Seasonal Wrangler – Spring 2027

Turner Enterprises, Inc.; Raton (NM); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Competitive wages with gratuities

Access to amenities and outdoor trips

Housing provided

Job summary

Ted Turner Reserves is seeking an experienced Wrangler for the Spring 2027 season at Vermejo. The role focuses on guiding horseback rides, horse care, and maintaining safe, high‑quality guest experiences in a luxury setting.

Housing is provided, and the position supports seasonal operations with potential for ongoing opportunities. Ideal candidates will have horsemanship expertise, strong guest-service skills, and the ability to work well within a team environment while upholding safety and

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Wrangler or similar equestrian role, with horsemanship knowledge.
• Ability to handle horses safely and work with varying temperaments.
• Strong communication and guest-service orientation.
• Knowledge of tack maintenance and barn operations; adherence to safety procedures.
• Ability to operate vehicles with a valid driver's license and comply with company standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead guided horseback rides and share knowledge of Vermejo's landscape, wildlife, and history.
• Assist with daily barn operations: gather horses, prepare equipment, coordinate riding activities.
• Exercise and condition horses for guest readiness.
• Feed, water, groom, and monitor horse health at multiple locations.
• Maintain clean, safe barns and equipment; inspect tack and saddles.

Skills

Horsemanship

Guest service

Communication

Safety procedures

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Equine studies certification

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Seasonal Wrangler – Spring 2027

Position: Wrangler

Type: Seasonal / Hourly / Non-Exempt / Non-Benefits-Eligible

Housing: Yes

Are you passionate about horses, the outdoors, and creating memorable experiences for guests? Have you dreamed of spending a season working on one of North America's largest privately owned landscapes while sharing your love of horsemanship and the outdoors with others?

At Ted Turner Reserves , we connect people with nature through one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences in luxury settings. We're looking for experienced, guest-focused equestrian professionals interested in joining our team at Vermejo in 2027.

We're planning ahead for our Spring 2027 season!
We're beginning to connect with candidates interested in seasonal Wrangler opportunities. Positions may be up to six months, with anticipated start dates beginning in May 2027. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as staffing needs are confirmed, and qualified candidates will be contacted as hiring needs develop.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As a Wrangler, you will help create memorable guest experiences through guided horseback rides while supporting the daily care, conditioning, and well-being of Vermejo's horse herd. You will also help maintain safe, organized barn operations and uphold the highest standards of horsemanship, guest service, and safety.

You will also be responsible for

• Leading guided horseback rides, sharing knowledge of Vermejo's landscape, wildlife, and local history while ensuring guest safety and enjoyment.
• Assisting with daily barn operations, including gathering horses, preparing equipment, and coordinating riding activities.
• Exercising and conditioning horses to maintain their health, fitness, and readiness for guest activities.
• Feeding, watering, grooming, and monitoring the health and well-being of horses at the Activities Barn, Castle Rock, and other designated locations.
• Maintaining clean, organized, and safe barns, corrals, stalls, and surrounding facilities.
• Inspecting, cleaning, maintaining, and performing basic repairs to tack, saddles, and riding equipment.
• Maintaining accurate records of horse health, vaccinations, feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any incidents or concerns.
• Conducting pre-ride safety briefings, ensuring proper use of tack and safety equipment, and responding appropriately to emergencies.
• Following established equestrian safety procedures, applicable New Mexico laws, and Ted Turner Reserves guiding standards.
• Maintaining high standards of first aid readiness, sanitation, and personal hygiene.
• Communicating guest feedback, horse health concerns, and operational needs to department leadership.
• Collaborating with fellow Wranglers and other departments to support seamless guest experiences.
• Assisting with seasonal opening and closing activities and performing other duties as assigned.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience as a Wrangler or in a similar equestrian role, with demonstrated knowledge of horsemanship and horse care.
• Ability to safely handle, ride, and work with horses of varying temperaments and experience levels.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently guide guests and deliver exceptional service.
• Knowledge of basic tack maintenance, barn operations, and equestrian safety procedures.
• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively to emergencies.
• This position requires operation of vehicles, and you'll need to possess a valid driver's license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. Your driving record will need to meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company's insurance provider.
• You'll need to present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire pursuant to federal law.

Preferred:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Certification or training in equine studies, outdoor recreation, tourism, or a related field.
• First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Previous experience guiding horseback rides in a guest-focused or luxury hospitality environment.

YOUR QUALITIES

• You are approachable, professional, and genuinely enjoy sharing your passion for horses and the outdoors with guests.
• You demonstrate patience, confidence, and sound judgment when working with horses and riders of varying experience levels.
• You take pride in maintaining safe, clean, and organized barn facilities.
• You are dependable, self-directed, and willing to assist teammates.
• You communicate effectively and remain adaptable to changing operational needs.
• You value conservation, responsible horsemanship, and Vermejo's commitment to exceptional hospitality.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PERKS

• Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive wages with applicable gratuities
• Access to amenities and outdoor adventures, subject to Company policies and availability
• Opportunity to live and work in one of the country's most stunning natural environment

ACCOMMODATIONS

This position will require you to live in Vermejo headquarters, located approximately 40 miles from the closest town (Raton, NM). Vermejo's location is approximately 4.5 hours' drive south of Denver or 4.5 hours' drive north of Albuquerque.

Vermejo offers single- and double-bedroom dorm room style company housing (subject to availability).

You may be subject to sharing a room with one other employee depending on the availability of a single dorm room.
Due to Vermejo's remote location, employees should be comfortable living and working in an isolated mountain environment with limited access to shopping, dining, and other services.

You will need to provide or arrange for your own transportation to and from Raton for personal supplies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

On a regular basis, you can expect to:

• Stand; walk; ride horseback; reach, move hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear; and perform physical demanding barn and equestrian activities.
• Lift and move equipment, feed, tack, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Adhere to horseback riding helmet policies.
• Perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
• Be on your feet for extended periods of time.

You can expect to frequently lift and/or move 75 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

You may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions and extreme cold and heat. You will be occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, and the work environment characteristics are representative of those you may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodation inquiries must be made to the Company's Human Resources Department for consideration.

Turner Enterprises Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.