Wrangler

CoolWorks P.O. Box 383, Morrison, CO; Cody (WY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clothing discount

rodeo passes

whitewater rafting

fishing discounts

Job summary

UXU Ranch seeks an experienced Wrangler to care for horses, prepare the herd, lead trail rides, and provide guests with a safe, authentic Western riding experience. We operate with a small guest count, emphasizing teamwork and guest interaction in a hands-on environment.

Responsibilities include horsemanship, safety instruction, and assisting with ranch activities as needed. This role requires a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a passion for helping guests enjoy authentic ranch life.

Qualifications

• Solid riding ability and practical horsemanship experience.
• Ability to work with guests of varying experience levels.
• Willingness to pitch in and assist other ranch departments when needed.

Responsibilities

• Care for the horses: feed, water, groom, monitor health and condition.
• Lead safe trail rides through Wyoming terrain.
• Provide pre-ride safety instruction and basic horsemanship guidance.
• Maintain barns, tack, and riding equipment; keep areas clean and organized.
• Assist with guest arrivals, events, and ranch activities as needed.

Skills

Horsemanship

Riding

Guest interaction

Team player

Job description

First and foremost, this is a Wrangler position. Your primary responsibilities will be the care of our horses, preparing and maintaining our herd for guest use, leading trail rides, and providing our guests with a safe, authentic and memorable Western riding experience.

But as we only take 20-24 guests per week, this is a hands-on Dude ranch, and successful team members understand one important part of ranch life:

When the horses are cared for and the rides are finished, we all pitch in.

That may occasionally mean helping another department, assisting with a ranch activity, lending a hand with an event, transporting guests, helping around the lodge, or simply noticing something that needs to be done and taking care of it.

We aren't looking for someone who only wants to sit in the saddle. We're looking for Wranglers who want to be part of the ranch.

Season:May 15th – September 15 (+/-)
Compensation: Salary based on experience + tips
Includes: Room & board
Other Perks: Clothing discount, rodeo passes, whitewater rafting, fishing discounts
Requirements: 21+ of age with Valid driver’s license
Bonus Skills: Roping, bartending, western dancing ,
Restrictions: No pets, no smoking

Your Primary Job — Horses & Wrangling

This is not an entry-level riding position. Applicants should arrive with solid riding ability, practical horsemanship experience and confidence working around a variety of horses.

Wrangler responsibilities include:

• Feed, water, groom and monitor the health and condition of the herd

• Catch and move horses to and from pasture

• Saddle, bridle and properly fit tack

• Evaluate horses and help match horses appropriately with guests

• Exercise, condition and work with horses as needed

• Inspect and maintain saddles, bridles, tack and riding equipment

• Keep barns, corrals, stalls and horse areas clean, safe and organized

• Assist with hay, manure handling, fencing and general horse-area maintenance

• Help maintain trails and report unsafe trail conditions

• Lead safe and enjoyable trail rides through mountainous Wyoming terrain

• Provide clear pre-ride safety instruction and basic horsemanship guidance

• Assist guests with mounting, dismounting and tack adjustments

• Continually monitor horses, riders, weather and trail conditions while riding

Our Wranglers aren't simply trail guides. You are responsible for the safety of your guests and the well-being of your horse every time you leave the corral.

The Guest Experience

A great UXU Wrangler also enjoys people.

You'll be expected to:

• Welcome guests and make them feel comfortable around the horses

• Work patiently with nervous or inexperienced riders

• Share your knowledge of horses, ranch life, wildlife and the surrounding area

• Help create a fun, relaxed and professional atmosphere

• Participate in activities such as roping, fishing, BB gun shooting and evening campfires

• Help with children's and family activities when needed

• Represent UXU Ranch professionally both on and off the ranch

Know how to rope? Great.

Can you teach somebody to two-step or country swing? Even better.

Personality matters here. We want Wranglers who can safely lead a ride in the mountains and then sit around a campfire that evening and make our guests feel like they're part of the ranch.

Every Ranchhand Pitches In

Your main job is wrangling, but there will be times when the horse operation is caught up and another part of the ranch needs an extra set of hands.

That may include:

• Helping with guest arrivals or airport transportation

• Assisting with ranch events and activities

• Helping the lodge, housekeeping, dining room, airport/rodeo/whitewater transport or kitchen team when needed

• Setting up or cleaning up after guest activities and special events

• General ranch cleanup and maintenance

• Helping wherever necessary during an emergency or unusually busy day

This does not change the fact that you are being hired as a Wrangler. It simply means that at UXU, we operate as one ranch and one team.

If you're someone who says, "That's not my job," this probably isn't the right ranch for you.

Who We’re Looking For

Our strongest Wrangler candidates are:

• Experienced and confident riders with solid horsemanship skills

• Comfortable riding and working in mountainous terrain

• Safety-conscious and dependable

• Physically capable of long, active days outdoors

• Hardworking and willing to take initiative

• Friendly, patient and comfortable talking with guests of all ages

• Team-oriented and willing to help outside the horse operation when needed

• Able to take direction while also recognizing what needs to be done

• Professional and respectful toward guests, coworkers, horses and ranch property

• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification

• DRA-certified or willing to complete required certification/training upon arrival