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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. In order to sign on for Roundup Week, every rider MUST:
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.
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 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. 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 Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau
Double E Guest Ranch, New Mexico, USA ©2010 Debbie & Alan Eggleston — Double E Ranch, Gila, New Mexico USA, 575-535-2048
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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.
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 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 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! Remember -- you've
still got to get them back to the branding pens! This
is never
as easy as it may seem! 
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".
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.
