Gila Cattle Round Up
- New Mexico -

What would a Ranch Vacation be like without a Cattle 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 the guests have an opportunity to help with various phases of cattle work, and can include roundups, sorting, weaning, moving small groups of cattle to new pastures, checking water tanks, and fence lines. We raise Texas Longhorn and cross-bred 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! Why not "cowboy up" and lend a hand?!
Scheduled several times every year, you can help with gathering, tagging, weaning, moving to new pasture areas, and shipping. You'll see incredible country and experience a true taste of the "Old West". Take advantage of an opportunity to improve all your cattle and horsemanship skills. The work is rewarding and challenging!
Indulge your Cowboy Spirit with cattle roundups at this top class working ranch.
The 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest and pristine Gila Wilderness are the backdrop.
Learn the cowboy 'fun'damentals of riding, roping and reining. Or just relax with a good book. No 'nose to tail' trail riding, but horseback riding the way it was intended to be, in country that can only be experienced from the back of a good horse.
This is a working guest ranch  with 30,000 acres, located 30 miles northwest of Silver City, New Mexico - here, you'll get as  much "hands-on" time  as you want!
You won't be lost in another crowd! Ensuring you have a darned good, southwestern time is what we're after!
The ranch prides itself on home-style meals using home grown, free-range, chemical-free beef and buffalo dishes. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are offered on our menu when in season and available.
We promise breathtaking vistas, exciting horseback rides on seasoned horses, satisfying meals, evening campfires and the Milky Way spread across the New Mexico sky  .... ride your dreams!

RUNM02
Rates include accommodations, all meals and activities - 5 riding days
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,290    
2008 Dates: 
02/17-02/23  Sold Out
04/13-04/19  Sold Out
05/25-06/01
08/17-08/23
Additional dates on request between mid March  to April and late August to October
From Sunday to Saturday
   availability & reservation

Tax:            6%      
Gratuity:    15%
Meeting:     Gila
Airport:      Silver City
Transfer:    from Silver City $50
Pick up at 5:30 PM ... drop off at 8:30 AM
Level:        Good intermediate
Horses:      Quarter mix
Tack:         Western
Meals: The ranch can cater to vegetarians, but not vegans
Note: From El Paso there is a shuttle bus to Silver City for ~$60 return.

  see  Slide Show

Also:
  Cowgirl Camp
  Nature Expedition
     weekly throughout the year

Accommodations:
You will stay in comfortable, rustic cabins and guest houses. Each guest house is equipped with comfortable queen sized beds, thick down comforters, full baths, plush towels.
  see details on lodging

Round Up Work - How to Move a Herd of Cattle
Methods for working 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.
The Trail Boss is always in charge of the Drive or Gather. 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 move 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 through. 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 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 the stock to go through the gate and if it is crowded too close 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.

CAPACITY 14   

Day 1 (Sunday): Plan to arrive in the afternoon, allowing time to settle into your cabin before 6 p.m. dinner. If flying into Silver City, the Ranch will pick you up at Silver City Airport on the 5:30 p.m. flight. Please advise the office in advance if you require a pick up. With airport security as it is, we will not assume anything.

Day 2 (Monday): Your week begins by meeting at the barn at 7 a.m. to help bring the saddle horses from pastures, feeding, grooming and saddling. Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Headquarters. Meeting back at the barn by 9:30 a.m. Ranch Staff will provide you with a "cowboy orientation", lining out the anticipated schedule. Riding skills will be assessed with horsemanship in the arena and a ride out on the ranch so you can see the terrain. Lunch will be served at Headquarters. After lunch, back to the arena for a little team penning to develop some of the skills you will need during the Roundup. Dinner at 6 p.m.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Meet at the barn at 7 a.m. to help with morning chores, breakfast at 8:30 a.m., then back to the barn by 9:30 SHARP! Receive your roundup job assignments - today, you ride for the brand! A lunch will be carried, plan on 6 hours (or more) in the saddle. Return to Headquarters for afternoon chores, 6 p.m. dinner.

Day 4-5 (Wednesday-Thursday): Same morning routine, ready to ride by 9:30 a.m. Depending on what you found yesterday, you will either continue looking, or work the ones you found, including sorting, branding, doctoring, weaning and pushing them either to Headquarters for shipping or back out on the ranch to better pastures. Return to HQ for afternoon chores, 6 p.m. dinner.

Day 6 (Friday): 8:30 a.m. breakfast and the option of a relaxing trail ride or team penning.

Saturday Morning: Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and departure. Good ride, Cowboy, good ride. If Ranch Staff is returning you to the airport in Silver City, we will need to leave the Ranch by 6:30 a.m. (no breakfast).