Transfer and Other Options:

Level I Clinic

Day 1...Sunday Afternoon - Arrive at the Ranch

Sunday Afternoon: Plan to arrive at the ranch in the afternoon, allowing time to settle into your cabin before 6 p.m. dinner. If flying into Silver City, or using the Shuttle from El Paso, the Ranch will pick you up in Silver City either at the Airport on the 5:30 p.m. flight or Shuttle Drop Off. Please advise the office in advance if you require a pick up. With airport security as it is, we will not assume anything. If using the Shuttle from El Paso, we must know your drop off location. Saturday morning Ranch departure for return: 6:15 a.m.

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. This is an option - not a requirement. If you would prefer not to help with feeding, cleaning pens, grooming and saddling please let Staff know. After an 8:30 a.m. breakfast, meet at the back at the barn to saddle up. Head for the arena and a morning horsemanship refresher course to make sure you are comfortable with your horse and saddle.
Scenic Trail Ride!
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.
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.
Barrel Racing! Later, 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!

Day 4...Roping!

Grab your lasso, Cowgirls! You're gonna learn to rope them doggies! Begin with the basics on the ground, using a hay bale and a roping dummy. Our instructors are professional ropers who are happy to show you the correct way to throw and coil a rope. After lunch, you'll be horseback in the corral safely roping real calves using a break-away rope!
Massage! You've "cowgirled up" for 3 days. It's time for a little pampering. As part of your Cowgirl Camp experience, the ranch has arranged for a Licensed Massage Therapist. We'll need to schedule your time in advance of your arrival, so please make sure the Office knows your preference. In the event you want to wait till you are here, we will do our best to accommodate your scheduling requirements. There is an additional charge of $75, payable at the time of service.

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...Relaxing at your Cabin or Trail Ride and Departure.

It's Friday, and you have options! Hike, swing in the hammock, or explore the surrounding area on horseback, using your newly acquired riding skills. We'll pack you a picnic lunch so you can travel to several Indian Ruins, ride through Hells Half Acre or the experience wonders of Horseshoe Canyon. These areas are spectacular! After the day's activities, it will be time to say good-bye and head out from the ranch, homeward bound! You will depart the ranch between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. If we are taking you to the airport or motel in Silver City, you will depart the ranch at 3:30 p.m.

Level II Clinic

Day 1 ... Sunday afternoon - Arrive at the Ranch

Arrive in the afternoon, relax and get settled. If you are flying into Silver City or taking the El Paso Shuttle, Ranch Staff will pick you up at 5:30 p.m. at either the airport or the shuttle drop-off. It's up to you to confirm your arrival/departure times and advise the Ranch Office prior to your arrival. Due to elevated airport security, we will not make any assumptions - and neither should you!

Day 2... Natural Horsemanship for the Advanced Rider
Natural Horsemanship for the Advanced Rider. RH Hobbs will spend the morning in the arena with you teaching you to ride bareback, do roll backs, side passing, 2-tracking, turning on the hocks, lead changes, flying lead changes and backing up. Natural Horsemanship is all about communicating with your horse. We'll teach you the techniques and cues to successfully accomplish this. If you have specific issues you want to address, now is the time to bring them up. After lunch, you'll take a leisurely ride along the creek. It's a great way to begin the week!

Day 3 ... Team Penning and Barrel Racing!
In the morning session, you'll have the opportunity to learn barrel racing with Kami Matthews. Kami is an honest-to-goodness cowgirl who grew up on ranching, roping, cattle and rodeo events. One of her aims is to enable you to gain a solid foundation in the basics of the sport. She'll help you perfect your turns, staying in the pocket, correct cues to your horse. Have questions?? Kami is the one to ask! After lunch, you'll saddle up to do some competitive team penning, finishing up with a short ride.

Day 4 ... Reining, Cutting, Fence Work!
The history of the unique working cow horse extends back hundreds of years. Learning is exciting and challenging! Reined Cow Horse consists of three events: herd work, rein work, and work with a single steer "down the fence," typically called cow work. You'll have a chance to try it all being led by a real pro - Jake Kuenstler. A professional rider and trainer, Jake has 20 years riding and teaching experience - and he enjoys both!

Day 5 ... All Day Cattle Work!
We'll pack you a lunch for an full day spent riding the ranch, looking for, moving or working whatever cattle you find. We know you'll have lots of opportunity to implement your newly learned skills.

Day 6 ...Cowboy Mounted Shooting and Departure
Have you ever watched an old Western movie and marveled as the hero galloped his horse across the screen with reins in one hand, firing off shots left and right? Ever wished you could try it? If the romance and excitement of the Old West are calling, then Cowboy Mounted Shooting might be just the sport for you! The ranch owner Alan Eggleston will be instructing you in such areas as basic gun and horse safety, course and shooting techniques, pattern technique, developing team work between you and your horse and period clothing requirements. Alan is a CMSA Top Ten World Champion. After the day's activities, it will be time to say good-bye and head out from the ranch, homeward bound! In the afternoon, you will depart the Ranch between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. If we are taking you to the airport or motel in Silver City, you will depart the ranch at 3:30 p.m.

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 cannot accommodate Vegetarian Diets. 

Rio Lobo Guesthouse

Rio Lobo is a cozy little 2-bedroom house  built in the 1940's.  It  was used as the original bunk house here at Headquarters.  We've spruced it up plenty, the hard wood floors shine and barn wood  walls provide the warmth of real western atmosphere.  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.  All meals, unlimited horseback riding,  all  cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate.  

New Mexico Ranch House

Plenty comfortable, this renovated ranch house is  nearly 100 years old!  Nestled in the trees near Bear Creek, this 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house has a giant veranda overlooking the horse pasture.   Amenities include  rocking chairs, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens, comforters.  The  bathroom has an antique claw-foot bathtub, shower and plush, thick towels.  Air conditioning during warmer summer months.   All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate.  

Hang yer hat on a set of horns!  Comfortable and spacious, this little  two-bedroom  Bunkhouse has it's 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. 

Hidden in the trees along the creek, this 1700 sq ft log home offers you western comfort and plenty of privacy. A 3/4 bedroom loft with full bathroom upstairs and 2 bedrooms, full bathroom, and laundry room downstairs, you'll have room to spread out and relax! Full kitchen, living room, covered porch with rocking chairs. All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate.

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. 

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.