times.  At 5000' elevation, and with daytime temperatures ranging from 48 degrees in the winter months to 98+ degrees in warmest summer months, four mild New Mexico seasons make outdoor horseback adventures possible year 'round.  The Southwest is  a magical part of our great country. Owners Alan and Debbie Eggleston feel they have the very best that southwestern New Mexico has to offer and they are  excited to be able to share it with you!

Helpful Hints for Hopeful Horsemen!

Here are a few hints for those who are not familiar with "western ranch riding" - and a reminder for those who are.  We've tried to share the reasons for their importance:

Neck Reining:  Most western horses have been trained to turn by putting pressure with your rein on the left side of the horse's neck, if you want to go right; and to the right side of the horse's neck if you want to go left.  It is not necessary to use both hands and "yank" your horse around by his bit.  Cowboys train their horses to neck rein so they can have one hand free to work or rope.

Check your Cinch:  That is, unless you like to spend time under your horse!  Before mounting ALWAYS see that your cinch is snug and the prong of your cinch buckle is in a hole in the "latigo strap".  It is wise to check your cinch after you have been riding for 15-20 minutes.  Loose cinches are the most common cause of falls.  Ask one of our Staff for assistance if you do not understand.

Using your reins as a means of lowering anything off the side of your horse is a really bad idea! Put your foot in the stirrup, step down off the horse and and THEN do what you need to do (a tip from Brent...).

WAIT for the Gate Opener:  When a rider opens or closes a gate he deserves your consideration.  Ride on through the gate as far as necessary to let everyone through comfortably, and then STOP until the gate-man has remounted.  Horses are gregarious fellows and they want to go along with the group.  If you keep going, so will the gate-man's horse!  It may create difficulty or cause a serious problem.

Don't Walk Up Behind a Horse:  Or up to a horse that is tied up without speaking to him calmly and soothingly so he knows you are there.  You might frighten him and he could pull back and break reins or lead rope, leaving you stranded!

When you Get Off Your Horse:  do not drop your reins on the ground if you are stopping.  Wrap them high around your horse's neck, out of the way.  Your horse can step on reins, break them, and then you might have a long walk home.

Never Put on a Jacket, a rain coat or anything else when you are on or off while on your horse.  Get off and make the change.  Try not to let the garment flap in the breeze.  It can unexpectedly scare the horse.

Horses are Always Hungry:  They will want to eat even if they have just finished eating.  They will try to get their heads down and grab a few wisps of grass.  DO NOT LET THEM!  It is a very annoying habit, can be dangerous as the horse is not paying attention to you!

Don't Let Your Horse Run Down or Up Hills:  It is a good way for you to loose your balance and rein control.  It's hard on their knees and feet, too.

Tie Your Horse High and Tight:  Tie to a stout tree.  If you let him have enough rein to put his head down to eat, he could step on the reins, get tangled, become frightened, pull back and break the reins and bolt.  It's a long walk home.  Always use your lead rope to tie your horse. 

Try to Keep Up With Other Riders:  This can be hard and if you are having problems, let your wrangler know.  The group should be going as fast as the SLOWEST RIDER.  If your horse is deliberately lagging behind, ask for suggestions.  Remember:  if you are last out of the corral and first back to the barn you are probably not being the boss - your horse is!

Don't Run Your Horse Up Behind Another Rider:  This is dangerous and just plain rude!  It's irresponsible and might cause the unsuspecting horse to panic, unseating the rider.  Just like driving a vehicle, there are "rules of the road".  Be courteous - let your intentions be known.

We hope these hints are helpful.  Most importantly, if  you have questions, ASK!

D

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