A guide leading riders through desert scrub toward rugged mountains.Photo: La Union Ranch
Working ranch

La Union, New Mexico

La Union Ranch

Cattle ranch at La Union with a spring ride-along week and a fall cattle drive.

Hands-on cattle work

Season
Apr and Oct events
Ages
Ask the ranch

What you'll do

  • Track and gather about 240 cows horseback across 50,000 acres
  • Help cut, sort, rope, doctor, brand, wean or load, depending on the day
  • A fall cattle drive with chuckwagon meals

When to go

  • 2026 Ranch Ride Along: April 20 to 24, for six guests
  • 2026 La Union Cattle Drive: October 8 to 11, with 15 spots

Who it's for

  • Riders who can trot two circles in a row
  • Non-riders can join the cattle drive at a lower price

Good to know

  • It's dry country, and some days no cattle are found
  • The cattle drive is tent camping or your own RV; use a ranch horse or bring your own
  • Run by Armstrong Equine Services, a horse-training business in La Mesa, New Mexico; ride-along prices and lodging are on request
  • Cattle work