RANCH HAND
Education/training
You don't need a formal education to succeed in this line of work; hands-on experience is the best schooling.
The History of Dude Ranching
Dude ranching first emerged in the late 1800s when European visitors and American tourists from the East first began to travel out West. These ranches provided safe, comfortable accommodations in beautiful and rugged settings, and gave guests a taste of what ranch life was really like. For a fee of ten dollars, guests received a full week of accommodations, hearty meals, horses to ride, and the company of ranchers. Modern-day dude ranches offer the very same pleasures (though at a higher rate).
Fortunately, seasonal work is pretty easy to come by. If you hope someday to advance to ranch foreman or even own your own ranch, you should consider a community college or university degree in agricultural production, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, or veterinary medicine. Other ranch jobs to consider as a starting point include children's counselor, trails foreman, groomer, cook, wait-staff member, maintenance worker, or, in the winter months, cross-country ski instructor. Trails foremen are usually required to have a background in trail planning and building. Aside from previous work experience, the only official training you should look into getting for most of these jobs is CPR and first-aid certification.
Additional topics
Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and ProfilesCool Careers Without CollegeRANCH HAND - Description, Education/training, The History Of Dude Ranching, Outlook, For More Information