Transfer and Other Options:

Round Up Work - How to Move a Herd of Cattle

Methods for working mountain country differ from those suitable for 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 and tasty 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 off the preferred track as the cattle are slowly moved toward the designated gather point, such as "The Box".

When cattle are well strung out they will walk better, making the job easier on the stock and riders. The "Point Riders" are generally experienced cowhands who 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 standing 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 for 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 focusing on 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. 

Your Sample Roundup Itinerary...

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.  Say your good byes to the horses, new friends and wranglers! Departure in the late afternoon!

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. New Mexico truly is the "Land of Enchantment"

Sunshine, clear blue skies during the day and stunning evening skies are the norm!

• Personal Items: tooth paste and tooth brush, face soap, shaving items, skin lotion, and shampoo/conditioner - alarm clock, if you need one. We provide hair dryers, towels and other bedding. There are no TV's or radios in the bunk houses, but books and board games.

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, and plush towels.

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. Sorry, but we can cater to Vegetarian but not to Vegan diets.

RIO LOBO GUESTHOUSE
Rio Lobo is a cozy little two-bedroom house built in the 1940's. Living space includes a sitting room, small kitchen, full bath and screened porch. At 900 square feet, this little house will comfortably sleep one single, 2 couples or 3 singles very comfortably. Amenities include all kitchen appliances, thick towels, two full sized and one queen bed with down comforters. Air conditioning in warmer months.

NEW MEXICO RANCH HOUSE
This two bedroom, one bathroom house has a giant veranda overlooking the horse pasture. Amenities include rocking chairs, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens, and comforters. The bathroom has an antique claw-foot bathtub, shower and plush, thick towels. Air conditioning during warmer summer months

WRANGLER'S LOG HOUSE
(May to September)
Western and rustic, with bunk beds that sleep 4 comfortably. Amenities include a private deck, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels.

LONGHORN BUNKHOUSE
This cozy little two-bedroom has its own private deck. One queen bed and one full sized bed separated by a full bath with extra large tub make this a perfect spot for 2 couples traveling together or 2 singles. Microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels are all provided. The Longhorn is comfortably air conditioned during warmer summer months.

The Hideout Cabins

Four cozy little cabins overlooking our foal pasture have all the rustic comforts. After a full day of riding,

good grub and great company, hunker down in your own ‘hideout’.

At sun-up, treat yourself to coffee on your private deck, experiencing the incredible quiet, magical colors, waiting for the early morning stir of young colts nickering to be fed. Perfect for a single -- or a familiar two. Amenities include queen sized bed, full shower and/or deep bath tub, thick towels, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker. Air conditioning during warmer months. All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate.

The Cloud Splitter

The view from here is a spectacular 360 degrees! This southwestern pueblo-style, tri-story adobe sits high above Headquarters. It will comfortably accommodate as many as 3 singles or 2 couples, with a queen, full and twin sized beds. The master bedroom has a magnificent kiva fireplace for cooler nights. Amenities include small dining area with micro wave and small refrigerator, 2 full bathrooms, thick towels and plush comforters. All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate. It's recommended you arrive with your own vehicle when booking the Tower.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.