DAY 1
Meet at the Fort Leaton State Historical site in Presidio, Texas. Following check in, a state park representative will lead you the 44 miles into the ranch headquarters.  Big Bend Ranch sprawls over ¼ of a million acres on the border of Old Mexico.  It takes 36 miles of well-maintained dirt road to reach the main ranch compound - Sauceda. Upon arrival, your gear will be stowed at either the lodge or the ranch house. 

We meet up again right before lunch for a brief orientation of the ranch's history, cattle drive ethics, and all sort of other "stuff" you probably never thought about asking!  Because of the unstructured nature of this ride, we will do a short Horse 101 lecture at this time.  Your safety is a major concern of the wrangling staff.  After lunch, we move to the corrals where you will meet your partner for the next three days. Mounts are assigned according to experience, size, and preference.  We will do a short riding lesson with each participant before heading out.

Now things get a little harder to predict.  This roundup is the real McCoy.  No cowboys have gathered the herd and have them waiting just over the hill for you.  You are the roundup crew and the cattle have not read the script!  Range conditions vary from year to year depending on rainfall.  Accordingly, the cattle are rotated through a series of 6 pastures varying in size from Agua Adentro (9,240 rough acres) to the Jackson (39,600 rolling acres).  Our roundup itinerary will depend on where the cattle are.  We may spend the first day just riding cross-country to the pasture we will gather - or we could make a smaller
sweep near the headquarters.  Whatever the plan, you will be horseback.

Supper is served chuckwagon style out on the range.  Afterwards, you will be serenaded around the campfire by some of the finest musicians and cowboy poets West Texas has to offer.  A different entertainer is featured each night.  All of them are the authentic product - cowboys and cowgirls whose songs and stories reflect experiences earned the hard way. Later you will have the option to sleep out under the stars at camp or be taken back to the lodge or ranch house for the night.  The staff aims to please!

DAY 2
Our second day is always spent gathering the pasture(s) the cattle are in and driving them to a holding pen for the night.  We will split you into groups of 2 or 3 (each with a wrangler) to spread out and drive any cattle we find toward a central gathering area.  For the more experienced or daring riders, we have rougher country and/or larger circles to cover.  Those wanting a little more sedate experience stay closer to the main herd.  This is hide and seek on horseback in a very large back yard.  You soon figure out that the chaps, gloves and hats commonly regarded as a fashion statement are not just ornamental attire here.  You will ride with a small number of cowboys and Mexican vaqueros who make this whole process look easy (HA!).  Our roundup Forman has worked as a cowboy on this ranch for 32 years.

At days end we will drive the herd we have gathered into a holding pen for the night.  Its time to unsaddle our weary working partners, feed, and head for the grub line.  Steak, potatoes, beans, salad, homemade cobbler, Cowboy coffee ... this is just a sample of the hearty meals you can expect.  And of course - salsa - we are on the border after all.

More entertainment and then its off to your bedroll.  Take a moment to look up at our night skies, we are famous for them.  West Texas has the darkest skies in the continental US - sooooo - our stars really are brighter!

DAY 3
The third morning is spent at the pens working our gathered herd.  The cows are cut away from the calves before we begin the branding process. No squeeze chutes here - watch as ranch cowboys rope and drag calves to the waiting ground crew.  Clients will have a chance to participate at whatever level and to whatever degree they are comfortable with.  The process involves 2 people who throw and hold the calf, a third person to brand (apply the hot iron), a fourth to vaccinate, and a fifth to put in an ear tag.  A support crew keeps the fire burning, syringes filled, ear tags recorded, and a host of other chores organized.  We will have between 25 to 85 calves to work in this manner, depending on the time of year.  Now this how to get dirty!  Thank goodness for the lunch call. 

That afternoon, we will turn unhappy baby calves back in with their anxious mothers before pushing the herd onto another pasture.  Then it is time to ride back to Sauceda.

It is hard to explain the sense of accomplishment that "bringing in the herd" can create.  It can be hot, dusty, tiring work.  Then you look up and see a rainbow arch over the crest of a hill or watch a calf nurse a contented cow and you begin to understand.  Perhaps this is why the cowboy is the most enduring of all our American heroes.

THE CATTLE
Big Bend Ranch State Park is the home to the most genetically pure herd of Longhorns in the United States.  Originally bought from the Wichita Land Preserve, the physical isolation from other cattle over the last 50 years has preserved their genetic integrity.  The state runs approximately 180 head of cows, calves, bulls, and steers.  The longhorn breed is renowned for its ability to survive and indeed thrive on rugged terrain.  They still retain characteristics of their wild origins.  The herd on BBRSP receives no supplemental feed and cows calve out on the range.

Of course, the most recognized trademark of the breed is their horns. Bulls and cows both sport impressive head gear, but it is the steers that steal the show.  Their horns continue to grow throughout their lives and can attain lengths of over 6 ft. from tip to tip.  The ranch runs about 36 steers ranging in age from 2 to 25 years old.  It is quite a thrill to ride up on one of those old mossy backs out on the range!  They are truly a magnificent animal. 

Despite their armament, the cattle on BBRSP are gentle and easy to
handle. And wonderfully colorful.  Longhorns come in a wild variety of
colors and hide patterns.  No boring black here!  The memories you will
take home with you of a sea of horns waving over the backs of a multi-hued
herd will never be forgotten. 

EXPERIENCE
The beauty of this cattle drive program is its flexibility.  We can provide a quality experience for all levels of riding ability.  For the more experience rider, this is an unstructured ride with opportunities to be on your own.  For beginners, we have wranglers who will ride with you and keep the experience at your comfort level.  There is a place for everyone.  Gender plays no role in determining your ability to participate.  We have had crews of over 50% women on these drives. 

EQUIPMENT
The ranch will supply all necessary tack, horses, and gear.  You are welcome to bring your own western saddle if you prefer. If you plan to sleep out with the herd, you will need to provide your own sleeping bag,
pad, and tent.  Clothing needs to be durable, comfortable, and functional.  Long pants, a long sleeved shirt, sensible shoes or boots (no hiking boots with heavy tread), hat with a tie string, sunscreen, and a light pair of gloves are necessary for riding.  This is not the time to use or wear the family heirlooms or expensive jewelry and watches.  You may bring your own water container or one will be provided for you along with a carrier.   Optional items are saddle bags and a pair of chaps or chinks.  Although not necessary, chaps can  improve your comfort level considerably  in brushy, thorny country. We do not allow clients to carry or use ropes or whips of any kind.  Spurs are permitted only at the discretion of the outfitter.  Normally, they are not allowed to be worn unless the wrangler determines they are needed.  Evening attire can be anything you are comfortable  wearing around a campfire.  We suggest that you bring along a jacket and rain gear in the unlikely case of rain or cool weather.  Normally, we have sunny - warm days and moderate nighttime temperatures. 

LODGING AND MEALS
The ranch supplies all lodging (3 nights) and meals during the Cattle Drive.  Additional meals and lodging can be arranged with the Big Bend Ranch State Park staff.  Bunkhouse accommodations are semi-private cubicles separated into female quarters on one side and male quarters on the other.  These are in the main Lodge with the dining room and sitting area.  Separate shower areas are provided.  The old ranch house has a limited number of private bedrooms in the luxury of the original owners' hacienda at an additional fee.  Meals are taken in the main lodge.   Special dietary considerations should be addressed at the time you book.  You can make arrangements to come in the night before or stay over  after the cattle drive to enjoy more of the magic Big Bend Ranch has to offer.  Call for prices and information on this.

BOOKING INFORMATION
Please call Big Bend Ranch State Park at 432-358-4444 for pricing, more information and/or to make your reservations.  Sylvia will be happy to help you.