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The Ultimate Cowboy Lives in Big Bend

Cowboy Action Shooting & Trail Ride
Take Us Back to The Wild, Wild West

For years, travelers have been visiting the state of Texas expecting to see the wide open plains, rolling tumbleweeds, wild horses, and bluebonnets; and if they are lucky, maybe an old cowboy or two.  Well in Lajitas, The Ultimate Hideout, the real West still exists—from the chuck wagon dinners, to the historic boardwalk, to the handy six-shooter sittin’ in the sheriff’s holster.  Now at Lajitas you can take your first step to being a real cowboy.  It’s the Ultimate Shootout. The activity consists of gun training and competition shooting for the guests at Lajitas and is winning the hearts of cowboy and cowgirl wanna-be’s alike.  Equestrian Manager, and national action-shooting competitor, Rick Levin walks each participant through the care and handling of a six-shooter, a lever action rifle and a double barrel shotgun. Levin is as close to a real cowboy as you will find. In full cowboy gear, from his hat, to the leather chaps, down to the spurs on his boots, Levin gives a fine reenactment of a cowboy in our history books of the wild, wild West and an educated, very thorough lesson.  Participants stand about 24 ft. from the pistol targets--3/8’ steel Western caricatures (ace of spades, cowboy, etc.) and aim accordingly. Everyone gets enough practice handling and shooting all weapons to feel comfortable. When the lesson is complete there’s a timed event for all participants. It’s exhilarating and loads of fun. Top winners are awarded certificates of Braggin’ Rights, Top Gun, etc.

Cowboy Action Shooting is quite literally the fastest-growing shooting sport in the world.  Beginning in the late 1980’s a group of people in California began this exciting competition with single action pistols, lever action rifles and double barrel shotguns.  Around about 1995 there were only a few clubs and about 2500 members of the Single Action Shooting Society.  There are now clubs all over the world with over 60,000 members.

Of course, a real cowboy is going to ride in on a horse. Lajitas trail rides have become hugely popular. Levin takes groups of 2-6 on a personal tour through the cracks and crevices of Big Bend. And he's no stranger to horses. Rick is a pioneer in developing urban mounted police programs throughout the U.S. He trains riders and horses.  Now instead of chasing bad guys through city parks, he guides guests and residents through the Bad Lands. Private lessons are available.  Levin is also dressage and 3-day eventing nationally certified trainer and instructor. Roping and team sorting is also available.

The ride begins at the spotless and luxurious stables. Almost instantly, the civilized world of The Ultimate Hideout vanishes behind a rocky ledge and the trail leads into the Bad Lands where dust, sandstone and cactus form the landscape. The ride can be quite challenging even for experienced riders if the wrangler perceives the crew is ready to tackle some of the steep winding uphills of the desert mountain landscape. And remember what goes up must come down. The path down is always more thrilling than the way up. Ready to see what your horse can do. Dry creek beds are great places to kick 'em up and give 'em their heads for an exhilarating gallop. Wrangler Rick waits at the end of the creek, camera in hand for an exciting picture for riders to remember their wild rides in the Chihuahua desert.

Although the desert mountain terrain is wild and wooly, everything on a Lajitas trail ride is first class, beginning with the horses. A cut above typical stable stock, these animals are fit, well groomed and as well behaved as city cop horses. From tack to saddles, etc. everything is well-kept and high quality. The trail ride includes Chef Peter O’Brien waiting at Stargazer Mesa with an incredible campfire cowboy breakfast of cowboy coffee, homemade biscuits and jam, eggs, sausage, bacon and cowboy beans.  You can also opt for a gourmet picnic lunch or a sunset basket of wine and cheese.  All dining requests are made to order per the guests’ request.

Catering to the elite traveler and Texas' first resort honored as a Leading Hotel of the World Lajitas, The Ultimate Hideout, is a luxury development offering a boutique resort of 72 luxury accommodations, property sales, private members golf club, 2 restaurants, equestrian center, hunt club and more. For additional information on classes available contact Lajitas Resort Activities at 915-424-5007.  For reservations or to inquire about booking you prefect wedding, please call 877.424.3525.

Lajitas, The Ultimate Hideout http://www.lajitas.com/

Edited by Dave Shultz

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