What Can You Expect During Your Visit...?

Every vacation begins with a fantasy.  And a working ranch vacation is certainly no exception. It follows that the closer you can come to fulfilling your expectations, the more satisfying your working ranch vacation will be.

We don't offer you  a fancy dude ranch or resort experience.  Expect to meet at the barn at 7 a.m. to help  Staff begin feeding, grooming and saddling horses, cleaning pens. 

At Double E Ranch, you'll get lots of "hands-on!  As part of the Double E Crew, expect to get dirty.  There is a major difference between "dude" ranch" and "working ranch".  Double E Ranch isn't  a  "foo-foo" spa dude ranch.  Ranch life at Double E is pretty much the way it has always been in New Mexico for well over 100 years.  We want to offer our guests an authentic experience - and we work hard to preserve it.  The smells, the sounds, the dust in the air, the animals, the chores are all part of the experience.  Wake to the melody of birds in the trees, horses anxiously waiting to be fed and the sight of a spectacular sunrise splashing over the mountains.  Head to the barn to begin your day.  Dude Ranch??  No way!

Enjoy a quiet moment on your porch with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in your cabin before you begin helping with morning ranch chores at 7 a.m. This can include feeding livestock, bringing saddle horses from pastures, grooming, saddling and unsaddling them.   There's no rush-hour traffic to fight, no appointments to keep!  This is about as hectic as it gets!  (Please keep in mind that we are able to keep our rates reasonable because we maintain a small staff.  We all work together to get the job done -  and our Crew sure does appreciate your extra hands!).

Weekly Riding Schedule

Check In:  Your week begins when you check in  Sunday anytime after 3 p.m.  Sunday is a day of rest for horses, staff and guests.  There is no Sunday horseback riding.  We'll show you to your cabin so  you can stretch, relax and familiarize yourself with the ranch compound.  Your hearty,  home cooked dinner is always served up at 6 p.m. "family style" at Headquarters.  If you arrive after 6:30 p.m., your meal will be taken to your cabin. 

Another option is to arrive at the Ranch early Monday morning to save the Sunday rate charge.    We want to make sure your horse and saddle are right for you.  With this Monday morning arrival option, you must still meet at the barn by 7 a.m. to help with morning chores and saddling horses.  Your horse won't be saddled without your participation.  If your horse isn't saddled before 8:30 a.m. breakfast, you won't be able to ride till after lunch.

Every Day at the Ranch:  While each days' schedule will vary, depending on the rider experience level, any  ranch work we need to do, or weather conditions (rarely does weather affect our schedule, although it can happen),  you will meet the Double E Crew at the barn to begin feeding livestock and bringing saddle horses to the rail to be  fed, groomed, and saddled at 7 a.m.    We want you to get involved! Don't be shy!  Grab a halter or a wheel barrow!  By 8:30, you're  joining the rest of the Double E Crew for  a hearty family style breakfast around the table at Headquarters, meeting back at the barn by 9:30 a.m. to tighten cinches, preparing to ride. 

Each days' activities are discussed the night before, during dinner  Your voice counts!  So, let us hear what you think!  Our goal is  to help you realize as many of your riding dreams as possible  We don't recommend this kind of riding experience for anyone who has never ridden before.  It is strongly recommended that you are at least a confident, strong beginner before your visit.  (A "confident  beginner" is someone who is comfortable controlling the horse at a walk or trot).

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 any published itinerary or activities. We will make every effort to minimize the impact on your visit.

A Sampling of Riding Options:   You always have a variety of options to join a ride which compliments your riding skill level and interests.  Two 1/2 day rides (with lunch at Headquarters) or a full day riding to explore the thousands of scenic acres with lunch on the trail!  Faster paced riding will be based on your individual riding skill level.  Your safety is our primary concern! Every day you'll have the opportunity to experience abundant wildlife, amazing geological phenomena, incredible vistas, nearly perfect weather, challenging activities and improved horseback riding skill level!

Break up into teams for some Team Penning or Sorting - or take it easy with two 1/2 day rides.  Team Penning has become one of the fastest growing new equestrian sports in the nation.  It's fun, easily improving individual horsemanship skills by giving you something else to focus on besides you and your horse! Lunch at Headquarters.  Either trail riding after lunch or more Team Penning.

Want to try your hand at some roping?  Ground work in the morning and after lunch you'll be horseback throwing your rope at calves in the corral.

Now that you are warmed up, pick up the pace!  A 20+ mile round trip ride to "Rastus Cabin" or Cottonwood Canyon with  a packed lunch is breathtaking.  Or, relax with rides covering the same country that Geronimo rode, around spectacular Horseshoe Canyon and into First Valley.  Keep an eye out for the Big Horned Rams or wild Javelina!

Spend an entire day leisurely riding and exploring the Native American Ruins and Caves of the Mimbres Indians which lie along Bear Creek. This will be a relaxing, pack your lunch ride.  These ruins are  700 to 1300 years old, authentic and very interesting! 

Half day ride and Barrel Racing (for fun!) in the afternoon.  Lunch at Headquarters.

Explore the magnificent canyons and astonishing geological formations at Hells Half Acre!  This will be a full days ride suitable for faster or slower riders.

Have something special you would like to try?  Let us know!  As you can see, riding options are numerous and we always consider  special  requests.

Check Out:    Saturday check out is anytime before 11 a.m.  There is no riding offered on Saturday.  A great way to "save" is by arriving at the ranch early (7:00 am) Monday morning; depart the ranch by 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon. 

Saturday-Sunday Stays:  If  your visit extends  longer than 7 days, please be aware there is no riding on Saturday or Sunday.  It's  an opportunity for Staff and horses to rest.  Breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:30 am.  The next meal will be Sunday evening at 6:00 pm.   Each cabin has its own refrigerator and micro wave for preparing your own small meals. Hike, pan for gold or enjoy a really good book.  You have endless opportunities for birding, geological hikes, wildlife viewing or botanical exploration.  Visiting local area attractions is an option if you have a rental car.   A new guest arriving at the ranch on Sunday may check in after 3 p.m. (unless other arrangements are made). 

Off-Ranch Activities/Touring: Double E Ranch Staff does not provide transportation for any activities taking place off the ranch. If you wish to take advantae of entertainment in Silver City or other locations, it is necessary that you have your own vehicle.

YOUR SAFETY will always be our priority.  Assessing your riding level before your first official ride is at the top of our list.  Don't be offended -- it's likely you'll be riding in country different from anything you've ever ridden in before!  While we know and trust our horses to travel well in this country, every horse is unique, with the capacity for erratic or unpredictable behavior.  Additionally - every horse/rider combination has a different "chemistry".  Let us make sure you're comfortable and the "fit" is right.   We will continually reassess each riding situation and do our best to match you with an enjoyable mount  When we make suggestions, requests or decisions, please understand that we are  sincerely concerned for you and want you to remain safe.   IMPORTANT!  When you ride at Double E Ranch you agree in advance to abide by all decisions made  by Staff with regard to safety issues.  You understand that you are participating in an activity which can be dangerous and you are riding at your own risk. 

While there may be times it is necessary, we discourage 'nose to tail' trail riding at Double  E Ranch!  It's horseback riding the way it was intended to be, in country that can only be experienced from the back of a good horse.  We do ask that you listen to and respect  your Trail Boss, following his/her directions at all times.  At 5000' elevation, and with daytime temperatures ranging from 48 degrees in the winter months to 98+ degrees in warmest summer months, four mild New Mexico seasons make outdoor horseback adventures possible year 'round.  The Southwest is  a magical part of our great country.  Owners Alan and Debbie Eggleston feel they have the very best that southwestern New Mexico has to offer and they are  excited to be able to share it with you!

Helpful Hints for Hopeful Horsemen!

Here are a few hints for those who are not familiar with "western ranch riding" - and a reminder for those who are.  We've tried to share the reasons for their importance:

Neck Reining:  Most western horses have been trained to turn by putting pressure with your rein on the left side of the horse's neck, if you want to go right; and to the right side of the horse's neck if you want to go left.  It is not necessary to use both hands and "yank" your horse around by his bit.  Cowboys train their horses to neck rein so they can have one hand free to work or rope.

Check your Cinch:  That is, unless you like to spend time under your horse!  Before mounting ALWAYS see that your cinch is snug and the prong of your cinch buckle is in a hole in the "latigo strap".  It is wise to check your cinch after you have been riding for 15-20 minutes.  Loose cinches are the most common cause of falls.  Ask one of our Staff for assistance if you do not understand.

WAIT for the Gate Opener:  When a rider opens or closes a gate he deserves your consideration.  Ride on through the gate as far as necessary to let everyone through comfortably, and then STOP until the gate-man has remounted.  Horses are gregarious fellows and they want to go along with the group.  If you keep going, so will the gate-man's horse!  It may create difficulty or cause a serious problem.

Don't Walk Up Behind a Horse:  Or up to a horse that is tied up without speaking to him calmly and soothingly so he knows you are there.  You might frighten him and he could pull back and break reins or lead rope, leaving you stranded!

When you Get Off Your Horse:  do not drop your reins on the ground if you are stopping.  Wrap them high around your horse's neck, out of the way.  Your horse can step on reins, break them, and then you might have a long walk home.

Never Put on a Jacket, a rain coat or anything else when you are on or off while on your horse.  Get off and make the change.  Try not to let the garment flap in the breeze.  It can unexpectedly scare the horse.

Horses are Always Hungry:  They will want to eat even if they have just finished eating.  They will try to get their heads down and grab a few wisps of grass.  DO NOT LET THEM!  It is a very annoying habit, can be dangerous as the horse is not paying attention to you!

Don't Let Your Horse Run Down or Up Hills:  It is a good way for you to loose your balance and rein control.  It's hard on their knees and feet, too.

Tie Your Horse High and Tight:  Tie to a stout tree.  If you let him have enough rein to put his head down to eat, he could step on the reins, get tangled, become frightened, pull back and break the reins and bolt.  It's a long walk home.  Always use your lead rope to tie your horse. 

Try to Keep Up With Other Riders:  This can be hard and if you are having problems, let your wrangler know.  The group should be going as fast as the SLOWEST RIDER.  If your horse is deliberately lagging behind, ask for suggestions.  Remember:  if you are last out of the corral and first back to the barn you are probably not being the boss - your horse is!

Don't Run Your Horse Up Behind Another Rider:  This is dangerous and just plain rude!  It's irresponsible and might cause the unsuspecting horse to panic, unseating the rider.  Just like driving a vehicle, there are "rules of the road".  Be courteous - let your intentions be known.

We hope these hints are helpful.  Most importantly, if  you have questions, ASK!

Double E Guest Ranch provides dude ranch enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience dude western-style roundups, exciting dude horseback riding in scenic southwestern New Mexico. We offer Dude Trail Riding, Dude Clinics, Gila Wilderness Nature Rides specially designed for dudes and holiday dude specials for your dude ranch vacation.  Dudes at Double E Ranch enjoy Dude activities such as, dude riding, dude roping on seasoned dude horses, dude clinics, dude accommodations in comfortable dude cabins.  Dudes vacation in comfortable dude cabins, dining on delicious traditional dude meals.  A dude ranch vacation is a great family vacation, suitable for all ages of dude guests.  Improve your dude ranch skills, enjoy meeting other dudes from all over the world.  Double E Dude Ranch is different from other dude ranches.  Dudes can still experience a traditional dude ranch life style.  Imagine yourself on a dude ranch vacation in the southwest of New Mexico.  Dudes visit from all over the world, meeting other dudes with similar interests in dude ranching.  Join us for a dude ranch vacation  you won't forget.  Make it a family dude ranch tradition.  Dude ranching has been popular since the turn of the century with many dudes.  Each year, more dudes take dude ranch vacations in the southwest.  The weather is perfect for a dude ranch or guest ranch vacation in the winter months.

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