JX Cattle Co. LLC
Tom & Mimi Sidwell
4290 Quay Road AR
Tucumcari
New Mexico 88401
 

WELCOME TO  JX  RANCH

A Working Cattle Ranch & Guest Ranch

Quay, New Mexico

The JX Ranch is a 7,000-acres working cattle ranch and guest ranch, not a "dude ranch", located in northeastern New Mexico, is owned and operated by us, Tom and Mimi Sidwell.  On this scenic ranch we pasture  around 450 head of cattle (yearling steers).  During the summer months we take in Guests, no more than four at a time,  who want to ride our ranch horses, experience life on a cattle ranch and get to drive cattle to new pastures.  Guests with own horses are welcome to bring them.

When not used for our "working cattle ranch guests", our cozy cabin is available for rent to individuals looking for a getaway to enjoy the privacy and solitude of "Cow Camp", and to do their own riding, when, where and for how long they want.  We have miles of trails and cross country riding and fun, sometimes challenging, riding with spectacular views and scenery to offer.  Go here for more information.

We ride in the mornings to check the cattle and waters.  When it's time to move the herd, you help gather and drive the cattle to a new pasture.  We use a grazing management which puts emphasis on giving the plants a long rest period before being grazed again.  This requires frequent rotation of pastures.
	You'll be staying at "cow camp" in the shadow of the Caprock, a 400 feet rough escarpment that traverses the ranch.  The bunkhouse is comfortable and cozy, with a kitchen, bathroom, living-room with a large rock fire-place, and bedroom.  Families are welcome - children 6 - 12 are 25% off the regular price.  All returning Guests automatically get a 10% discount, forever!  We are flexible - you decide what day of the week to arrive and to leave.  Our only requirements are that you have riding experience and stay between 3 and 7 nights.  You are also welcome to bring your own horses if you want - please contact us for details.
The JX Ranch is located on the northeastern side of New Mexico, 20 miles south of the town of Tucumcari, which is approximately half-way between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Amarillo, Texas.   At an altitude varying from 4,400 feet at the lowest point, to almost 5,000 feet at the highest, the JX Ranch offers a rugged  beauty in its diversity; from above the Caprock you have a spectacular view over the Quay valley below, with open, rolling country.
	Because the JX Ranch is a cattle ranch and not a dude ranch, we do require that you have some riding experience.  We do not ride nose to tail, but spread out when the terrain allows and you need to be able to control your horse.  The terrain can be rough and steep in places.  Our horses are gentle working ranch horses, but they are not dude horses.  If you are not sure if you are an experienced enough rider, please e-mail us, or call us and we'll talk.
In the afternoons we  usually have a dozen ranch chores to do, anything from fixing or building fences, brush control, putting out salt and mineral for the cattle and the wildlife, or anything else that may come along.  We will be working on improving the water availability and distribution on the ranch to allow for better grazing management. You are more than welcome to join us and lend a helping hand.

When we have a little free time, we may practice roping the "roping dummy", or we may go for a dip in one of the large water storage tanks!   You may elect to take a drive in the afternoon to nearby Ute and Conchas Lakes, with boating, fishing and swimming. There are several sites to visit in an afternoon in the area.

Foreign Guests may like to know that between the two of us, we  speak French, German, Swedish, and some Spanish too!  For a German or French abbreviated version, please click on  flag!

"If God had meant for us to walk, He would have given us four legs -
Instead He gave us two - one for each side of a Horse"