Finding work on farms and ranches does not mean a person has to be a horse trainer or riding instructor. In fact, there is a huge demand for non-equestrian workers, so there is something for everyone in the world of horses.
The main problem is that horse ranch jobs are not publicized as widely as careers for administrative assistants, nurses and paralegals. It is necessary to actively seek them out, as they are not likely to show up in any of the traditional job-search locations.
Horse Ranch Jobs for the Equestrian Professional
An equestrian professional is someone who has expertise with horses himself. Potential horse careers for the equestrian professional include horse training, riding instruction, barn management, grooming, exercise riding and trainer assisting. With these jobs, experience with horses is likely required – or at least strongly preferred.
The best place to find horse ranch jobs for the equestrian professional is through equine organizations. Breed associations, for example, often have classified listings on their web sites, while equestrian discipline organizations might post them in their monthly newsletters.
Any equestrian professional hoping to work on farms and ranches should maintain professionalism at all times. It is often individuality that earns a job offer, so it is important for these professionals to know their equestrian philosophies and their values concerning their career choices.
General Labor Horse Ranch Jobs
Another important career category for horse ranch jobs is general labor. These workers mend fences, feed animals, clean barns, run tractors and mow pastures for ranch owners. They are responsible for the upkeep and appearance of the facility, and are therefore indispensable.
Those looking to work on farms and ranches as general laborers might be able to find opportunities under the "General Labor" section of the local newspaper. Most likely, however, they will have better luck going to ranches and farms in the area to find out who needs help.
The most important thing for a general laborer to remember is that horse ranch jobs require knowledge of safety. Before applying for these positions, general laborers should learn how to behave around horses. They do not need to know how to ride or even handle horses, but they should know the basic rules of safety.
Dude Ranch Jobs vs. Working Ranch Jobs
There are two basic types of horse ranch jobs: dude ranches and working ranches. Dude ranches are typically geared toward tourism; customers stay on the ranch for a period of time and learn how to ride while engaging in other vacation experiences. Some of these ranches have swimming pools, rope courses, hunting, fishing and myriad other activities.
Working ranches, on the other hand, have a specific purpose in the agricultural community. They might raise cattle and sell milk or beef, farm crops or train and sell performance horses. Whatever the case, dude ranch jobs are much different from working ranch jobs.
At a dude ranch, employers are looking for professionals who can engage customers and provide assistance. They need clean-cut individuals who are passionate about horses and about the business. Working ranch jobs, on the other hand, require professionals who are not afraid to get dirty. The work is often much harder and the wages not as high.
Getting a Job Working with Horses
There are thousands of people who dream of working with horses as their full-time career. However, jobs are sometimes few and far between, depending on geographic location, and an equestrian professional or general laborer needs to put his best foot forward to hand a job on a horse ranch.
To increase the chances of getting hired, these professionals should:
- Prepare a professional resume
- Dress in appropriate clothes to meet employers
- Be ready to demonstrate skills on the spot
- Provide contact information for professional references
- Know the field in which they want to work
All else being equal, employers will choose the equestrian professional or general laborer who is more professional and friendly. These qualities will endear job seekers to employers in an industry where everyone knows everybody else.
Working Environment for Horse Ranch Jobs
Regardless of whether it is a dude ranch or a working ranch, life for people who work on farms or ranches is difficult. These professionals are outside most of the time, often dealing with extreme temperatures as well as dirt, dust and dangerous animals.
Although there are exceptions, most horse ranch jobs do not come with benefits -- at least not at first. This means that professionals should have another method of securing dental, health and vision insurance. Unfortunately, it is easy to get hurt on a horse ranch, so insurance is necessary.
On the other hand, horse ranch jobs usually offer informal and pleasant working environments. Employers and employees frequently become friends because they work so closely with one another, and there is always someone to lend a helping hand when one is needed.
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