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Learn the cowboy art of herding, corralling and sorting
range cattle; the excitement of cutting and penning cows with a well
trained, no nonsense, working cow horse. Live the adventure and challenge
of team penning; three riders cutting designated cows from a herd then
driving them into the pen for the best time...America's fastest growing
equestrian sport! And of course, try your hand at throwing a rope.
Designed for the vacationer with limited time or those who just want to
sample the experience, we have packed a short visit with all of the
details arranged for a carefree weekend escape.
Throw your bed roll on a comfortable bunk in your own canvas tent at our
cow camp where the camp cook whips up near gourmet meals (sorry, no beans
and hotdogs). Relax around the campfire in the evening with amiable
companions and traditional cowboy beverages as the coyotes howl on the
hill side. (they are always close by.) Matched up to a suitable cow pony
from the ranch remuda, the days adventure begins. We groom and saddle,
while listening to details of the care, handling and riding of the western
ranch horse. A brief explanation of the principals of herding cows...then
we are off over the rocky, pine covered hills to locate the grazing herd.
 RTCO01W 
Rates include 2 nights lodging, meals,
2 riding days
3 days/ 2 nights $ 350
Taxes: 3%
Gratuities: 10-15% suggested
2008 Dates: Every weekend from
May to the end of August depending on
availability
Meeting: Westcliff
Airport: Colorado Springs
Transfer: by arrangement
$70
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Quarter mix
Pace : Moderate, trots
& canters
Level:
Novice+ to Intermediate
Min/Max Riders: 4-10
Note:
A leisurely weekend is available with riding,
but no cattle work -- $325 per person |
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"Deer scatter out of our way as we clatter over a stony
ridge once hunted by Ute warriors and crossed perhaps, by Coronado and his
band of Spanish explorers in quest of golden cities. There...below us in
the flats of Boneyard Park, reminiscent of a Remington painting, we find
the cows munching contented on native bunch grass, unsuspecting that their
work day has just begun." Itinerary
Day 1: Activities start on Friday
evening with a cowboy dinner and campfire at 8
p.m. in a remote, meadow far from the hustle and
bustle of city life. After eating and meeting
your new friends in and around our grand
mountaineering yurt, you will claim your own
cabin tent (with comfortable cot) and then join
us for beverages and tall tales around the
flickering glow of the campfire.
Day 2: Matched up to a suitable cow
pony, the day's adventure begins. We groom and
saddle, while listening to details of the care,
handling and riding of the western ranch horse.
A brief explanation of the principals of herding
cows...then we are off over the rocky, pine
covered hills to locate the grazing herd. Deer
scatter out of our way as we clatter over a
stony ridge once hunted by Ute warriors and
crossed perhaps, by Coronado and his band of
Spanish explorers in quest of golden cities.
There...below us in the flats of Boneyard Park,
reminiscent of a Remington painting, we find the
cows munching contently on native bunch grass,
unsuspecting that their work day has just begun.
Later, the morning drive completed, ponies
watered and resting, the cow herd milling
apprehensively about in the corrals.... we pull
our hats down tight, throw down a last cup of
bitter cowboy coffee and head into the arena to
learn and practice the refinements of cow
cutting.
Right heel behind the cinch, (girth to you
easterners) rein to the left, turning quick and
hard to counter an escaping steer, we drive the
reluctant cows into their holding pens. Later,
we form into three rider teams to try out our
new skills against the clock. The day goes all
too quickly!
In the evening, after you've showered, you and
your friends can play volleyball or horse shoes,
roast yourselves in the sweat lodge, or read and
relax with a favorite beverage while a BBQ
dinner is prepared. On this, your second night,
you'll feel more comfortable with the outdoors,
sleep a little easier, and really feel the magic
of the Ranch life take ahold of you. Enjoy a
night around the campfire telling stories or
enjoying the quiet wilderness solitude under the
stars.
Day 3: Sunday begins with a
scrumptious breakfast and pots of cowboy coffee.
We then continue with more hands on experience
as we gain confidence in our abilities and
admiration for these quick, capable horses. The
afternoon cattle drive out to the range
unfortunately completes the adventure. Nightfall
finds us back in the bright lights of the city
wondering if all of this really happened
or...was it really just a dream of an old John
Wayne Movie?
....
If you must fly out that evening, please do not
schedule a flight before 8:30 p.m., to make
certain you can make your flight.
** THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY. Based upon
guests' needs and experience, we have designed
custom programs to offer more intensive
instruction, additional days, more difficult
routes, etc. We have designed programs for many
groups and organizations and would be happy to
work with yours.
DO I NEED TO BE AN EXPERIENCED RIDER?
No...anyone with a bit of basic horse experience can learn and enjoy the
weekend. We recommend that participants have some riding experience and
are comfortable around horses. But you do not need to be an experienced
rider. However, our program allows for diversity to accommodate and
challenge the advanced rider as well. Our hope is to advance your riding
skills through fun activities.
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Camp accommodations for Friday and
Saturday nights. Meals from Dinner on Friday through lunch on Sunday.
Horses, cows and tack. Great ranch scenery and old west facilities.
Colorful skilled wrangler/instructors. Lots of fun!
Sleeping bag rental
$20. Minimum of 4 participants to run the cattle
round up.
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