Stable Manager / Head Wrangler at a Guest Ranch on the Salt River

Job Title: Head Wrangler / Stable Manager

Position Overview

Saguaro Lake Ranch is seeking an experienced, dependable, and personable Head Wrangler / Stable Manager to lead daily operations of our guest ranch horse program. This is a senior leadership role that combines horsemanship, team management, guest service, and operational oversight.

The Head Wrangler / Stable Manager is responsible for the overall success of our horse operation, including guest ranch and public rides, horse care, staff supervision, ride coordination, safety standards, and the quality of the guest experience. This role oversees a herd of approximately 40 horses and the new leader will help hire a team of 4-5 wranglers. We are looking for someone who wants to build a long-term home with our ranch and take pride in leading a safe, professional, and welcoming horseback program.

Key Responsibilities

Horse & Stable Management

• Serve as the leader and public face of the horseback riding program at Saguaro Lake Ranch

• Oversee the daily care of all horses, including feeding, watering, grooming, and health monitoring

• Identify and respond to injuries, lameness, or behavioral concerns, and coordinate with veterinarians and farriers as needed

• Maintain conditioning, schooling, and training programs for ranch horses

• Ensure tack is clean, safe, properly fitted, and well maintained

Guest Experience

• Lead and guide trail rides for guests of varying experience levels

• Provide clear safety briefings and riding instruction

• Match horses appropriately to rider ability, confidence, and temperament

• Create a welcoming, educational, and memorable experience for guests

Staff Leadership

• Hire, train, supervise, and mentor wranglers and stable staff

• Set daily schedules, assign responsibilities, and maintain accountability

• Uphold high standards of horsemanship, safety, professionalism, and guest service

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all rider and staff safety protocols

• Conduct routine inspections of equipment, tack, horses, and facilities

• Maintain incident reports and other required documentation

• Ensure compliance with ranch policies and applicable local regulations

Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the barn, corrals, tack rooms, and related areas

• Coordinate and help oversee the maintenance of horseback riding trails

• Manage feed, supply inventory, and ordering

• Assist with budgeting and cost control for stable operations

• Create and manage ride schedules for both ranch guests and public rides

Additional Responsibilities

• Report directly to the General Manager

• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff across the ranch

• Assist with sourcing and evaluating new horses

• Help trailer horses to and from the summer pasture at the beginning and end of the season

• Support broader ranch operations as needed, including general maintenance and related duties

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Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional wrangling, horsemanship, or equine management experience

• Strong riding ability and confidence in handling a variety of horses

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience required

• Excellent communication and guest service skills

• Strong knowledge of horse health, behavior, and basic first aid

• Ability to work outdoors in hot weather and demanding ranch conditions

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds on a regular basis

• Comfortable standing, walking, and riding for extended periods

• Able to work in heat, dust, and other outdoor conditions

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Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position; weekends and holidays required

• August 1st or earlier starting date

• Six-day work week from September through May

• Two-month paid summer vacation in June and July

• Compensation: $80,000 annual salary, plus a $20,000 end-of-year bonus, plus additional profit-sharing opportunity

• Health benefits

• 401(k)

• Housing provided

Why Join Us

• Lead a horseback program in one of the most beautiful settings near Phoenix, Arizona

• Be part of a team delivering authentic guest ranch experiences

• Join a family-owned business in operation since 1930