The primary focus of these activities is character development, education, discovery or enhancement of skills, and enjoyment. Students primarily work with horses while at the Ranch. Each student's work with the horses can be among his or her most memorable time spent at Aspen Ranch. Cattle are the other main Ranch animals, and they can provide students with a strong work ethic in their requirements of being fed, medicated, and generally cared for. Students have the opportunity, depending on the time of year, to participate in cattle drives, birthing assistance, branding, and other cattle-related duties.
Students also have the chance to learn to rope cattle.
Each team is also in charge of a group of animals to further incorporate the teaching elements of responsibility, empathy, compassion, and work ethic. Animals include ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats. Students have the opportunity to work with the animals to the point of participating in local 4-H shows, provided they are on the appropriate level. One of the positive benefits students experience in fulfilling chore rotations and work projects with their teams is the opportunity to look outside themselves. This is an opportunity that can be quite valuable for the typical teen, who is often concerned only with him- or herself.