Wrangler- Need to Know
Are you looking to work as a Wrangler on a Ranch this summer? Or maybe you just got hired for your first summer working as a wrangler. Today, we’ll cover the essentials every wrangler should know and the gear that would be good to bring along with you.
What is a Wrangler
A “Wrangler” is a broad term in the ranching industry. It most often entails a horseback riding position providing quality trail rides to guests. Many wrangler positions are seasonal to the summer. Wranglers are expected to be well rounded for a plethora of reasons.
Wranglers are typically horseback trail guides. They become proficient in knowledge of trails and work to provide a rememberable experience to guests.
Often, seasonal ranches will have families and individuals come stay for nights or a week at a time. For example, I have worked for two guest ranches in my time that provided cabins for a stay, meals, and optional mountain horseback riding. My job, as a wrangler, was to take guests on trail rides from anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours.
Experience
The biggest hurdle in becoming a wrangler is experience. Horseback riding experience is a must to become a wrangler. Most ranches like you to have 2+ years of riding experience to be a wrangler. Check the Ranch Jobs USA- Ranch Bulletin for upcoming articles on “What does riding experience mean?”
To be a competitive candidate in the wrangler job market it is best to also have some ranch hand experience. Simple agricultural skills can really set you apart such as:
- Tractor Operation
- Skid Steer Operation
- Colt Starting
- ATV operation
- Chainsaw operation
- Knowledge of trailers and how to haul
- Other Ranch Hand Skills
The reason such skills make you a better candidate is your flexibility. When I managed a working/ guest ranch in Montana, 9 times out of 10 would rather hire a ranch hand that needed a little coaching in western horseback riding than a lifetime horseback rider with no hand experience. While that is not the case everywhere, being a hand and a wrangler really can set you above other candidates.
The Gear
Let’s say you have landed a job as a wrangler and you want to know what to bring. The list below can provide you with a good blueprint of gear to bring for the summer. Full Article on gear coming soon.
- Saddle
- Tack
- Warm weather clothes
- Cold weather clothes
- Canvas Overcoat
- Recreation clothes
- TV or movie player
- DVDs (most wrangler bunkhouses do not have wifi)
- Saddle Soap
- Curry Comb and Brush
- Small Axe or hatchet
- Power tools if you have them
- Reusable water bottle
- Map of local area
- Binoculars
- A good knife (fixed blade or pocket)
Choosing the Right Ranch
Picking the location you’d like to work is very important. In the agricultural industry, it is not as easy to look up employee reviews of the ranch.
Factoring in location may be more important for some than it is for others. Are you accustomed to having a Walmart or target less than 20 mins from your house? Are you big on eating out at fast food? Then a ranch in the mountains 50 miles from the biggest town might not be right for you.
The Job. The job you accept should be clear to you. If you join a ranch expecting to be breaking colts but are handed a manure fork everyday and all day, you probably won’t stay long. However, if you have a good knowledge of the requirements of the job and you are seeking to fulfil those, things will work out.
Summary
Overall, there are many things that play into being a summertime wrangler. I hope this article has given you a small insight to the meaning of working as a wrangler.
View Wrangler Jobs Here