67 Double E
Ranch Road ~ PO Box 280 ~ Gila, NM 88038 ~
866.242.3500
Join
Us for Roundup!
May 25-31,
2008 August 17-23, 2008
What
would a Ranch Vacation be like without a Cattle Drive or Roundup?? Because
the climate in southwestern New Mexico is so mild during
every season, we are able to calve year ‘round. This
means most of our guests have an
opportunity to help us with various phases of cattle work, and can include some
elements of roping, round ups, penning, sorting, vaccinating, ear
tagging, weaning, moving small groups of cattle to new
pastures, putting out salt blocks, checking water tanks, and/or fence lines. We raise Texas
Longhorn and cross-bred
horned cattle and believe it's important to preserve as much of the traditional "old
South West" as possible...there sure ain't much of it left!
In order to
sign on for Roundup Week, every rider MUST:
* be in
good physical condition, able to ride comfortably at every gait daily
for 6-8 hours in very rugged, rocky terrain (see photo to
your left!)
* be
willing to participate in all ranch chores every day
begining at 6:45 a.m. and ending when every horse is
unsaddled, brushed, fed and put away and pens cleaned at the end of the day.
* must be
willing to following all instructions given by Ranch Staff
in every situation without being concerned or offended by
having to follow orders
*
understand that this is a working cattle ranch - not a dude
ranch. The work you are participating in is
meaningful, has a purpose and is important to the economics
of the ranch.
You'll see incredible country and experience a
true taste of the "Old West". Not intended for inexperienced or
timid riders, this type of riding if NOT THE SAME AS ARENA
RIDING! It will be often be strenuous and
challenging,
through steep canyons and rocky mesas and can often be at a
faster pace. Your horse will be
willing and tough. We hope you
are, too! The Gila National
Forest adjoins our ranch's entire northern border. The roundup
area includes thousands of acres
of private ranch land as well
as Forest Permit currently occupied by cattle which need to be gathered and brought back to
the corrals at
headquarters.
Finding them will be
challenging! Unlike Montana or
Wyoming, the arid, mountainous country in New Mexico requires a
minimum of 100 acres grazing land PER COW, per year. Remember -- you've
still got to get them back to the branding pens! This
is never
as easy as it may seem!
Take advantage of
this opportunity to
improve all your cattle and horsemanship
skills, from riding rough country, moving cattle to the pens, sorting in a
corral. The work is rewarding and challenging! Why not saddle
up and join us! Contact Headquarters
at 866-242-3500 for more information. Because we calve
throughout the year, we
almost always have some kind of cattle work to do. If you're looking
to participate in the experience of a lifetime - join us! Anytime you plan a trip to
Double E Ranch it's likely you will round 'em up, head 'em up and move 'em out!
Not recommended for anyone who is not in good physical condition,
a timid rider or a beginner level rider.
Round
Up Work - How to Move a Herd of Cattle
Methods
for working cattle during round up in mountain country differ from those suitable for open or prairie
country. Here, drives and/or circles are generally made from different
sections of the Ranch: "The
Box", "Cottonwood Area", "Dog Springs", or "First
Valley". The entire territory requires several days to cover as
the country is rough and we return to Headquarters every evening, for a hot meal
and comfortable bed.
If you "click" on the diagrams to the right, the picture will enlarge.
The
Trail Boss is always in charge of the Drive, Gather or Round Up. Everyone takes
direction from him. Riders are generally split into groups and can go in
opposite directions. Riders may be "dropped off" at various
intervals. The riders try to help each other and keep the cattle from
getting away up some canyon or other. The cattle are slowly
moved toward the designated gather point, such as "The Box".
When
cattle are well strung out, they will walk better and are more readily handled,
making the job easier on the stock and riders.
The "Point
Riders" are generally experienced cowhands and generally know the country
they are
traveling. They point the herd in the right direction and it is
their job to see that there are no cattle in the way of the herd. When a
Point Rider leaves his position, the "Swing Rider" on his side
advances and takes over the front position.
The
"Swing Rider" keeps the herd from cutting across trails when it is
swung to one side sharply and also to keep the herd well strung out.
The
"Flank Riders" keep the lagging cattle, narrowed down to only a few
head. The weakest and the most tender-footed stock moving with the herd
are usually found slowly falling behind. The strongest and fastest cattle are in the head of
the herd and decide the pace.
In
corralling a herd, you have to take precautions similar to those for handling
wild stock. Time has to be given to the stock to go through the gate and
if they are crowded too closely with riders some critters will break back between the
riders and high-tail it for yonder. Remember to NOT position your
horse in front of a gate. Cattle need to see the opening. They won't
pass through the gate if they are looking at you.
Hold
the main bunch till it's corralled and then take out after those that broke out.
circle them back and corral them by riding in close formation. Shove them
through the gate of the corral at a rapid pace so they will not have time to
turn back and make another getaway.
Remember
-- getting the job done is important. But, having fun doing it is
important, too! If you have problems, or have questions, tell one of the
wranglers. Everyone is happy to help you out.
Join us for
Round-Up!
Double E
Guest
Ranch
P.O. Box 280, Gila, New Mexico 88038 USA 505-535-2048
of private ranch land as well
as Forest Permit currently occupied by cattle which need to be gathered and brought back to
the corrals at
headquarters.
Finding them will be
challenging! Unlike Montana or
Wyoming, the arid, mountainous country in New Mexico requires a
minimum of 100 acres grazing land PER COW, per year. Remember -- you've
still got to get them back to the branding pens! This
is never
as easy as it may seem! 
When
cattle are well strung out, they will walk better and are more readily handled,
making the job easier on the stock and riders. 
In
corralling a herd, you have to take precautions similar to those for handling
wild stock. Time has to be given to the stock to go through the gate and
if they are crowded too closely with riders some critters will break back between the
riders and high-tail it for yonder. Remember to NOT position your
horse in front of a gate. Cattle need to see the opening. They won't
pass through the gate if they are looking at you.
