WELCOME TO THE J-BAR-M 
WESTERN GUEST RANCH
AND HORSEMANSHIP CAMP

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Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Just got started (officially) in May of 2007. Spent the first several months clearing land, building a small barn, clearing some trails, and fencing some pasture. We now have a small (40 x 60) arena, a round pen, and about four acres of fenced pasture for our summer horsemanship camps. We have trails on our land, and access to more trails a few minutes from the ranch.

Q:Do you have overnight guest accomodations?
A: Yes, if you are a "primitive" camper. We have several campsites for tent camping, and we are building a log cabin that will accomodate eight guests for sleeping, but will not have electricity or running water, at least for the 2009 season. We have ONE hookup for an RV and our Marshal's Office serves as a bunkhouse for our staff that stay overnight. We plan to have the Hotel completed by December of 2010 and that will have four large rooms with full amenities. This is, of course, subject to a favorable ruling from the local zoning board.

Q: Is there anything else to do besides ride horses and shoot guns?
A: Yes, although this IS supposed to be a "cowboy" experience (without the cows). Day campers will have a craft activity plus an opportunity to run off excess energy, if needed, with rope swings, obstacle course, and some simple pasture games. We have a compass course, an archery range, and running creek that seems to attract youngsters who like to catch crawdads and minnows. (See ACTIVITIES for more things to do nearby.)

Q: If I am coming to one of the scheduled Day Camps, what do I need to bring?
A: You will need long pants (jeans) and boots with at least a one-inch heel. Our insurance requires that you have a riding helmet. We may have one that will fit you but it is recommended that you bring your own, well-fitting, and appropriately approved riding helmet. BRING A SACK LUNCH! We have plenty of good drinking water. You may wish to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, chapstick, and perhaps a hat to wear when you are not riding.
PLEASE BRING YOUR INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER FOR OUR RECORDS.
DO NOT BRING I-Pods, Gameboys, cellphones, etc.

Q:Is there always shooting going on? Doesn't that scare the horses?
A: yes, and no. The shooting range is located several hundred yards from the pasture, barn, and corral, in a naturally enclosed space that is far removed from the horses. Besides, the shooting classes are usually held on the weekends, at times that do not conflict with riding classes. Gunfire doesn't spook any of our horses, as they have been conditioned not to react adversly to the sound of gunfire.

Q: I don't have any guns. Do I need to bring a gun? I'm scared of guns.
A: Since our focus is "old west" the guns we shoot are all of the type used from 1860-1899. The pistols are single-action in .22, .32, .38, .44, .44/40, and .45. The rifles are mostly lever-action (some pump-action) rifles that shoot pistol calibers (those just mentioned) and the shotguns are double-barreled "stagecoach" guns like you see in the old movies. They are usually either 12 gauge, or 20 gauge. We have a single-barreled .410 shotgun for children or people who just absolutely intimidated by anything larger.
We can provide a gun for anyone who does not own one. The bigger the caliber, the more expensive the ammunition. The price of your experience will be adjusted to account for how many, and how big, are the bullets that you shoot. (You will know in advance because you will pay for the bullets in advance.
The objective is give everybody a chance to experience shooting "old west" guns in a safe, friendly, environment. It is intended to be a rich, rewarding, and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Q: If I am going to participate in the shooting, do I need to bring anything? ammunition? ear protection, etc.? A: While guests are encouraged to bring equipment that they are comfortable with, we can provide ammunition, hearing and eye protection, targets, gun cleaning supplies, etc. Guests are only required to wear adequate clothing (long sleeved shirts and long pants are preferred) hats are optional. Guests do not have to wear "cowboy" clothing in order to learn how participate in cowboy action shooting. (Its just that it is more FUN that way!)

Q: I am not interested in shooting guns- just riding horses. Is that a problem?
A: Not at all. Lots of people don't care to shoot guns. Many guests come just to learn about, and ride, our horses. There are trails to ride that range from a time. When riding horses, riders should wear long pants, and boots with at least a 1.5 inch heel (2 inches is better). If you wear short-sleeved (or sleeveless) tops, be sure to have adequate sunscreen. Bug (mosquito/fly) repellant is not a bad idea either, depending on the time of the year.

Q: How much does this stuff cost?
A: See The PRICE LIST

If this sounds like something that might interest you- call, or e-mail, John or Melanie and ask for more information. You can get the answers to your questions, and then fill out a Reservation Form (or, Click here for a printer-friendly version of the form).
Complete and return via E-mail attachment to us at this E-mail address: trailboss@j-bar-m.com
Our Address is: J-Bar-M Ranch, 3997 Sugar Grove Valley Rd, Harriman, TN, 37748
Or call us at: (865) 640-7737

The J-Bar-M Ranch 
is SERIOUS about having fun... and
giving our guests a  "one of a kind" cowboy experience in
THE SPIRIT OF THE OLD WEST.