Dear Debbie and Alan, Thank you for such a wonderful vacation.  My soul is blessed and filled up anew!  It just gets better and better every time I come!  Lots of Love - Sarah W. - Ireland       4/06

 

Dear Double E Ranch Crew:  I wanted to take a moment to write and thank you all for the great experience I had at the Double E Ranch!  I came with high expectations and left with those expectations not only met but surpassed!  What a wonderful week I had!  Working with the guys was such a thrill and I really felt as though I learned a lot.  Preston, RJ, Mark, Ed, Alan all took the time to include me and answer my questions.  "Ocho" was a wonderful horse and I felt honored to ride him.  Once again, thanks for everything!  The Double E Ranch Team gave me the best vacation I've ever had and I'm looking forward to returning!  Mark K. - Chicago, IL

 

Hi to Debbie, Alan, Mark, Judy, Preston, RJ,  and Lucy! It was SO hard to have to  come home...we enjoyed our week immensely with you all ! Best vacation we've ever had....  :-)  And thank you so much  (Lucy!!!) for the special birthday treats for Dean---that was so good of you! What a sweetheart......he was embarrassed , but pleased, I could tell---(and didn't stay tweaked at me me too long for telling )    :-) Everything was great: wonderful food, warm hosts, friendly and helpful staff, and great horses! We were only sore for the first three days, and nothing a good morning stretching session couldn't undo. We were feeling great (of course) by the time we had to come home.... no more stiffness and ready to go in the morning! It is a lifestyle I would love...and I suspect Dean would as well....maybe one day. Thank you Preston, for your warmth and helpfullness in all matters horsewise---I was truly impressed by your talent, maturity and self confidence in your position there! You even handled your frustration with me pretty well I thought  :-) ( I know it put you in a spot when there were so many riders that day---sorry!) Thank you for being patient in finding me a good match of a horse.  All the horses were really good:  and no matter what Keith thought, I found Fuerte to be sensitive and intuitive to even slight proddings and intentions. (I wouldn't have thought he would need spurs)  He neck reined quite easily, and I only used direct reining once, and slightly at that---he responded quickly to even slight heel pressure and body position too---I think you have done a good job with him  :-)   Palomas was OK (a sweet horse) ---just not quite as willing as other horses---Cinco was amazing and powerful (the locomotive!). Thank you for giving me a chance to ride him too---I only declined to continue because I felt I would have had to spend the week controlling him more than just riding for pleasure.  PT was terrific, and Gonzo a cadillac on the run! Even though I assume it was more work for you, I did appreciate getting an opportunity to ride more than one kind of horse---thank you so much! Appreciated every bit of advice you had to lend along the way too---you're a good teacher. Enjoyed having you as a trail guide too---and always appreciated your help with the horses and their individual handling.... really helpful! Dean obviously enjoyed his horses too.....for having ridden so little before, I think he has a natural and easy ability in the saddle---and your choices for him only served to increase that confidence---thank you! Mark---you were a great trail (and otherwise) leader......you have such a warm and easy way about you, it makes folks feel as if they've known you always, and makes for great company! Thank you for all your cheerful help , your easy ways, good company and wonderful , informative stories...makes the land come alive! It was a delight to ride trail with you! Thank you Alan,  for taking the time that day to teach us a bit from your own vast reservoir of riding experience. All hints and advice on technique is helpful, to all levels of ridership---so I know I was not the only one who appreciated you doing that!  Your easy company and sense of humor made for pleasurable riding, and made learning easy  :-)  Even made making silly mistakes easier on the ol' ego.....the warmth and good-naturedness of your whole staff is really commendable---you've done a great job with that! RJ----a pleasure to spend time with you too---loved you coming in that morning all decked out in your fancy duds and jingly spurs---it'll sit in my memory for a long time! (along with that silly song for those spurs!)  You are warm and funny and honest--I like that. All of you seem to have those qualities, actually, and it makes for good company and friendship---and a great way to run a business! It'll keep 'em coming back....... Lucy, you went above and beyond with all the wonderful food--wow! I ate more than I EVER do in a day! And thank you again for doing a little sweet something for Dean's birthday----he was touched  :-)  It was very nice of you all! Give a stroke and a hug to that sweet little colt for us  (Costa). Hope he is settling in to his new environment and not too lonely...what a cutie! Deb and Judy, I felt right at home with you both-----love your easy ways with people and your warmth and generosity---you feel like family to me---thank you so much for everything! We truly hope to come back....and  we 've already told a ton of folks about your place, so no doubt you will have even more new visitors (not that you seem to be in short supply or anything!) Looking forward to our return......you made our visit a wonderful one---thank you all !!!!!!!!!   Hugs to every one of you, Laurie and Dean

 

Hi Debbie and Alan,  Returning to "real" life back home was quite hard after those wonderful days at the ranch with you. I want to thank you again for helping an old dream of mine come true!  Your hospitality, the horses, the landscape... everything is perfect out there at the Double E Ranch.  Sofia, Spain 11/05

 

Once again we really had a great time at the ranch and I wanted to thank you and Alan for making the whole experience remarkable! The boys are exhausted but planning their next visit...guess I may have opened Pandora's box. Will let you know a date in May soon!         Rick D., New Jersey

 

Dear Alan and Debbie,  What a great ranch week we all had. Judith and I were, of course, very happy that David and the rest of our group liked the ranch as well as we do.  There is always a little risk. but your excellent horses, your warm hospitality and the friendly crew gave nobody any chance to doubt about our recommendation.

 

Dear Alan and Debbie,  We had such a wonderful time at the Double E that I had to write and tell you so.  Debbie, Paige was trying hard not to cry when we left and she felt bad that she couldn't talk to you because of that.  I'm sure you understand.   The food was great, Preston is an asset to your operation and that's an understatement!  We enjoyed everything and everyone!  I know you may have millions of old cowboy pictures, but can you ever really have enough? Here are some of my grandfather, Dud Potter. The one with all the cowboys gathered around a cow? We think my grandfather is probably the light shirt with his back to the camera, or he is the man walking away to the right, and Claude B is the man standing off to the right of the frame.  Thanks again!  Sharalee and Paige, Georgia

Thanks for a fun packed week!  Tried my hand at branding, tagging - found an inner strength along the way!  Sophie and Chris, England

Another great day of riding at the Double E.  It rained and the creek was high, but that added to the excitement!  Jim, NH

The first few days back home have been tough, not least because of the miserable overcast grey skies!!!   Thank you everyone for the most fantastic 9 days spent with you at Double E.  Each day was amazing, the horses wonderful, particularly PT and Gunner, thank you!   Mel and I have had all our photos developed (300+!!!!) and they are a wonderful reminder, we will send you some asap.   The children are hugely impressed with what we got up to, particularly the shooting and ATV!   I can't wait to come back to Double E.  Mel and I hope to wangle a return visit in a year's time (we're working on it!)  and my husband, Chris, is keen to visit with me, perhaps this October for a week?  We shall see....!      with lots of love to you all,   Fiona B. - England  (3/05)

 

I  have to say again, when I was out your way for four days last year (June) it was a really special time, and I think of it so often it's not even funny. I really felt like family, was so relaxed, and had the time of my life when I was there-what an awesome place and people!  I can't say enough what a special time that was for me and how well you guys took care of your guests-I'd love to be at the kitchen table right now shooting the breeze with some of the guests and looking forward to another days activity. I'll be back again for sure, I have no desire to go to any other guest Ranch having been to yours-it's the tops! Take care and thanks for a lifetime of wonderful memories-you made it all possible. Paul Kelleher (2/05)     Dear Debbie and Alan, Stan and Preston, What a shock to arrive home from our pleasant and warm stay in New Mexico over the Christmas holidays to eleven degree below weather (plus a 15 mile an hour north wind)! However, we are staying warm with the memories of our incredible week at the Double E. Our vacation, like that of many of your other guests, truly exceeded our expectations. As experienced riders who trail ride with our own horses, we were concerned about the quality of your horses and the lengths and challenges of the rides. We shouldn't have been, for you offer horses and trails for all levels of horsemanship! Not only did you match horses to our abilities, but we logged nearly 80 miles of riding during our five days! Each day offered different vistas--from Bear Creek with its amazing rock canyons and monoliths to the historic wagon trail on towering Telephone Ridge. Thank you all so much for the well-trained, well-behaved, and sure-footed horses, comfortable saddles, great accommodations, wonderful food, and friendly and knowledgeable companionship at the ranch.  Terry and Susanne, Nebraska (1/05)

I thought I would post an email to let you know that this was the best holiday we have had and we are saving up already for another trip to the Double E Ranch.  Everyone there was so friendly and helpful and we enjoyed every moment (even the early mornings).  We are telling everyone we know about the ranch and they are all jealous of us!  Hope to see you all again soon.  Phil and Oly - Scotland (10/04)

I was just another "city slicker",  but you gave me my life-long dreams come true.  Although I couldn't come with Mike and Liz this year, I shall be back!  Fond regards, Terry, England (10/04)

As we are not so fluent in speaking English, we would like to express our sincere thanks for an unforgettable holiday in this letter.  We greatly enjoyed our stay at Double E Ranch.  We will miss the incredible, comfortable and friendly horses, the impressive buffalo, the sound of the cicadas, the plenty and really delicious food (thanks to Lucy!), the warm-hearted care of all the Staff.  We had a great time!  Dankeschon!!  Karen and Urs, Switzerland (9/04)

We had a fantastic time!  We were especially spellbound by Junior when he worked with a colt, explaining what he was doing, as he did it.  I learned more about horses and riding horses than I've ever learned - anywhere!  His instructions made riding so much easier, and more fun, for the whole week!  Everyone was superb.  Everything about your ranch (the people, the horses, the scenery, the cabin, the fun and adventure) surpassed my expectations!  -- Lois

"We are pleased to announce our engagement"! ~ Thank you once again for an absolutely wonderful time at your ranch.  We have not stopped talking about it!  We ended up taking 594 pictures!  Gretchen and Mike, California

	We woke up to 8 inches of snow this morning - welcome back to New England!     It's hard to believe that just days ago we were riding all day in the warm New Mexico sunshine.   Thank you for a wonderful trip - it was everything we had hoped for and more!    Ron and Michelle, Massachusetts

Thanks for opening up your home and ranch to give us a real peacefulness at Christmas!  Pam and Harold, NC

It's almost 3 weeks since our return (home) and we are still taking every opportunity to tell everyone that will listen about our  holiday at the Double E.  We would like to say again how much we enjoyed our second visit - it was truly smashing!  The tremendous amount of effort and energy that you both put into improving our riding skills was very much appreciated.  We are already looking forward to our next visit!  Jill and Nick, England

All our visits to your ranch have been memorable, but this last was especially poignant for me.  It occurred to me that here is a couple who are living their dreams.  What an idea!  Retire to a ranch and make it actually work.  Add a few guests who can - for a moment - pretend to be living their own dreams.  How wildly improbably - how terribly impractical - and how utterly romantic!  You are an inspiration!  Thank you for sharing your dream with us.  Kate and Loren, California

Thank you all so much for our stay.  You made our honeymoon a fantastic memory!  Chris & Leslie, Vermont

I would just like to thank you again for another great holiday!  I think that this was my 5th or 6th visit, but still I managed to visit another part of your ranch that I hadn't been to before.  I didn't think it was possible, but 30,000 acres cannot be seen in just a few visits!  Ken H., England

Debbie and Alan:  We have now visited 16 ranch/riding establishments during 9 vacations in the USA.  Why is the Double E the BEST we have ever visited and why is it New Mexico's best kept secret?  It has to be the personal stamp that you two put on the operations.  You  have the best wranglers on the planet!  The horses and tack were outstanding!  The riding is excellent.  The accommodation  was brilliant!  Meals are first class!  Like General McArthur (and Ahnold!) - "we'll be back"!  Peter and Alison, Scotland 

Thank  you both for opening up your home and your ranch to Todd, Mark and me.  We had high expectations coming out to New Mexico but even our "city slicker" fantasies were far exceeded!  John M., Florida

We can't thank you enough for the wonderful time we had at the Double E Ranch!  We haven't stopped smiling since we got home.  Susan and Richard, New Mexico

Mechelle and I can't thank  you enough for the friendship and hospitality you showed us during  our recent visit with you on your beautiful ranch.  The experience is still fresh in our minds and we talk of it daily.  Our thanks to Alan for his patience and training.  The riding was excellent!  Mechelle and Anne, North Carolina

WOW!  It's hard to imagine a better weekend than the one we just had at the Double E.  Great riding, great riding instruction, lots of camaraderie, and wonderful food.  Didn't think we'd be interested in "cowboy stuff" and ended up loving the team penning!  Finally learning how to ride a horse in a lope after failing elsewhere was the  most fun in years!  Bart and Callista, New Mexico

When trying  to express my gratitude for what my stay has meant to me, and what it's done for me; to say "thank you" just doesn't seem adequate.  But, thank you I must...for allowing me into your Sacred Circle, for giving me a place to soothe my ragged edges and gather my strength.  Much love, Maggie R, California

I wanted to send a short note to thank you both for your efforts in helping my family enjoy a truly wonderful Christmas break.  We had a great week and enjoyed ourselves tremendously.  You have created a terrific atmosphere at the Double E, one that allows guests to  match or better their expectations of their western experience.  The expectations of my crew were certainly exceeded.  During the stay in Santa Fe, during the drive along the top of Arizona and even during New Years' Eve in Las Vegas - nothing we did after came close to the Ranch!  Thanks again!  Richard, Patti and Crew, Canada

Well, our third visit to your Ranch was as wonderful and unique as the first two!  We are grateful that there are still folks like you keeping the traditions of the American West alive in a simple, unaffected way - and, especially that you are willing to share your way of life with guests (friends!) from all the far-flying corners of the world.  What a beautiful way to demonstrate the American heart to those who know us only by what they see on CNN.  Thank you!  Loren and Kate S., California

Thanks for your wonderful hospitality during our stay at the Ranch.  From our first ride, we felt well taken care of by Robin.  I appreciated your flexibility.  We especially enjoyed the Team Penning - we're glad to be able to brag that we did some riding with "real cows"!  Jan and Don M., Maryland

Who knew that I always wanted to be a cow-girl?!  Thanks for a really wonderful time.  The whole experience certainly exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait to return -- how about tomorrow?!   Kathryn H., Massachusetts

Dan and I want to thank you and Alan for another enchanting visit to your ranch.  On our last evening, over a bottle of nice champagne, I toasted many things:  the unbelievable landscape, the supernatural "spidermen" horses, and most of all, the lovely people who make this  accessible to city folk like me...Maureen D., Louisiana

Thanks ever so much for a wonderful holiday, again.   I have found that every time has been different.  As you already found out I especially enjoyed the branding.  I am quite proud of the fact that there will be several little cows out roaming the hills with my mark on their bums!  (I think I did quite a good job.)  Clare  P., England

I had a fantastic vacation and thoroughly enjoyed myself: I loved the horses; the riding; the other guests; and the food!  So, thank you Debbie for the wonderful meals and hospitality, to Alan for retaining his good humour despite our obvious inadequacies as cowboys, to Robin for his friendship and patience with us all (especially with Christine), and to Maurice for simply brightening up my day...!    Nicky W., England

Arrived home last night from our most spectacular vacation ever. We had such fun at the ranch. Bill loved his galloping experiences. I refrained! But I was so comfortable in all my riding situations...Ah - take me back to the ranch! Miss you. Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality, for the  designer shirts (I love them and have been wearing them), and for our mugs that are a daily reminder of where we want to be vs where we are.  Bill and Dale, Massachusetts

Hi Debbie and Alan!  This is a message from the "Frenchies"...we're back home, with a return travel without surprises.  Thank you again for the "sejour" which  has been perfect in your marvelous weather.  Erik and Anny, France

As I prepare to write I was thinking back to when we visited and it has been 5 months!  It does not seem possible that that much time has passed.  The memories are still very current.  Again, I wish to thank you for sharing you special place.  Mark S., Georgia

Debbie, Alan:  Thank you once again for a truly marvelous time at the Double E.  It couldn't get better!  Now, back to what's called "reality"...!  Ed W., England

Hi Alan & Debbie, thanks for such a great vacation again. The first time I came to the Double E Ranch, I thought I had experienced the best vacation I would ever have!  But my second visit surpassed even that!  I'm already planning another trip!  Gary H., England

Thanks again for an amazing time.  It's scary how "at home" I feel down there.  I almost didn't get on the plane!  I'm having "horse withdrawals"...please, will you scratch "Mac" for me!!  See you soon -- Krista S., Yukon, Canada

Dear Debbie and Alan,  Both of us had an absolutely marvelous time during our stay at Double E.  The ranch environment was exactly what we hoped it would be (even more so), and everyone was so pleasant and great to be with.  You both were great hosts...and you made us feel right at home.  The food and accommodations were terrific.  We've traveled many wonderful places--Ireland, Russia, France, Italy, Australia, and so on.  But I think we'd both agree we've never had more fun than at Double E and we are already planning our return visit.  Sincerely, Maureen and Dan, Louisiana

Aloha Debbie and Alan -- I thank whatever powers that be that allowed us to find your ranch on the net.  No matter how we try to explain how much it meant to us, there truly are no adequate words.  All that hard work you did for us, the "ono" (delicious) meals, even letting us change the menus, entertaining us, accommodating our late nite runs, the amazing horses - all in a great vacation package. It is just like finding a second home in New Mexico!...Aloha!   Roxanne M., Hawaii

Dear Alan and Debbie --  I wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful week.  My objectives in coming were to improve my riding, learn as much as I could about ranches and horses, and to experience first hand a real working ranch.  All objectives were met and then some!  Alan, I really appreciated your patience and ability to teach.  You are a natural.  Debbie, your meals were always much anticipated and never disappointing.  You both have an excellent Foreman in Maurice.  Chasing those 2 big dumb cows was the highlight of the week!  I've had a hard time explaining that to the people back home.  I hope to find those two again, next time I'm there!  Best regards, Paul M., California

Dear Debbie and Alan,  Thanks for a super time!  We are missing the glorious scenery, good company and excellent food - not to mention the horses!  Brian and Pauline D., England

Alan and Debbie, You challenged us to believe in ourselves, feel our own strength, be adventurous and expand our horizons. Until we return... Linda and Jerry H., Connecticut

I don't know if words can fully explain how wonderful this week has been.  From the scenery and cattle drive...to the excellent home cooked meals and "eventful" Thursday.  And, seeing so many people from this country as well as different parts of the world come together!  That is what made our  10 Year Anniversary Renewal so special.  I know Carol appreciated all of your help and I cannot thank you enough...it was wonderful! -- Mark and Carol, Minnesota

Thanks again for a wonderful week! It's the best ranch ever! -- Erica and Linda, Sweden

"Thank you for a special holiday at your wonderful Ranch paradise. Every time we look at our pictures, it's like a dream come true!"
— Stella, Munich, Germany; Ines, Germany; Stephanie, Switzerland

My kids and I had a wonderful vacation at your ranch last week. The weather  was perfect and everyone loved the  horseback riding. I had no expectation that my youngest son, David, would learn to ride and guide his horse through the trail rides  unassisted. I am so pleased that he learned to do this. Sandy is a fantastic instructor. She patiently taught David how to use his reins to control his horse, "Bart". "Bart"  is to be commended as well. He was a wonderful horse for my disabled son. I have been bragging about your ranch, instructors, horses and scenery to all my coworkers. We plan to come back again and look forward to it.  -- Cindy, Texas

"Thank you all  so much for a great holiday over Christmas and New Year -- quite an experience which I thoroughly enjoyed!"  --- Helen A., Berkshire, UK

"We had a great time at your place and are looking forward to next October! Your horses are the best and we especially loved being able to ride without restriction on time and distance."   Evelyn and Eddy B., Davos, Switzerland

"Thank you for making our honeymoon so special – and such fun. It was a real privilege to ride such well-schooled horses. The cow herding, the wildlife, the scenery, the company and the sheer sense of leaving the real world behind made it a holiday we will remember for the rest of our lives. We didn't want to leave, and we can't wait to come back!"—Alison and JR, England

"Thanks again for making my vacation  at Double E Ranch so exciting and unforgettable.  I couldn't believe that it could be even better, if possible, than my first stay with you!"---Barbara, Switzerland

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Double E Ranch provides dude ranch enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience dude western-style roundups, exciting dude horseback riding in scenic southwestern New Mexico. We offer Dude Trail Riding, Dude Clinics, Gila Wilderness Nature Rides specially designed for dudes and holiday dude specials for your dude ranch vacation.  Dudes at Double E Ranch enjoy Dude activities such as, dude riding, dude roping on seasoned dude horses, dude clinics, dude accommodations in comfortable dude cabins.  Dudes vacation in comfortable dude cabins, dining on delicious traditional dude meals.  A dude ranch vacation is a great family vacation, suitable for all ages of dude guests.  Improve your dude ranch skills, enjoy meeting other dudes from all over the world.  Double E Dude Ranch is different from other dude ranches.  Dudes can still experience a traditional dude ranch life style.  Imagine yourself on a dude ranch vacation in the southwest of New Mexico.  Dudes visit from all over the world, meeting other dudes with similar interests in dude ranching.  Join us for a dude ranch vacation  you won't forget.  Make it a family dude ranch tradition.  Dude ranching has been popular since the turn of the century with many dudes.  Each year, more dudes take dude ranch vacations in the southwest.  The weather is perfect for a dude ranch vacation in the winter months.

 

 

Double E  Guest Ranch
 P.O. Box 280, Gila, New Mexico 88038 USA
Telephone:  505-535-2048      
 
Updated December 2006
©2000 Debbie & Alan Eggleston