JX Cattle Co. LLC
Tom & Mimi Sidwell
6237 Hwy 209
Tucumcari
New Mexico 88401
575-487-2419

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vacation @ jxranch.com

Last Update:

March 02, 2008

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Mimi sidell

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JX RANCH

2008 guest comments

We are already in full swing, and in spite of the severe drought we are experiencing, we are having a good time with our new guests! Pray for rain, we really need some.

Jim, South Carolina: I want to say thanks for the fine hospitality and the chance to enjoy your beautiful ranch. Give my best to Rusty, as he sure worked hard carrying me around. I look forward to seeing you all again in the coming year.
Julien, France: Un reve d'adolescent qui a pu se realiser. Les grans espaces, les Longhorns, les chevaux et le Western feeling. Tout etait au rendez-vous. Beaucoup de souvenirs en photos et videos, mais surtout dans la tete a toutes ces journees passees en votre compagnie resteront longtemps, tres longtemps gravees. Merci Mimi pour les ballades a cheval dans les canyons et sur le Caprock. Merci Tom pour le roping leessons - Mille merci pour votre gentillesse et votre accueil dans votre ranch. Quelqu'un a dit: "Cowboy est plus qu'un mot, c'est un verbe". A present je sais pourquoi!		Traduction/translation: A childhood dream come true. The open spaces, the Longhorns, the horses and the Western feeling. All was here. Lots of memories in photos and video, but most of all will remain engraved in my memory for a long, very long, time all these days in your company. Thank you Mimi for all the rides in the canyons and on the Caprock. Thank you Tom for the roping lessons. Many thanks for your kindness and your hospitality on your ranch. Someone said "Cowboy is more than a word, it's a verb". Now I know why!
Dwight, North Carolina: Fulfillment of a life long dream - to be a cowboy - if only for a week - 2 round-ups and brandings - more than I could have asked for. Thanks for everything. You're very special people and I am proud to call you friends. Take good care of my buddy Rascal!
Corinna and Marco, Germany: We had two wonderful days on JX Ranch! And we are so happy that we could join yesterday's calf branding at the neighbors place. It was very exciting and an experience which we have had never before. We will keep that day in our minds forever. Thanks also to our horses Chico and Rusty! PS. To next guests - don't forget your sunscreen and chapstick!		Wayne and Ginny, New York: Fixed fence (very windy), moved cows and calves, fed, set fence posts - general ranch work - great experience, lots of humor, good conversations, beautiful new friends in beautiful country! Karin and Stefan, Germany: Thank you for everything. It was really an experience and an adventure for us to stay on your ranch. It's such a beautiful place! God bless you and your horses and all the best for the future!
Frank and Sabine, Germany: Sabine:"Ich bin hergekommen mit so vielen Angsten, was mich erwartet bezuglich reiten und allem anderen. Ich kann sagen, das des Reiten nirgends schoner war, als auf der JX Ranch. Ich habe jeden Tag genossen mit meinem Super-Pferd Sonny. Es was einfach unglaublich wundervoll. Das Gelande war super und ich bin auf dem "Top of the World" gewesen, dan meinem Sonny. Es was so entspannent ihn zu reiten, ich werde ihn vermissen. Mimi und Tom sind so tolle Gastegeber, das Abendessen (des immer super geschmecht hat) war immer sehr unterhaltsam. Ihr seid beide so humorvoll und umganglich. Der urlaub was unbeschreiblich, ich verde noch lange daran denken. Sabine		Frank and Sabine, Germany: Frank:"Ein unvergessliches Abenteuer auf einer wunderbaren Ranch. Das Land ist trocken und doch schon. Die Pferde sind super, in besonder Rascal. Auch die Ausritte mit Mimi und Tom sowie die anderen Arbeiten auf der Ranch bleiben unvergesslich. Mimi's Kochkunste sind wunderbar, wenn auch mainchmal sehr scharf. Danke fur diese wunderbaren Tagen! Frank.

2007 guest comments

So many interesting and fun guests, all of whom become friends! Thank you for your kind words, pray for some rain!

Valentina, Nando, Maria and Claudio, Rome, Italy: "Thanks for the wonderful experience!!! That make us forgot the long long travelling and the first two days of rain. Hopefully see you soon. "Grazie per la bellissima avventura che ci ha fatto dimenticare il lungo viaggio e i primi 2 giorni di pioggia. Speriamo di riverdervi presto"		Elizabeth, New Orleans: "Staying at the JX Ranch surpassed my expectations. The new experience of horseback riding, (in the snow too!) and moving cattle was something I will never forget. Being away from the city and in this beautiful landscape was a Godsend. The food was wonderful and the cabin homey. It was great meeting you both."
Pierre, Tania and Lara (age 8), Natoye, Belgium: "Tania - There are not enough words to say how I feel and how I spent the best holiday of my life. I'm feeling sick to know that I have to leave tomorrow knowing that a part of me will stay. We searched for something special for our 10th wedding anniversary and we found it. And we will be back if possible. Pierre - Un sejour memorable, mieux que dans mes reves! Un grand merci a Mimi et Tom. Lara (8) - J'ai passee des bonnes vacances et surtout avec Sonny et les chiens. Et meme ici les cloches de Pacques sont passees.
Marie and Frederic, Bievres, France: "Nous esperions vivre comme des cow-boys au sein d'un ranch, c'est chose faite grace a Mimi et Tom! Merci a Mimi pour ces ballades a cheval et sa cuisine formidable! Merci a Tom pour sa gentillesse et generosite. Pardon de ne pas parler anglais... nous avons mangue des conversations avec Tom! Si vous venez en France, vous etes nos "guests" dans notre ranch en Correge."		..Translation: "We were hoping to live like cowboys on a ranch, and this was accomplished thanks to Mimi and Tom! Thank you Mimi for the rides and the excellent cooking, thank you Tom for your kindness and generosity. Sorry we don't speak English... we missed out on having conversations with Tom. If you come to France, you will be our guests on our ranch in Correge."
Ron, Hilversum, The Netherlands: "Many thanks for a memorable week. Great horses, fixing fence, opening gates, closing gates, opening gates, closing gates etc...! No really, thanks for allowing a peek into a rancher's life, not only the romantic ride on the range but also all the very hard work, new ingenuity for fixing things, the every day struggle to make a living. Thanks for sharing what is clearly Mimi's dream and Tom's designation. May your cattle graze in green pastures!"		Phil and Phil (Jr & Sr.), Bishop, GA: "Time passes so fast when there is an enjoyable time to be had. We appreciate all of the hospitality. We especially appreciate the special effort for the cattle drive... (Ed. note: about 40 steers had gotten out on top and headed south on county roads, ended up about 4.5 miles south of our boundary...) My goal in visiting the JX was to share a good time with my son and hearn about a working cattle ranch. My goal was completed successfully. I hope to return one day for a longer stay and perhaps bring more of my family.
Philine and Daniela, Hamburg, Germany: "From Mimi's girls and Tom's fanclub - we both had a wonderful, amazing and exciting time on your ranch. We "geniessen" each single day with you and are very sad that we need to go home now. We are really looking forward to see you again - latest at the wedding of Ela and Bakki that we will celebrate here on your ranch!! Jill, Middleboro, MA: "What a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing your ranch and giving me the whole ranch experience, it was amazing. Hope you find that cow!! (I did... after a week!) May we meet again.
Johnnie and Isabel, Norfolk, England: "This is not an experience, this is real. Tom and Mimi are superb guardians of a legacy of ranching, but not afraid to have different ideas. To us they are inspirational friends and I would wish them the success they deserve in order to love the life they want, on their terms. Åsa, editor, Editor, Lucky Rider Magazine, Sweden: "Tack for nagra harliga dagar pa er ranch. Upplevelser och bilder som kommer att bli ett kanon-reportage i Lucky Rider."		Florence, CO $ son Paul and wife Glenna, NY: So many "firsts" for me - learning the difference between cows and steers, saddling my own horse, getting my "PHD (post-hole digger...), going for Willys chariot rides, and having a wonderful time staying at the ranch with fantastic hosts! The dedication and care you show for your horses and all the animals in your care informed every moment of my stay here - it was the first time I felt I truly "got" horses and riding, despite having ridden several times, and I can't thank you enough for it. Mimi's great cooking was the perfect round-off to a day in the saddle. Best wishes, and hope visit again soon.
Rosario and Pete, NY & Filippo, Ontario, Canada: "Tom and Mimi, you are the best hosts we have dealt with. Your ranch is beautiful and each of the experiences we have had here are among the best life can offer. We admire your spirit and love for freedom and your dedication for the land, the animals and nature. You are true stewards! We have come to love you as family and will soon be back. The Sicilians
Ron and Pat Goyer, Syracuse, NM: "I just retired two weeks ago and this was a present to us to celebrate, what a great present! (But at least when I was working I got a break every two hours!) The open and vast size of the ranch was overwhelming. Every turn on the trail was new and exciting. Warm days and cool nights with an amazing lightning show during a couple of dinners on the porch. Could have done without the exfoliating wind one day, but it comes as a package deal.		Loved the rides through the mesquite looking for that crazy fence-jumping cow. How could we not enjoy round up cattle and collecting strays! But above all, this was the gracious and warm welcome offered by Mimi and Tom. Thank you for opening your home to us, Tom's stories of growing up and Mimi's patience during saddle-up and as we trotted off like a bunch of "City Slickers"! Thanks, Ron and Pat
Diane, Daniel, Laurie and Celine, Quebec, Canada: "It has been a real pleasure to discover your beautiful and vast corner of the world. It was also very enriching. I think unfortunately there are not many that respect the animals as much as you do. Bravo! Mimi, thank you for your patience and with Tom your hospitality. What I have experienced, as well as you two and al your adorable animals, will forever be in my memory." (translated from French)
Mijke, AG Huissen, The Netherlands: "It's really a great experience to stay here with you. I enjoyed every single minute. My stay at your place is unfortunately rather short and I have only one day left to go. But however, I will not forget this experience. Yesterday evening we went to a Ranch Rodeo. I didn't know what to expect, but i enjoyed really every second and would not have liked to miss it. I hope I can send you some rain from the Netherlands, because we have more than enough and you come short. Thanks for your hospitality and maybe till a next time! Christine and Brigitte, Florida and Germany: "We will never forget the wonderfull time, and very enriching experience this has been. We did appreciate very much being accepted by the other ranchers to participate in driving their cattles, and especially also their hospitality and great luncheons. Please let them know. It has been an amazing experience."		Goff, Illinois: "enjoyed everything, especially Billy. Remember me if you ever want to sell him!" Arie and Mike, Rotterdam, Netherlands: "Thanks for everything - the wonderful food, the rides, the trails, catching the horses with the jeep. A thousand thanks for everything. What a vacation. We certainly won't forget this experience!" Bob and Judy, California: "We had a wonderful time. You guys were great. the ranch was perfect, the food was even better and the horses were fantastic. We will be back next year!" Gary, California: "I had a wonderful time riding Rusty. You sure are wonderful hosts. Rusty was a great horse to ride, gave me more confidence. Will be back next year. It's great to be back in New Mexico. It's home. Ida is coming with me next year. Thank you for a great time!" Oystein, Norway: "Having visited another ranch several times before, I must admit I felt a little anxious when I came to stay at the JX Ranch for 17 days. No need to worry. I had a wonderful time. Doing all the riding I had hoped for and then some, on "my" trusted and good horse Rascal. Doing cattle work, helping neighbours almost every day and being served excellent food - Lisa of course in a class of her own. I never anticipated the hospitality, openness and warmth I was met with. Rest assured, I plan to be back. Thank you Mimi and Tom. Oystein"

2006 guest comments

As we approach the end of 2006, we look back to all the fun we had this summer with our wonderful guests from all over the world. We learn so much from each and everyone of you, and some of you have a special place in our hearts forever. So many good memories, so much laughter and joking, and watching you look with awe at the beauty that surrounds us every day. We are so very blessed to live the life we live, and we so enjoy sharing it with you. This year we will remain open during the winter, same program but not much cattle work as we only have a handful of Corriente cows for this winter. It will be interesting to see how it goes, and what our "winter guests" have to say at the end of their stay! Stay tuned, we hope to see you all again, real soon!

Jonathan, Ginny, Justin & Renee, KY. "Thank you so much for a wonderful time and your generous hospitality. We loved the horses and the magnificent scenery you have right in your back yard. Thank you for showing us all a little bit about true fence building. And... the food you made, Mimi, was fantastic. Take care and good luck with everything!"
Dawn, Kwazulunatal, South Africa. "A childhood dream came through for me to actually "work" on a western ranch in the USA! I couldn't have chosen a better place - the area seems to have been the hub for may a trail drive. The countryside was exactly as I have always pictured it to be - wild and untamed. The rides were beyond expectations - your horses are wonderful, especially my Trader! Spending time with you Mimi has been a privilege and working hard (unloading hay bales, building H-braces etc) gave me a satisfaction I never thought I would experience. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and at home. God willing, I will be back. God Bless you both!
Karin and Rob, Maine: "Thanks for a great week! I told Rob today that this was the first time, in my life, I ever really enjoyed riding a horse. You told me before we came "not to worry" you had a good horse for me - you were right, Sonny was perfect! The scenery, the rides, the branding and driving cattle, your cooking, the turkeys right outside our door, your company and the company of your friends made this week special and one we will talk about for a long time. We wish you the best of luck with the ranch! Thanks so much!"
Samantha & John, Ohio: " This was my graduation present from my dad and I'm so glad that we came here. I got to ride, spend time with my dad, enjoy beautiful landscape and drive cattle. "Wink & Stickers" (John's naming of dogs Brucie and Flicka...) were so much fun to watch when we ride and see how such great "cow dogs" the were. I can't wait to come back and make my chinks. We had a great time, the food was great. Thanks, looking forward to next time!"
Alley, Lightworks Healing Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico: "Thank you so much for all the fun, your time, and sharing this amazing place you have created. Incredible! And all in 2 years. Belinda was right... you are both extraordinary people. Thank you also for the Beautiful rides. I'm looking forward to returning."
Monika, Eva and Wictor, Stockholm, Sweden: "We want to thank: Mimi and Tom, your sweet dogs and your wonderful horses for the very special time in our lives at your ranch. We had looked forward to do this trip to New Mexico for months... talking about it and planning over and over again. It could not have been better. We have got it all: the nature for the soul, the laughter for our minds and the horseback riding for our body. And we have relaxed too. This was what we have dreamed of and more! Tusen tack till er bada fran "the Three "!
Anja, Heilbronn, Germany: "I'm so glad I found your website! I enjoyed every second here in your paradise - the landscape, the scenic surroundings, the horses, "my" little house, the company of my two hosts, your 2 dogs. Than you also for taking me with you to the ranch rodeo, Billy the Kid museum and Bosque Redondo Memorial. Last but not least - the New Mexican food, and yes, the meat was good too and that's from a vegetarian! Danke für alles!
Jackie and Chris, Amboy, WA: "Thank you for making our honeymoon top notch! We couldn't imagine an experience more unique or memorable. We loved the cabin and horses and most of all we loved your hospitality. Please thank Billy and Sonny for putting up with us. Can't wait to come back again!"
Bert-Ove, Lund, Sweden: "Thank you for giving me a good insight in life on a ranch. I will always remember your smiles and positive attitude towards life. As a guest on your ranch you feel good. For me the riding combined with the work was wonderful. This was a week that recharged my batteries. Hope to see you soon."
Marlen and Willy, Leimbach, Swizerland:" We regret to leave this peaceful place. Thank you so much for your hospitality - for everything! We enjoyed your gentle horses, the great rides, the ranch work, the beautiful scenery. Mimi's delicious meals, the cozy cabin, relaxing on your porch and watching the hummingbirds... Looking forward to seeing you again!"
Gale and Shirley, Sch. Haven, PA: "Our 2nd visit to your ranch was great! Truly beautiful country from the top of the Caprock to the bottom. Every piece of scenery is beautiful and breathtaking especially our trip along the ridge. Enjoyed the horses again, they are the best. Thanks Josie, Billy, Trader and Sonny, for your surefooted rides. We loved the cattle round up and the narrow passageway. Everyone who visits should to up the pass. Enjoyed the wildlife, beautiful rock colors and flowers. Thanks for a great time!"
Valerie, Pampa, TX: "Thanks for sharing your home, your livelihood and your sense of humor. I learned a great deal and enjoyed every minute I was here. I'll be back soon and bring my husband. Best wishes for a wet winter, but save a little for Texas too!"
Michele, Austin, TX: "Sadie (my dog) and I had a marvelous time here. The quiet, the wind, the smell of horses and the skies were our best friends. Mimi and Tom - you were wonderful hosts. I felt very much at home and well taken care of, entertained and valued. Best wishes to all who live here (4-legged and 2-legged) and all who follow."
Becky and Tom, Warwichshire, England: "Thank you ever so much for the past 4 days. We have both learnt a lot and have some wonderful memories. You have a beautiful ranch and wonderful horses and thank you for sharing them. Hopefully one day we may find the connection between New Mexico Tom Sidwell and England Tom Sidwell!"
Derek, Montreal, Canada: "Great fun! I enjoyed learning about the daily activities on a working ranch. And thank you for your great patience. A nice adventure with some great memories of beautiful New Mexico."
Valerie, Santa Fe, NM: "Thanks for the inside look at ranch life. It never occurred to me that people owned and used the Caprock - that life on top was an extension of the life below them. We had some yummy meals - thanks Mimi for all the kitchen effort on top of the ranching. I especially enjoyed the individual time I had with each of you on our trips to the Tucumcari Craft Show and cattle buying trip to Clovis. My best to you both!"
Robert, Uitikon Waldegg, Switzerland: "Thank you so much for this very pleasant stay with you. I got a little insight in ranch life but more so I got to know two very friendly people. I hope to see you again."
(Winter) Mel, Bellingham, WA: "Thanks so much for allowing me to tag-a-long with you for the week. I had fun and learned so much. The experience was everything I thought it would be, and more!"

2005 Guest Comments

This was a busy and fun year with many guests from all over the world honoring our JX Ranch in New Mexico. We coincidentally started, and ended, the season with guests from Scandinavia (Sweden and Denmark), which is befitting since Mimi was born in Sweden! Guests from both within the United States as well as various European countries, such as Switzerland, Germany and England visited us as well. We thank you all for choosing JX Ranch, and for being such wonderful guests, all of you! Hope to see you again.

Magnus, Goteborg, Sweden. "It has been a wonderful experience. After only a few days it felt like home to me. The Western landscape is fantastic. I am born in the wrong place and wrong time, but such is life! Thank you so much Tom and Mimi. I will never forget this and will come back, next time bringing my wife. Big thanks to both of you and give my best to your nice ranching neighbors."
Maurus & Manuela, Tinizong, Switzerland. "We could see how real western-life is going on. A great experience we will always remember. Your horses are absolutely lovely - we would like to have more of them in our home country! Thank you for everything. And on our next Europe trip, you know where we are!"
Betsy, Illinois. "I had a great time. The scenery is just beautiful. The horses are great. Sonny has a great little jog. The food was great, the cabin cozy, the road when dry fun to drive, when wet a real challenge. Thanks for the great experience and your wonderful hospitality. Mimi, thanks for the help with my chinks and I love my new chaps. I have had a great time."
Franziska, Durnten, Switzerland. "It was a dream for many years to stay on a real working ranch. To live with Mimi and Tom and to see what they are doing the whole day was a great experience for me. I had the good luck that I could twice move cattle and got to go to a branding. This was a new experience for me. It's a wonderful place here, quiet and relaxing. The horse are very gentle. Thank you for all."
Mike and Ingrid, Arizona. "Day 1: Kilt bar. Day 2: et bar. Day 3: tanned bar skin. Just kidding, Tom said he didn't need any more comedians around here...! Great rides, good horses, Billy and Sony, love the quiet and lack of humans. Glad to help with the "new" house - and we paid good money for this!!?? Glad to help, glad to have met you both. Thanks for your gracious hospitality. Good luck with the hackberry trees. We respect your vision."
Andi and Susi, Gethles, Germany. "To meet you for the second time was absolutely great! Great landscape, great food, great hospitality, great horses - a little piece of heaven for us Germans. Thank you, Tom and Mimi, and especially thank you Sonny and Trader Joe.
Brian, Florida. "Thank you for the time of my life. I never thought that it would be so much fun. And riding pretty much all day was awesome. I really didn't feel like a customer, but more a family guest. And your horses were all wonderful, especially Little Joe the Wrangler. I really hope I can come back if you guys would take me back! Thanks again, you were great. PS. I'll try to keep in touch when I go into the military. and Casper, Denmark. "Thank you very much for having me. I had a great time, even though I did not have much riding experience. This is for me a memory I will never forget!
David and Philip, Texas. "Thanks so much for the wonderful experience of cowboy life. Philip enjoyed celebrating his "coming of age" - 10th birthday, all the rides were great, but the cattle drive was a dream come true. Hope to return soon, and be able to lend a hand."
AmyMarie and Bryant, Indiana. "There were so many times during our visit that left me nearly speechless and all I could say was "wow"! the landscape - wow! Mimi's great cooking - wow! the wonderful horse rides - wow! making Bryant's chaps - wow! moving cattle - twice - wow! Tom killing the rattler - wow! the hot weather - wow! But more than anything - Mimi getting Bryant to eat new foods, including "green things" - wow! All we can say is - thank you! We loved it. It was all we had hoped for.
Lynne, Texas. "I have ridden horses all my life but this is the first time I have ever ridden horses with a purpose! I loved it! This place is the greatest!
Paulette, Texas. "Being able to bring my horse on my vacation was an extra plus. With Mimi and Tom, we rode on terrain that my horse had never seen. It was a great experience for both of us. I love my new chaps - Mimi made the process of making them very easy. I enjoyed the cattle round up. This has been the best get-away I've ever had. Tom and Mimi are great!
Tony & Sally Redmond, Denmark. "Thanks for letting us share your little piece of "heaven on earth". We only have to think of what we imagined before we came - then multiply by ten! You really have made our dream come true, and Tony has thoroughly enjoyed all his small "arguments" with Sonny. What with the sunshine, the tranquility and the food combined with nature and horses - who could ask for more?" and Ulrich and Mette, Denmark. "This has been a great week! Trying to cattle work for real and actually riding around in this wonderful scenery! We love the way you treat the animals - nice and calm. The best was riding along a big cattle herd going slowly in front of us, dusty and bawling. And riding up and down hills to find them, and sitting on a horse for hours. Thank you for an unforgettable week and for your hospitality. Hope to see you again here in your new house!"

Previous years' Guest Comments