We ride in the mornings to check the cattle. This usually takes anywhere from 3 - 5 hours riding.  In the spring and early summer, we look for new-born calves, and eventually round them up for branding.  We also check the waters, fences etc.   When it's time to move the cattle, you help gather and drive the cattle to a new pasture.  Our holistic grazing practices put emphasis on giving the plants long rest periods before being briefly grazed again.  This promotes plan vigor and  healthy range lands. Therefore, we move cattle frequently.  

In the spring when most of the calves are born we begin branding and vaccinating the calves.  Often we help neighboring ranchers gather and brand their calves.  During the mid-summer months we continue to check on the cattle and move them to new pastures.  We may have some late calves that still need branding. 

In the fall, September and October, we gather and ship cattle and also spend a lot of time helping neighboring ranchers do the same.  Spring and fall are busy times, with oftentimes long hours in the saddle.  It is therefore important that you have reasonable riding experience and can post or stand at a trott if you plan on coming during spring or fall round-up work.

In the afternoons we tend to have a dozen ranch chores to do - anything from fixing or building fences, brush control, to putting out salt and mineral for the cattle and wildlife, or anything else that may come along.  You are more than welcome to join us and lend a helping hand.  You may elect to take a drive in the afternoon to nearby Ute and Conchas Lakes, with boating, fishing and swimming. Although this is strictly ranch country, there are a few sites to visit in an afternoon in the area.  There may be a local rodeo or ranch rodeos too. 

The cozy bunkhouse is the old homestead, dating back to the early 1900. It sits nestled among the cedar and juniper below the Caprock, and is part of the JX Ranch Headquarters.  It can accommodate up to 5 guests; it has 2 separate rooms with 2 beds in one room and 3 in the other, and each room has its own kitchen and bathroom. The 2 rooms have a connecting door which allows for a group of 3 or 5 guests to be together. We take a maximum of 5 guests.  

We are flexible - you decide what day of the week to arrive and to leave.  Our only requirements are that you are in reasonably good physical shape and don't weight over 230lb, have some riding experience and stay a minimum of 3 nights.  Contact us if you want to bring your own horses.

Families are welcome - children 6 - 12 get 25% off the regular price.  All returning Guests automatically get a 10% discount.