Chico Cattle Ranch

Introduction
Colorado USA
Our working cattle ranch has hosted guests for vacations that revolve around a large-scale working ranch since 2000. Guests are intimately involved in all ranch life to the extent that they desire, whether this be on horseback, fixing fences or putting feed out for the cattle. We have found that making a contribution to the daily ranch activities gives our guests the biggest thrill, so programs have been developed to include guests so that they are a part of the daily work’s success. There are ample opportunities to take time off on your own for hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming or fishing in one of the ranch’s 5 lakes. During the spring and fall, there is a bird banding station works on the ranch because it is one of the biggest migratory flyways in Colorado. There are over 320 birds on the Chico Bird list.

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Guests are hosted in a newly renovated, historic structure dating back to the early 20th century and featuring a three-foot thick adobe. There are two rooms available for guests and both have one queen bed and a set of bunks.
There is one bathroom that is shared between the two rooms, as well as a full kitchen/sitting room. Fresh towels are available throughout the week.
A washer and dryer are available to use for an additional fee. WIFI is available onsite.



Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on first day to breakfast on last day.

Guests prepare their own breakfast and a sack lunch in the kitchen, with provided groceries.
Dinners are shared and prepared by staff in their personal homes or brought down to the ranch and enjoyed together.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, but we can pick up alcohol for guests prior to arrival and add total to the bill upon check-out. Guests are also free to bring their own.



Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all severe food allergies with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Pace
We are a working ranch so don't do walk/trot/lope rides. Everything we do is dictated by the necessity of the animals. Most riding is done at a trot, though occasionally we will lope. We don't recommend this tour if you are a beginner or novice rider.

Horses
The Ranch breeds and raises registered quarter horses. Our goal is to create the best remuda we possibly can. Our studs and brood mares are selected carefully based on disposition, athleticism, and livestock sense. We also strive to create a string of horses that can work long days on a ranch and thrive on native pasture with minimal supplemental feed. We train all of our colts here on the ranch, from halter and saddle-breaking through more advanced conditioning.

Off-ranch activities
We are able to arrange off-ranch activities like fly fishing and white water rafting for a negotiated rate. These charges will be added to the guests’ tab upon departure.

Itinerary


Please, note that this package does not necessarily include horseback riding each day. As this is a working ranch, activities are dictated by the kind of work that needs to be done at the ranch. This means that some days might include fencing projects, fixing pipeline leaks, driving out to check water and mineral instead of riding.

Because the Chico is a professional working cattle ranch, days can be long and varied. We recommend that guests take time to ride at home before coming so that they can fully enjoy the adventure of working on a horse with cattle. We do not recommend that people with less than strong intermediate riding skills participate in our programs, unless they are athletic and do not mind being sore.

A weeklong stay is 6 nights, beginning on Sunday and ending Saturday at noon. If guests decide to stay longer than 6 nights, please be sure to note that we do not offer activities from 12pm on Saturday through Sunday. These are off times for our ranch staff and horses. There are no guided activities on the day of arrival.

A typical day includes heading out on the ranch for part of the day, either on horseback or in a vehicle, and then spending time doing other activities in the afternoon. Guests are invited to join in on everything that it takes to make the ranch work: checking fence, monitoring grass growth and water, fixing pipeline leaks, working in the leather shop and machine shop, moving cattle, welding, grazing planning, and more.

In addition to horses, the ranch uses aircraft and motorbikes to move livestock and check conditions and water across the ranch. This allows us to be as efficient and nimble as possible, often cutting a job time in half by using a helicopter or bike as opposed to a horse. Guests should be prepared to be alongside all means of transport during their stay.

It is important to note that even though the Chico is a serious working ranch, we do not expect guests to do more than they want, which means we leave ample time for relaxing or designing shorter days to accommodate whatever personal preferences a guest has.

Guests are intimately involved in all parts of ranch life to the extent that they desire and based on the daily ongoing ranch work, whether this be on horseback, fixing fences or putting feed out for the cattle. We have found that contributing to the daily ranch activities gives our guests the biggest thrill, therefore programs have been developed to include guests so that they are a part of the daily work’s success.

There are ample opportunities to take time off on your own for hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming, or fishing in one of the ranch’s five lakes. During the spring and fall, there is a bird banding station on the ranch because it is one of the biggest migratory flyways in Colorado.



Themed Week (special rate applies - please inquire)

Leather & Riding Workshop
We are opening up our leather shop for a special workshop. Whether you are a beginner, enthusiast or a semi pro, join our leather team to create a product that you can take home with you. This could be a pair of chinks, a leather satchel or maybe a delicately tooled belt. Get creative and learn practical skills such as pattern making, tooling and all of the steps that go into finishing leather. All tools and instruction are supplied.
This is a great opportunity to learn a craft that was born on the ranch out of necessity from a team that is now making products for international brands.

Painting Camp with Jill Soukup
Join renowned artist Jill Soukup for the 6th year of her painting workshop focusing on drawing and painting horses. Long time friend, Jill, among other accolades, was the Featured Artist at Coors Western Art Sale and Best of Show for Cowgirl Up!, Caballeros Western Museum 2017. Discussions and exercises will cover the importance of understanding equine anatomy, what makes a good drawing, composition and color. Activities will include photo opportunities of horses running, horses working under saddle, cowboys and cowgirls riding and working cattle, sketching and studying corralled horses, demonstrations and critiques.

Horsemanship Experience with Cam Schryver 
A natural horsemanship experience with renowned horseman, Cameron Schryver. Cam is two-time World Champion Extreme Cowboy and all those that have had the pleasure of riding with him know that his teaching methods are clear, practical and above all, fun. By applying working ranch horsemanship and riding by feel, you will leave the week feeling a deeper connection to the horse and will better understand how  to communicate, developing a better handle. Days are spent with one-on-one horsemanship instruction, educational demonstrations, moving and working cattle on the ranch in accordance to the grazing plan. Spend the evenings in camp around the fire or dinner table on the prairie discussing the day’s experiences.

Rates and Dates for Chico Cattle Ranch

Dates Note: * flexible arrival day (Sunday arrival prefered) with minimum of 6 nights
Availabe Dates (as of 3/22/23): Mar 26 to Apr 8 + Apr 23 to May 13 + Jun 11-17 + Jul 30 to Aug 12 + Aug 20-26 + Sep 3-30

Other Info
Meeting: outside of Colorado Springs
Airport: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS)
Transfer: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS)

Climate:
                                        Colorado Springs area