Kansas cowboys, members of the Moore Cattle Ranch near Dodge City, prepare to head out on the trail.

Saddlin' Up

With The Crow Of The Rooster, Day On The Cattle Ranch Filled With Fun, Work, Wonders

The Moore Cattle Ranch is a traditional family ranch located in southwest Kansas just 40 miles from the once wild and now historic Dodge City.

Here, Joe and Nancy Moore and their family raise Texas Longhorns (think University of Texas) and do ranch work the old-fashioned cowboy way. The Moores graze their cows on range grass, just as they were created to do, and there are no additives or chemicals in their diet. The beef raised is the safest and most natural around. Guests and customers attest to its excellence and taste.

Moore Ranch is not a dude ranch, although it welcomes overnight guests. It's a working cattle ranch where the Moore family shares its daily experiences with visitors. Guests experience a true day (or week) in the life of a working cowboy. Do you remember the Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles? This is something like that, only it's not a movie, it's the real thing.

Guests awaken at sunrise to the sound of roosters crowing and join the family for morning chores. After a hearty breakfast, guests help saddle up the horses. The remainder of the day is spent doing what real cowboys (and cowgirls) do ‹ riding the prairie to check the Longhorn herd and the quality (and quantity) of grass, mend fences, herd cattle to new pastures, learning to rope a calf, brand calves during branding season, or work with young colts.

The Moore Ranch is concerned about protecting the local ecology ‹the grass prairies and other components such as wildlife, air, soil, and plant life. Its goal is to improve the natural resources on the ranch. Good ecological practices mean healthy, happy Longhorns.

Everything on the ranch is real. Individuals and families are welcome to participate in day-to-day activities. They'll match you up with a ranch horse to fit your abilities. Older, gentler horses are available for those who have never ridden before or have little experience. For those with more riding experience, there are other ranch horses available.

For those ready for a more rustic experience, guests (on horseback) can come along on one of the trail drives to move the Longhorns from one pasture to another. The first morning is spent acquainting everyone with his/her horse. Riding instructions are given if necessary and a short ride makes certain everyone is comfortable before hitting the trail. After a bit of home-cooking, everyone's off on the trail. A chuckwagon comes along for Dutch oven cooked meals. Overnights are spent in bedrolls under the stars or in cowboy teepees. When not on the trail, guests spend overnights in cabins on the ranch.

Activities are scheduled throughout the year. The Spring Longhorn Cattle Drive in April drives the cattle back from winter pasture. They take a chuckwagon along and sleep under the stars or in cowboy teepees.

In May there's a Cowboy School where guests learn some cowboy skills. There's horseback riding, roping, gathering cattle, branding and other everyday skills used on the ranch.

Guests can try their hand at gathering the Longhorns followed by joining in a branding, which usually occurs in late June. They learn to rope and drag calves to the fire with the other cowboys or help the ground crew with the vaccinations and putting the brands on the calves.

In early August, there's a Shorter Cattle Drive for those who are a little concerned about sitting in the saddle all day. Participants will help drive the longhorns to the south pasture about eight miles from the ranch. Guests will camp out that night under the stars or in cowboy teepees and ride back to the ranch the following day. In mid-September, there's another Short Cattle Drive with an overnight.

In late September, Moore Ranch hosts a Cowgirl Weekend This is for the ladies only. Guests enjoy the ranching life learning skills, riding horseback, moving Longhorns, watching for wildlife, and cooking with Dutch Ovens.

In October, the Fall Cattle Drive moves the herd to winter pasture. Participants eat from a chuckwagon and sleep under the stars or in cowboy teepees.

Ranch Vacations are available year-round. Guests will ride horseback nearly everyday, so be ready for some time in the saddle. Activities include checking the Longhorns on horseback, doctoring them in the pasture and monitoring wildlife.

Three square meals and lodging are provided. The ranch provides the horses and all the equipment you'll need. There are also special activities for children and families are welcome.

For more information view www.longhorn-cattle.com or call (620) 826-3649.