Desert Exposure Article on Cowgirl Camp

Aspiring cowgirls with a taste for adventure and new cowgirl camp challenges will find a real working guest dude ranch experience  - and much more - at  Double E Ranch  women only Cowgirl Camps,  which are scheduled throughout the year.  Sign on for 5 full days of wide open spaces in our southwestern Cowgirl Camp classroom and ride back in time with authentic western tradition, safe horses and patient instruction!

In this stress-free, phone-free atmosphere,  Cowgirl Camp is an all-inclusive adventurous women only dude ranch week for Beginner and Intermediate Cowgirls of all ages.  Cowgirl Camps for more Advanced Cowgirls are also  on our 2008-2009 Schedule!  Not a "foo-foo" resort cowgirl camp, Double E Ranch Cowgirl Camp encourages  you to challenge yourself by learning new skills and improving current ones with our patient, knowledgeable wranglers who will teach you basic ranch horsemanship, team penning, and barrel racing.  Top it all with learning what it takes to gather cattle and to get them to the branding pen!  We make every effort to keep Guest Capacity  small -  with an average of 6 to 12 Cowgirl participants, providing plenty of opportunities for individual attention and instruction. 

Learn to groom and saddle; learn the secrets of better communication with your horse; relax and learn to enjoy a trail ride; develop the confidence to challenge yourself in an arena with the cowgirl "fun-damentals"  rodeo events such as barrel racing, roping and team penning.  Guaranteed - you'll make new friends who share similar interests from all over the United States and Europe!  Laughter is contagious and your sense of accomplishment is real empowerment!  This week is all about YOU.  But, in order for us to meet your expectations,  we need information -- don't be afraid to tell us what you want or need!

Our horses are gentle, trust-worthy, willing.  Your  horse and saddle will be selected especially for you by one of our professional wranglers, based on your own personal horseback riding skill level.  Your comfort is our priority.  Let us know if the "fit" isn't right.

Because our "Cowgirl Camps" are designed for small groups, each participant will receive as much individual attention and instruction as possible.  Our Staff is comprised of real cowboy professionals, who have spent most of their lives earning a living at ranching.  They will patiently and quietly help you accomplish as many of your goals as possible during your 5 day visit.  Improve your horsemanship and riding skills; find out what it takes to "read" cattle; compete in  your own mini-rodeo events; round up the herd and bring them in.  Please tell us what you would like to achieve.  We want your week to be a personal success! 

You are encouraged, supported and applauded with every one of your achievements.  It's a safe, comfortable, non-threatening environment in which to learn - and make a few mistakes, too! Whether you are a novice, beginner, or  timid rider - or - an intermediate rider or advanced rider, Dougle E Ranch "Cowgirl Camp" offer you an opportunity to live your dream of experiencing the Wild, Wild West.  Share the day's adventure with your new friends, and revel in your achievements.  You've earned it!  You deserve it!  We'll help you make it happen! 

"Cowgirl Camp was an amazing experience and will live in my heart as one of the best weeks of my life!  The person who contributed the most to my "cowgirl experience" was RJ.  I was definitely a 'high maintenance' cowgirl - short on riding knowledge and experience, long on excitement and nervousness, and filled with trepidation.  RJ took such good care of me, making sure that I was safe, comfortable and always having fun.  He was a wonderful resource and I learned so much from  him.  He knew when and how far to push, encourage and challenge me, building my confidence, while never asking me to cross any lines in which I was uncomfortable.  Throughout the week RJ exhibited a wonderful ability to balance the "working cowgirl" experience with a fun vacation.  He is such an asset  to  your operation!"

Hi from Normandy!  We want to thank you very much for the wonderful week with all of you.  We were so sad to go home.  This week was great for all of us and we especially want to thank RJ - we now know what is a ranch!

I don't know how to thank you all for such an amazing trip!  Looking at me and saying I can do it was so eye-opening!  I know now that I can to anything!

Itinerary for Cowgirl Camp Level I

While the Staff at Double E Ranch will make every effort to ensure you have a memorable experience during Cowgirl Camp, our program is never so structured that we can't or won't make adjustments to the itinerary.  We always encourage you to tell us what you want or need!

Please remember that Double E Ranch is a working cattle ranch. There occasionally may be unplanned events, situations or conditions which will require us to alter or adjust our published itinerary. We will make every effort to minimize the impact on your visit.

Day 2...Horsemanship!

You'll meet at the barn at 7 a.m. to groom, feed and saddle your horse.  We invite all our guests to  help with ranch chores.     After an 8:30 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 varying levels of riding skill.  Some of you will be complete beginners; some of you might be more advanced.  Most of you will never have experienced this kind of terrain.  Now is the time to ask questions, tell us what your goals are, let us know what kinds of problems you might be experiencing or what you might want to improve or focus on.

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.  This will probably be new country to most of you, so please don't be shy about asking your Wrangler what to do, what to watch for, how to handle it.  Let us know if you are concerned about heights - before it becomes an issue!

Day 3...Team Penning!

Now that you've got the basics for riding your horse, put your new skills to work!  Your 3-girl team will learn what it takes to sort, cut and track  cattle, moving them from one end of the arena to the other, and into a 3-sided pen. 

While this is a timed event, it's not always about speed...working cattle slowly is usually the best approach.  In the event there are not enough "cowgirls" signed up for the week, Staff or other guests will help make up teams and everyone will participate.

After lunch, an afternoon trail ride to Indian Ruins - or more Team Penning!

Barrel Racing Technique!

You have the opportunity to experience the basics of Barrel Racing,  and satisfy your need for speed!  Don't worry -- you can walk  the barrels, too!  Remember -- it's all about having FUN and learning!

Massage!  You've "cowgirled up" for 3 days.  It's time for a little pampering.  As part of your Cowgirl Camp experience, Double E Ranch has arranged for a Licensed Massage Therapist to visit the ranch.  We'll need to schedule your time in advance of your arrival, so please make sure the Office knows your time preference.  In the event you want to wait till you are here, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.  There is an additional charge of $75, payable at the time of service, directly to the Masseuse.

Day 5...Round Up

It's what Ranching is all about...are you ready for a Roundup?  Find out what it takes to gather cattle from rugged, brushy country and move them to the branding pen!  It's more than a "trail ride" - but,  you have to find 'em first!   Anyone  having sensitivities with regard to moving and working cattle (including branding) should please let us know, in advance. 

Day 6...Friday

It's Friday, and you have options!   Hike, swing in the hammock, or pack a lunch and explore the surrounding area on horseback, using your newly acquired riding skills.  Ride through Hells Half Acre or the experience wonders of Horseshoe Canyon.  These areas are truly spectacular! 

Day 7...Saturday Departure

Depart the Ranch after a hearty 8:30 a.m. breakfast.  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 depart 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!