New Mexico Centennial Cattle Drive

When: May 9-12, 2012

Where: Begins on Pitchfork Ranch in Lea County, ends

             in Carlsbad in Eddy County at the Sheriff's Posse Arena

To Enjoy an authentic chuck wagon dinner and campfire fun:

Join the cowboys each night for the chuck wagon dinner and campfire entertainment. Recording artist Michael Martin Murphey will be featured along with other notable entertainers. Busses will depart from Hobbs and Carlsbad each night at 5:00 pm. You can purchase tickets online for $75 each by clicking the link above, by visiting the Jal Record, from individual ticket sellers or at www.selectaseatlubbock.com. For more information, visit www.pitchforkcattle.com or www.westernheritagemuseumcomplex.com.

To attend and travel with your own horse, mule, or wagon:

Wagon Train & Trail Riders Experience –  Own your own horse, mule or wagon? There are only 40 spots available and registration materials and payment must be received no later than May 5, 2012. The fee is set at $225/per person. For more information, visit www.westernheritagemuseumcomplex.com.

For The Full Dude Ranch Experience

Ever wished you could go back in time and live like a cowboy in the Old West? 

Here’s your chance!

In honor of New Mexico’s Centennial, we’re going back in time with the Cattle Drive of the Century. The cattle drive will start at the Pitchfork Ranch in Lea County, New Mexico (about 30 miles west of Jal, NM). Over the next four days, the drive will trek across open country to Carlsbad, NM in Eddy County. The drive will include 100 head of Longhorn cattle, each branded with a special Zia brand in honor of the centennial. The cattle will be auctioned to the highest bidders at the end of the event.

Ride the range with seasoned wranglers, camp under the stars, experience the Longhorn herd, eat from chuck wagons, and gather ‘round the campfires for poetry, singing and storytelling. This 3-night, 4-day adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

In addition to tried-and-true everyday cowboys riding the trail, we’ll also have some famous cowboys and cowgirls joining us! At the main campfire, Michael Martin Murphey will entertain each night. Stroll to nearby campfires, and enjoy the likes of Andy Wilkinson (direct descendent of Charles Goodnight), Andy Hedges, Mike Moutoux, Glen Moreland, Washtub Jerry and other great performers. 

We’d love for you to join us. If you’re an experienced horseperson and can comfortably ride at least 15 miles a day across rough terrain, you’re welcome. The per-person fee for the Dude Ranch Experience is $1800. This includes:

• ❖ A horse & tack
  

• ❖ Personal wrangler assigned to each group of 7-10 riders
  

• ❖ Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner will be served from chuck wagons)
  

• ❖ Camping equipment, including a tent and gear to keep you comfortable
  

• ❖ Your campsite set up for you every night
  

• ❖ Nightly entertainment around a number of campfires, including Michael Martin Murphey at the main campfire    
  

• ❖ Old West reenactments
  

• ❖ Accompaniment by authentic historical wagons, including a mule-drawn wagon that’ll lead the herd
  

• ❖ Official t-shirt with the New Mexico Centennial seal on the front and specially-commissioned artwork by Virgil Stephens on the back
  

• ❖ A poster of this specially-commissioned artwork, personally autographed by the artist
  

Space is limited! Fee: $1800 per person for full Dude Ranch Experience. We’ve only reserved 50 spots for those who want to live this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Deadline to register is April 30, 2012.


Arrangements can be made through the Pitchfork Cattle Company. For more information, contact Trail Boss Bert Madera at 575-390-2861.


If you’re ready to submit your information, simply download the Entry Form, Longhorn Cattle Drive Release of Liability and Medical Release Form and submit them with your check/money order to the address provided on the forms.  You’ll be contacted upon receipt by one of the Pitchfork crew. Don’t delay! Spaces fill up quickly!


Centennial Pony Express Ride

 

May 26-June 8, 2012

 

The Pony Express West is the brainchild of well-known western artist, “Red” Harmon Hann. However, it took the help of good people like Bert Madera, Tuffy Cooper, and Glen Houston to put the idea into action.  The ride is designed to let riders experience the process of carrying the mail in a style similar to the original Pony Express, which operated from 1860 to 1862.  Back then, the riders rode in 15 to 25 mile stretches. Our Centennial Pony Express riders, however, might find that task a little too daunting—the relay has been modified and riders can expect to carry the mail for approximately 1 or 2 miles at a time.

 

The emphasis is on fun! Enjoy the camaraderie of others as you celebrate New Mexico’s 100th year of statehood.  The 14 day ride begins at the Western Heritage Museum Complex and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame in Hobbs on Saturday, May 26. It will conclude on Friday, June 8 when the riders reach Santa Fe, the state capitol.  



 FEES

• $100 – Registration Fee (1-14 days)
• $35- Daily Fee (includes 3 meals and entertainment)
• OPTIONAL - $50 Pony Express West Membership

 

DRESS CODE

• Pony Express West Red bandana
• Jeans and long sleeve shirt
• Western Hat and boots
• ABSOLUTELY NO short sleeve shirts, ball caps, shorts or tennis shoes!

RIDER RULES

• This is a “relay style” ride. The mail may be carried one mile or more before being handed off to the next rider.
• Horse’s Gaits will be walk, trot or lope. Loping will only be done if necessary.
• THIS IS NOT A RACE. Be kind to your horse and don’t run them at a gallop and they will get you to your destination. Do not try to outrun the rider carrying the mail.
• After a rider has completed his/her mail run, they may continue to follow behind the rider who is carrying the mail.
• NO ALCOHOL WHILE RIDING!

MINIMUM AGE

• All riders must be 12 years old or older.
• Riders under 18 years of age must have their parent’s or legal guardian’s written permission (see Rider Application and Waiver), and the parent/legal guardian must be present at all times during the ride.

CONTACT

“Red” Harmon Hann at 575-631-9372 or 575-393-1473 or email: country2462000@msn.com

Application and Waiver

Check out other Official New Mexico Centennial events.