Wrangler Jobs

As you’re reading through this information make a note to check out the equine jobs page in our Working with Animals section.

Wrangler Job Responsibilities May Include:

• Other duties as assigned
• round up the horses each morning
• groom & tack
• train horses
• caring for sick and injured animals
• guide guests on trail rides
• give guests instruction in basic horsemanship, riding lessons and horse care
• interact with guests to make each ride safe, educational, and fun
• breakfast rides, steak rides, moonlight rides, and overnight pack trips
• assist barn boss (or head wrangler) assign horse to guests to fit their skill level, experience, and size
• assist head wrangler (or barn boss) assign guests into riding groups, using whatever criteria the ranch has established
• eating meals with guests, visiting with them in the evenings and just being there for them when they have “horse” questions
• leading children’s arena games (with Children’s Wrangler)
• telling endless (clean) jokes and humorous stories
• leading daily hikes and climbs
• taking guests fishing
• taking guests on off road jeep trips
• providing or assisting with ranch entertainment (usually in the evenings) and assisting with children’s programming (including weekly overnight kids campout)
• both picking up candy wrappers, and teaching children the minimal impact ethic.
• perform barn and tack maintenance
• maintaining and cleaning tack, being sure all is safe and in good working order
• maintaining facilities, corrals, arena, trails, grounds (manure happens)
• trail maintenance
• fencing and general ranch chores
• managing manure inventory and placement
• Maintaining vehicles and ranch equipment so they don’t get broken
• Fixing vehicles and ranch equipment when they do get broken
• Fixing other broken things
• Lots of housekeeping, yard maintenance, trash removal, dishwashing, toilets and related romantic cowboy stuff

JobMonkey has a lot of information about working as a wrangler. Be sure to use our site search to track down the material. Meanwhile, here are some more Wrangler Requirements:

• be knowledgeable about horses, with horsemanship skills demonstrated, either through personal interview or videotape
• dress western, appears neat
• ambitious and hard working
• positive attitude and strong work ethic
• able to get along well with our guests (read this again)
• go back and read the line above
• familiar with riding in rough terrain
• have a good sense of direction
• Growing up with animals of all types is a definite asset.
• experience with novice riders
• knowledge of safety standards for horse care and handling and equipment used in horse care
• First-Aid and CPR certification
• camp cooking and packing skills a plus
• Most, but not all ranches require you to be 18 years old
• able to lift and carry 85 pounds a minimum of 100 feet while working at 8,000 feet altitude
• drive vehicles with stick shift
• Must be able to communicate to the public with tact and clarity, and exhibit a patient and knowledgeable attitude with horses.