Smith Fork Ranch

Management Position

Head Wrangler

Position: Head Wrangler

A premier Colorado guest ranch, Smith Fork Ranch is located between Aspen and Telluride on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The ranch is surrounded by (with direct access to) some million acres of the Gunnison National Forest and the West Elk Wilderness, Colorado’s least used wilderness area. This translates to some of the best trail riding opportunities in the state. Trails range from rugged mountain terrain, flower filled high mountain meadows, aspen groves, trails across various mountain drainages and back country watersheds and our own Smith Fork of the Gunnison that runs directly through SFR property. We offer 1 ½ hour to day-long trail rides according to skill and varying activities on horse back within our arena, such as team penning, barrel racing, and various games. Smith Fork Ranch also offers breakfast rides, cocktail rides, and evening cookout rides. Our capacity is 26-28 guests and we maintain 40-50 horses for the guest season.

Our 2009 summer dude ranch guest season runs from May 29^th through August. This year there are plans for the ranch to be open for guest related events in September and October. SFR has permitted camps, and operates backcountry riding, hiking, fly fishing and hunting programs under national forest permit. SFR is a member of both the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association and the Dude Ranch Association and is certified by the DRA’s horse safety program.

This is not a job about horses; this is a job about people. First and foremost the Head Wrangler at SFR must be a people person who is outgoing, engaging, and who genuinely cares about people and their western ranch experience. Secondly the Head Wrangler at SFR must be an equestrian. The Head Wrangler supervises a seasonal staff of 3-5 wranglers in providing safe instruction and general knowledge of horsemanship, to the high-end and active clientele at Smith Fork Ranch. A genuine interest in sharing his or her love and knowledge of horses is a requirement. Extensive experience in trail riding, backcountry riding, and arena work is a must with the ability to team pen and set up arena games. The Head Wrangler will not only be in charge of scheduling and managing the wranglers, but also the pasturing and feeding schedule for horses, and cattle, tack and apparel inventory and upkeep. Knowledge of feed and animal health is an absolute must. Maintenance of the barns, arena, and anything else that pertains to the horse program is the responsibility of the Head Wrangler. The Head Wrangler must be able to interact and communicate with guests, seasonal staff, management and owners. An ability to develop and maintain good relationships with local and federal officials, merchants, ranch neighbors, and outside contractors is required. The Head Wranglers skills must include employee management, outdoor knowledge, safety awareness and the ability to teach. These skills are very important, however an outgoing, positive, and do what it takes attitude will be the most important factors in the success of this position. Days are long, physically and mentally taxing, and filled with interesting guests and outdoor adventure; SFR is truly the western experience.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

Supervise wrangler staff of 3-5
Schedule wrangler staff and trail rides
Assign appropriate horses to each rider according to rider ability
Supervise safety of the guests and horses
Maintain accurate horse records
Maintain all trails
Maintain barns, corals and arena
Care for sick and injured animals
Teach basic horsemanship skills, coach riders and provide private lessons
Maintain and clean tack, assuring that all tack is safe and in good working order
Supervise the gathering, feeding, grooming and saddling of horses daily
Manage all pasture lands, including irrigating, fences and rotation schedule of horses
Maintain careful horse records: ride records, forest usage reports, records on horses bought and sold or leased, etc.
Operate a variety of ranch equipment as needed
Take guests on off-ranch excursions as needed
Take photos during guest activities as needed
Assist with scheduling guest activities for next day during cocktail hour
Participate in evening activities with guests
Assist with any ranch chore or activities as directed by management
Schedule and supervise ferrier and vet appointments.

Additional Responsibilities:

Help maintain ranch facilities
Participate in budgeting and planning for future seasons
Work with GM in recruiting seasonal wranglers
Direct fence repair and barn / horse facilities repair
Participate in land management projects such as irrigation, ponds maintenance, arena, etc.

Requirements:

Excellent western horsemanship and riding skills.
Extensive veterinary experience with the ability to follow instructions from ranch vet.
Minimum 2-3 years experience working with horses and riders on a professional level.
Experience teaching horsemanship to children and adults.
Experience in trail riding in a backcountry setting.
Able to lift 75 pounds.
Valid driver’s license.
First Aid and CPR certified.
Must live on SFR property
Must wear SFR uniform including cowboy hat, boots, and chinks.
Must practice safe horsemanship at all times and follow ranch safety procedures and protocol.
Present a good western image in dress and behavior
Have a real commitment to provide a quality experience for SFR guests
Enjoys engaging guests in conversation

The Head Wrangler position is full – time, and reports directly to the General Manager of SFR.

COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Download Full-time Application (PDF file requires Adobe Acrobat)

Contact Information:
Phone: (970)-921-3454 Fax: (970)-921-3475 Email: info@smithforkranch.com
For more information or to download an application visit us on the web at www.smithforkranch.com
Send application salary history / expectation, clear recent photo, and resume to:
Cameron Davenport, General Manager, Smith Fork Ranch
45362 Needle Rock Road
Crawford, CO 81415