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Fall Round Up Horse Sale - September 26-27, 2025 - Heber City, Utah


Ranch Jobs: Wanted - Head Wrangler for Historic Guest Ranch - Montana #200852
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Posted by: Elkhorn Ranch Manager [see other ads by this poster]
City: Gallatin Gateway [see other ads in this city]
State: Montana [see other ads in this state]
Job Title: Head Wrangler
Employer: Elkhorn Ranch Montana
Salary: DOE
Room & Board: Included

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Description:
We are hiring a Head Wrangler to work as a key partner to the Ranch Managers at Elkhorn Ranch Montana. This is a seasonal position beginning Fall 2025, with the potential to become year-round for the right candidate.



This is a working leadership role. You will spend your days in the saddle, caring for horses, guiding wranglers, and reinforcing a positive barn culture — all in close partnership with the Ranch Manager. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in doing things well, thrives in a team dynamic, is eager to learn, and understands that hospitality and horsemanship go hand in hand.



The Head Wrangler is here to carry out the Ranch Manager’s vision for the horse program and guest experience. You’ll be the Ranch Manager’s right hand — helping lead the crew, support the guests, and maintain high standards in the barn. This is not an independent management position. Leadership here is a shared responsibility built on communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. We have zero tolerance for negativity, drama, or immaturity; professionalism, respect, and a positive attitude are non-negotiable in the barn and on the ranch.



Life on the ranch follows a strong seasonal rhythm, and the two seasons couldn’t be more different. Success here depends on your ability to embrace both.



Summer is lively, fast-paced, and highly social. The ranch transforms into a busy guest operation with a full wrangler crew and a rotating herd of 30+ horses in daily use. The barn runs on communication, hospitality, and horsemanship. Wranglers lead guests of varying abilities on rides into the backcountry, rotate horses for rest and recovery, and make sure each guest has a safe and enjoyable ride with properly fitted tack. You’ll work closely with other crew members where your attitude, professionalism, and teamwork shape the experience.





Winter is remote and quiet, with only four people living on the ranch. We do not host guests in the winter. There will be periods of riding and working horses for the upcoming season; however, the weather often makes extended horse work difficult.



Be prepared, more than half of winter will be spent on other essential ranch tasks; snow removal, fencing, facility improvements, and construction projects. You’ll often work alone or with just one or two others. The ranch turns into a winter wonderland for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. Besides the main road, the ranch is only accessible by snowmobile or snowshoes. Road closures are common, and access to town can be limited. To enjoy this season, you must be self-directed, comfortable with being isolated, and motivated by the quiet satisfaction of productive, outdoor work.



Throughout both seasons, this is a guest-oriented ranch. Whether you’re leading a trail ride or clearing snow from the barn, your work supports the ranch’s long-term mission of offering guests a high-quality, safe, and welcoming experience. We’re looking for someone who understands that caring for horses and guests is deeply connected, and who can uphold those values year-round.





Start Date: Fall 2025



Compensation:



Salary dependent on experience

Small private cabin with small kitchen and bathroom provided

Food stipend during winter

Potential for year-round employment with benefits

For the right fit, we are open to a partner living on-site, with possible summer employment opportunities (not guaranteed; case-by-case basis)

For the right candidate, we would consider a pet



Key Responsibilities



Summer:

All duties and responsibilities of a wrangler

Help assign horses and tack for weekly guest rotations

Ride and evaluate green and seasoned horses

Assist in training and supervising wranglers and barn crew

Maintain trails, fences, tack, and pasture systems

Facilitate horse rotations to ensure health and guest suitability

Communicate daily with the Ranch Manager about herd health, crew needs, and scheduling

Support a guest-first approach across all activities

Winter:

Ride and condition the herd for the next season

Assist with feeding, vet care, and barn maintenance

Help with snow removal and facility access

Contribute to ranch improvement and construction projects

Work closely with the Ranch Manager to plan and prep for summer operations



We’re looking for someone with real ranch experience who’s ready to grow into a leadership role while staying grounded in horsemanship and guest service.



Required Qualifications



21+ years of age

Guest, cattle, or private ranch experience in a corral or wrangling setting

Confident, thoughtful rider at walk, trot, lope (including green/unfamiliar stock)

Experience fitting tack and managing horse care

Ability to navigate and learn backcountry trails

Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check

At least two horse-related professional references

Calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent, and clear communicator

Comfortable working within a team structure and taking direction

Experience with fencing, gates, and general ranch upkeep



Preferred Qualifications



Previous wrangler or barn crew leadership experience

Vet care/doctoring skills

Experience with tractors, skid steers, or snow equipment

Western background and familiarity with seasonal ranch culture



How to Apply



Fill out the online Head Wrangler application on our website



Please submit a video that includes a short introduction as to why this position and lifestyle would be a good fit for you; in addition to demonstrating catching, brushing, saddling, and riding three gaits (walk, trot, lope).



Your application will not be considered without an introduction and riding video.



This is a multi-step hiring process. Candidates must be willing to travel to the ranch for a multi-day in-person interview.



We are not able to sponsor visas or offer work exchange opportunities. Applicants must be legally able to work in the U.S.



Please do not call the ranch. We are in our busy season and cannot answer employment questions over the phone. To be considered, fill out the online application on our website, and direct any questions by email to work@elkhornranchmontana.com.





Posted 08-15-25
3841 visitors have viewed this ad



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