Itinerary for New Mexico Cowgirl Camp Level I (for advanced riders see Level II below)

2010 Dates : 7-12 February; 7-12 March 2010; 25-30 April; 5-10 September; 7-12 November 2010

To check availability prices and quote with or without flights e mail or call : American Round-Up Tel : 01798 865946

This is a working ranch in New Mexico so daily schedules may change accordingly to the Cowgirl camps below.  

Day 1...Sunday Afternoon - Arrive at the Ranch

Sunday Afternoon:  Plan to arrive at the Gila Ranch in the afternoon anytime after 3 p.m A light evening meal which is served at 6 p.m. at Headquarters. 

If flying into Silver City, or using the Shuttle from El Paso, Ranch Staff will pick you up in Silver City either at the Airport on the 5:30 p.m. flight or Shuttle Drop Off, usually at MacDonald's Restaurant along Highway 180.

Day 2...Horsemanship! You'll meet at the barn at 7 a.m. to groom and feed the horses.   After an 8:00 a.m. breakfast, meet back at the barn ready to saddle up.  Head for the arena and a morning horsemanship refresher course to make sure you are comfortable with your horse and saddle.  Balance, correct posture, soft hands, comfortable seat...the "why" and "how" of western riding.

Participants may have slightly varying levels of riding skill.  After a morning spent in the arena, you'll be ready for a relaxing afternoon trail ride.  Because of the unique, varied terrain, expect to make numerous creek crossings, do some climbing up and down rugged, rocky surfaces or canyon exploration. 

Day 3 Gymkhana - You have the opportunity to experience the basics of Barrel Racing, Pole Bending or other events that will further improve your horsemanship  and satisfy your need for speed! 

Day 4 - Cattle Basics! - Now that you've got the basics for riding your horse, put some of your new skills to work!  You will learn what it takes to sort, cut and track cattle, turning and moving them from one end of the arena to the other.

It's not always about speed...working cattle slowly is usually the best approach. Most of the horses at Double E Ranch have some level of cow experience.

Massage - can be prebooked at an extra charge of US75 pp

Day 5 - It's what Ranching is all about...are you ready for a Roundup?  Plan on an all-day ride covering some very spectacular country. You'll find out what it takes to gather cattle from rugged, brushy terrain and move them to the working pen!  It's more than a "trail ride" - you have to find 'em first!   While branding isn't always necessary, anyone  having sensitivities with regard to moving and working cattle (including branding) should please let us know, in advance. 

Day 6 This is a day to celebrate your newly acquired riding skills. Compete in a Double E Ranch 'mini' Rodeo designed to challenge your newly learned skills: Barrels, Gymkhana Event, Cattle Work - all timed, fastest time wins! Don't stress -- it's just for fun. But, the prize is for keeps!

Or, hike, swing in the hammock, or pack a lunch and do some exploring on horseback.  Ride through Hells Half Acre or the experience wonders of Horseshoe Canyon.  These areas are truly spectacula

Day 7 - After a hearty 8:30 a.m. breakfast, it will be time to say "adios" to your new friends and depart the Ranch.  For those taking the Shuttle to El Paso, you will have to leave the Ranch at 6:15 a.m.   If catching the return flight to Albuquerque, you will leave the Ranch at 9:30 a.m.  These times are always subject to change.    Please reconfirm  your arrival/departure time with the airline or shuttle and  advise the Ranch Office.  Due to elevated airport security, we will not make any assumptions - and, neither should you!