Valley of the "U"

UXU Ranch is looking for experienced, horse-savvy Wranglers for our 2027 summer season.

Posted: Sep 30, 2026

Wrangler

UXU Ranch 1929

Cody, Wyoming

Wages/Pay
$1,800.00 - $2,200.00 / month + tips
Experience Level
Previous experience required
Job Start Date
May 15, 2027

First and foremost, this is a Wrangler position. Your primary responsibilities will be the care of our horses, preparing and maintaining our herd for guest use, leading trail rides, and providing our guests with a safe, authentic and memorable Western riding experience.


But as we only take 20-24 guests per week, this is a hands-on Dude ranch, and successful team members understand one important part of ranch life:

When the horses are cared for and the rides are finished, we all pitch in.

That may occasionally mean helping another department, assisting with a ranch activity, lending a hand with an event, transporting guests, helping around the lodge, or simply noticing something that needs to be done and taking care of it.

We aren't looking for someone who only wants to sit in the saddle. We're looking for Wranglers who want to be part of the ranch.

Season:May 15th – September 15 (+/-)
Compensation: Salary based on experience + tips
Includes: Room & board
Other Perks: Clothing discount, rodeo passes, whitewater rafting, fishing discounts
Requirements:  21+ of age with Valid driver’s license
Bonus Skills: Roping, bartending, western dancing ,
Restrictions: No pets, no smoking


Your Primary Job — Horses & Wrangling


This is not an entry-level riding position. Applicants should arrive with solid riding ability, practical horsemanship experience and confidence working around a variety of horses.

Wrangler responsibilities include:

  • Feed, water, groom and monitor the health and condition of the herd

  • Catch and move horses to and from pasture

  • Saddle, bridle and properly fit tack

  • Evaluate horses and help match horses appropriately with guests

  • Exercise, condition and work with horses as needed

  • Inspect and maintain saddles, bridles, tack and riding equipment

  • Keep barns, corrals, stalls and horse areas clean, safe and organized

  • Assist with hay, manure handling, fencing and general horse-area maintenance

  • Help maintain trails and report unsafe trail conditions

  • Lead safe and enjoyable trail rides through mountainous Wyoming terrain

  • Provide clear pre-ride safety instruction and basic horsemanship guidance

  • Assist guests with mounting, dismounting and tack adjustments

  • Continually monitor horses, riders, weather and trail conditions while riding

Our Wranglers aren't simply trail guides. You are responsible for the safety of your guests and the well-being of your horse every time you leave the corral.

🤠 The Guest Experience

A great UXU Wrangler also enjoys people.

You'll be expected to:

  • Welcome guests and make them feel comfortable around the horses

  • Work patiently with nervous or inexperienced riders

  • Share your knowledge of horses, ranch life, wildlife and the surrounding area

  • Help create a fun, relaxed and professional atmosphere

  • Participate in activities such as roping, fishing, BB gun shooting and evening campfires

  • Help with children's and family activities when needed

  • Represent UXU Ranch professionally both on and off the ranch

Know how to rope? Great.

Can you teach somebody to two-step or country swing? Even better.

Personality matters here. We want Wranglers who can safely lead a ride in the mountains and then sit around a campfire that evening and make our guests feel like they're part of the ranch.

🏕 Everybody Pitches In

Your main job is wrangling, but there will be times when the horse operation is caught up and another part of the ranch needs an extra set of hands.

That may include:

  • Helping with guest arrivals or airport transportation

  • Assisting with ranch events and activities

  • Helping the lodge, housekeeping, dining room, airport/rodeo/whitewater  transport or kitchen team when needed

  • Setting up or cleaning up after guest activities and special events

  • General ranch cleanup and maintenance

  • Helping wherever necessary during an emergency or unusually busy day

This does not change the fact that you are being hired as a Wrangler. It simply means that at UXU, we operate as one ranch and one team.

If you're someone who says, "That's not my job," this probably isn't the right ranch for you.

Who We're Looking For

Our strongest Wrangler candidates are:

  • Experienced and confident riders with solid horsemanship skills 

  • Comfortable riding and working in mountainous terrain

  • Safety-conscious and dependable

  • Physically capable of long, active days outdoors

  • Hardworking and willing to take initiative

  • Friendly, patient and comfortable talking with guests of all ages

  • Team-oriented and willing to help outside the horse operation when needed

  • Able to take direction while also recognizing what needs to be done

  • Professional and respectful toward guests, coworkers, horses and ranch property

  • CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification

  • DRA-certified or willing to complete required certification/training upon arrival


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How to Apply

Applying


Because this is an experienced Wrangler position, please provide:

  • Resume

  • Relevant horse/riding experience

  • Professional or horse-related references

  • A short riding video

  • A short saddling/tacking video

  • Knowledge of our website & Reviews.  uxuranch.com

Your video doesn't need to be professionally produced. We simply want to see your comfort level, riding ability, horsemanship and how you handle and tack a horse.

Below are some questions to answer in your resume:

How many years have you ridden?  

How many horses have you been responsible for at one time? 

Can you independently catch, saddle, bridle and assess tack fit? 

Have you led commercial trail rides? 

Describe how you'd handle a frightened guest on the trail. 

Are you willing to help housekeeping/dining/other departments when the horse operation is caught up? 

Why do you want to work at a dude ranch?

One More Thing...

Working at a guest ranch isn't a vacation.

There will be early mornings, long days, changing weather, dirty boots, manure, demanding situations and plenty of hard work.

There will also be mountain trails, good horses, campfires, Yellowstone in your backyard, guests you'll remember for years, and a summer experience that's pretty hard to duplicate anywhere else.

If you're an experienced horse person who works hard, enjoys people and believes being part of a ranch means pitching in wherever you're needed, we'd like to hear from you.

UXU Ranch — Wyoming

You should be here.

Contact Info

UXU Ranch 1929

The Historic UXU Ranch has a history you can be part of! Authentic charm can be found everywhere at the UXU, from the historic log cabins, to the lodge, restaurant and bar. All of the requisite ranch activities like trail rides, hiking, blue ribbon trout fishing, white water rafting, along with hiking & incredible landscape and wildlife photography opportunities.

Location
Wyoming
Season
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Staff size
10-16
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
Shared bunkhouse style accommodations provided. laundry facilities are provided.
Family housing available
No
Single occupancy housing available
No
Pet friendly
No
Meals
Provided
Cell phone service
Some, ask for details
Internet access
Intermittent
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