Horseback Guide/Farrier Job Friendly Maryland USA,Outdoor/Nature/Animal Care

Location: Friendly

Horseback guides care for a herd of 100+ saddle horses and breeding stock, guide horseback rides for ranch guests, and do barnyard and ranch work to support the overall guest and ranch operation. Horseshoeing and developing horses for guest use is part of the job as well. This is a great job for someone who appreciates interesting, rugged country and the opportunity to spend many hours in the saddle.

This is NOT an entry-level guiding job. We have a 250-pound weight limit for all riders — guides must not push this limit. Guides wear western attire consisting of a cowboy hat, tucked-in button-down or snap shirt, jeans in good repair, and western-style cowboy boots (with smooth sole, heel, and no laces).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

During the first few weeks of pre-season opening, work with the team to clear trails, which can include strenuous physical work in hot weather and significant time working on foot leading horses, and horseshoeing (with instruction and mentoring provided).

Learn ranch trails, pastures, and place names for use during morning wrangle, guiding guest rides, and ranch work.

Learn saddle horse names and gain familiarity with their traits and personalities.

Work as a team to gather horses during the morning wrangle calmly and safely in a timely fashion.

Catch saddle horses with assigned bridle and the guest’s saddle, guide the horse, observe for health or lameness concerns, brush, saddle, and check tack in time for ride departures.

Check tack again, adjust cinch, assist guests with mounting (from mounting block), and contain their gear (cameras, water bottles, jackets). Provide coaching or brief instruction as appropriate, and maintain control of the horse from the ground until the guest is settled in the saddle and ready to ride — request help from co-workers for difficult mounting situations.

Lead and control guest rides to the designated location at an appropriate gait, providing instruction as needed and upon request, especially for guests’ first riding experience, and contribute to their enjoyment.

Take responsibility for horse and guest safety, handle any first aid or emergency situations, and use radio communication to request support from the ranch office as needed.

Assist with guests’ dismount after the ride, unsaddling, brushing, and returning horses to the corral.

Take responsibility for the horses assigned to you, develop their skills, and seek help and training to improve your own skills.

Participate in daily barnyard or ranch chores such as cleaning, feeding, doctoring, tack repair, horseshoeing, trail or fence work, etc.

Observe and report issues with horses, guests, or ranch infrastructure (fencing, gates, water, trails, etc.) promptly.

Read and follow the Crew Handbook and Workplace Notes, including maintaining tidiness and cleanliness of work areas, personal appearance, and good relations with co-workers.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

At least three years of professional work and/or relevant western horseback riding experience in livestock agriculture or horse-related recreation.
Professional guiding experience is strongly preferred.
Horseshoeing training and/or entry-level work experience preferred.
Availability to work the full guest ranch season, including weekends and holidays.
Willingness to live and work at a remote location and get along with co-workers during work and off-work time.

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Horseback Guide​/Farrier

Horseback Guide/Farrier