Head Wrangler / Barn Manager needed at Private Guest Ranch in Colorado ~ March-Nov 2025

Bar NI Ranch

Email

[email protected]

Location

Stonewall, CO

Job Type

Seasonal

Salary

Starting $2,600-$2,800 monthly range plus share of tips

Date Posted

February 12, 2025

Housing Offered

Yes

Experience

2-5 yrs

How to Apply

Via Email

Email resume & cover letter.

Seasonal: This position typically begins in March or April and ends around Thanksgiving.

The Bar NI Ranch is looking for a head wrangler/barn manager for a seasonal position on a 36,000-acre private guest ranch in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range in southern Colorado. Extensive previous experience with horses is required including care, training, vetting, riding (trails and arena), etc.

The ranch has a herd of around fifty quarter horses that this position is responsible for on a daily basis including rotating pastures, feed supplements, farrier services and basic vetting. Preference will be given to those with management experience, as this position will be overseeing a crew of three wranglers. Another advantage is previous experience guiding rides in a similar situation.

Hospitality is a big part of this position, as the head wrangler will work alongside the other wranglers guiding guest trail rides, instructing arena lessons and other horse related activities in a safe and engaging manner. They often come into the dining room in the evenings to plan with the guests their next day’s adventures and must do so in a professional, outgoing manner. The ranch offers horse drawn wagon rides to their guests and therefore, the head wrangler needs to have previous team experience and be comfortable hitching up and driving a team of Norwegian Fjords.

Breeding is not a part of the ranch’s operations currently but there are horses at all levels that require evaluation and training. This needs to be assessed by an experienced head wrangler with a plan and direction clearly defined for each horse and recommended to management, including culling, and purchasing duties. The trails on the ranch are rugged and often need clearing by the wranglers, therefore it is important that all members of the barn team are physically fit, able to work at a high altitude and be capable of lifting 50lbs regularly and operating such equipment as chain saws, small tractors, etc.

This position also oversees the condition and cleanliness of the barn area including tack room, stalls, barns, catch pens, arena, etc. All wranglers may be asked to help with haying, pasture maintenance, branding, and taking care of ranch cattle periodically.

The Bar NI values the safety of their staff and guests. A full background check will be performed, as well as character and professional references will be checked. Do not apply if you do not have a valid driver’s license. No work visas please; must be a US citizen. An elevated level of moral ethics with a desire to work hard and to “own” the job is important. This is not a banker hours type job and often requires extra hours including weekends and holidays.

Compensation includes a monthly salary that is based on previous experience but typically starts in the $2600-$2800 monthly range, share of tip pool (around $800-$1000 monthly usually but may fluctuate), season end performance-based bonus, 401K with 7% match after one year of employment, on site housing including utilities, meals and discounts for personal guests stays. This position typically begins in March or April and ends around Thanksgiving.

An individual that is eager to find a long term, rewarding position where they can apply their experience and knowledge to provide top notch guest satisfaction and care of the ranch horse herd will find the most contentment in this position.

TO APPLY:

If you are qualified and interested in this position, please email a resume & cover letter. You may direct any questions via email as well. ⚠️ No phone calls please.

Bar NI Ranch - Colorado