May 27-June 1

September 23-28

Double E Ranch Roundup Crew - May 2010

 

See More Roundup Videos!

Working in the Box
 
Pushin them to the Corrals
 
 
Rules of the Branding Pen

*Easy on the calves. Don't chase cows or calves. Work slowly and smoothly.

*Wait for instructions. Whether you are asked to rope,cut, flank, brand, vaccinate or band -- you are vital and we appreciate the extra hands!

*Rope quietly through the herd. Ride slow and smoothly - don't twirl your rope till you have a throw. Try to catch both legs below the hocks. Bring calves close to the fire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1500/Person

Guest ropes calfWhat would a Ranch Vacation be like without a Cattle Drive or Roundup??  Well, this year we've done something very special! 100 years ago, New Mexico became the 47th State in the Union. This year, we will be celebrating the New Mexico Centennial during our Roundup Week with RW Hampton. Our Guests will also be able to take advantage of the Silver City PRCA Wild, Wild West Rodeo happening that same week!

RW Hampton is one of the leading Western Entertainers in America today. Blessed with a wonderfully rich baritone voice, R.W. has a quality of genuineness about him that resonates when he’s on stage, in person or just through the words of his songs. Read about RW and listen to his latest album by clicking here!

We hope you'll join for this special Roundup Week May 27-June 1. We promise it will be a week you won't forget!

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 6-7 hours in very rugged, rocky terrain. Intermediate and Advanced riders are recommended.

*  be willing to participate in all ranch chores every day begining at 6:45 a.m. and ending when every horse is unsaddled, washed, brushed, fed and put away, pens cleaned at the end of the day.

*  understand that this is a working 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. Limited to 12 Riders.

Check-in: Sunday afternoon after 3 pm Check-Out: Friday afternoon before 6 pm

Pushing cows at Double E RanchYou'll see incredible country and experience a true taste of the "Old West".  Not intended for inexperienced or timid riders, this type of riding is 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 6000 thousand acres of  private ranch land as well as 17,000 acres of Forest Permit currently occupied by cattle  which need to be gathered and brought back to the corrals at headquarters.  Finding them will be challenging!   Remember -- you've still got to get them back to the branding pens!   This  is never as easy as  it might seem! 

Take advantage of this  opportunity to improve all your cattle and horsemanship skills, riding rough country, moving cattle to the pens, sorting in a corral. The work has purpose, is rewarding and challenging!   Why not saddle up and join us!  Contact Headquarters at 575-535-2048 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 at the Double E Ranch 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", "Rastus Cabin" 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.

Alan EgglestonThe 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.

Guests help brand calvesIn 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
 575-535-2048

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Updated January 2012
©2012 Debbie & Alan Eggleston — Double E Ranch, Gila, New Mexico USA, 575-535-2048

 

 

Double E Guest Ranch, New Mexico, USA

 

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