WRANGLER

If you have excellent horse and people skills, and you know where to look, getting a job as a wrangler is not too hard. Many ranches, outfitters, and barns hire wranglers all the time. Just don't expect to make a lot of money. You're a cowboy or cowgirl, after all, not in the Kentucky Derby. Sarah of Caspar, Wyoming, says:

I was a wrangler at a Wyoming lodge that took guests on trail rides through the woods. It was a great job. I was able to spend time in a beautiful forest with amazing views, ride horses, and meet new and interesting people from all over the world. My qualifications for getting hired were good riding skills and good people skills.

There were times when I took people on trail rides who had never ridden before. That's a challenge! You have to be able to communicate well and teach new skills quickly and efficiently, whether to the elderly, small children, rowdy know-it-alls, or shy people. It is also important to have a good sense of safety and judgement since many times you are out in the woods and help is far away. You can't just leave your group of riders and run off to get help when a problem comes up.

Getting started as a wrangler is easy if you know how to ride, if you like people, and if you like to have fun. There are plenty of ranches around the country that like to hire young and energetic people. The money is good, too, as long as your clients have fun. Tips are the wrangler's bread and butter!