1 answer
Carolyn
Student
Grand Junction, Colorado
8
Questions
Updated
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How do I find a job as a Ranch Hand?
Hello, really I am looking to see if anyone here has connections with a ranch owner in The Midwest/South US. That would need help taking care of there horses and other animals starting in Summer 2025. I would only be seeking this kind of work until Fall/Winter of 2026.
Thank you!
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1 answer
Elizabeth F Schilling DVM
Veterinarian/Educator
37
Answers
Redlands, California
Updated
Elizabeth F’s Answer
Hi Carolyn -
I can’t answer your specific request re connections, but here are a few ideas for finding those connections, if you haven’t already tried them:
You didn’t state a particular interest in type of ranch - are you interested in a working cattle ranch? Dude/vacation ranch? Fiber animals? Dairy? Show or race horses? If so, which discipline?
Depending on your interests, you might start with contacting the various associations in states you are interested in visiting. A quick search for cattle associations in random states showed me that they are still called Cattlemen’s associations. You could reach out to them to see if they have a job board. Alternatively, there are horse show associations, both local and national, that you could contact. Many of the horse magazines have classified sections online, and they also may have advertisements for some ranch/farm operations that you could approach. Many or most trainers have ads for their lessons/training services, or for horses for sale, so you could check out ads and contact any farms/ranches that appeal to you. I’m fairly certain that the Horsetrader has regional editions and is online. For English riding disciplines you could try the Chronicle of the Horse, and You could also reach out to FFA and 4H chapters in areas that you are interested in visiting. I think there are also online forums for just about any aspect of the animal industry.
If you find some possibilities, you could contact them with a letter of intent and resume or summary of your experience and goals. Some of James’ points above are good things to consider when writing a letter of intent (if you haven’t already)
Hope this gives you a starting point! It sounds like you have time to start making some connections - the people you contact may not have an opportunity for you, but they may have friends & colleagues who do!
Check online listings for breed or industry groups, local interest clubs or organisations, magazines.
Prepare a letter of intent stating your goals.
Prepare a resume of your experiences and talents.
Contact some of the ranches/farms/trainers that are interesting to you based on their ads.
I can’t answer your specific request re connections, but here are a few ideas for finding those connections, if you haven’t already tried them:
You didn’t state a particular interest in type of ranch - are you interested in a working cattle ranch? Dude/vacation ranch? Fiber animals? Dairy? Show or race horses? If so, which discipline?
Depending on your interests, you might start with contacting the various associations in states you are interested in visiting. A quick search for cattle associations in random states showed me that they are still called Cattlemen’s associations. You could reach out to them to see if they have a job board. Alternatively, there are horse show associations, both local and national, that you could contact. Many of the horse magazines have classified sections online, and they also may have advertisements for some ranch/farm operations that you could approach. Many or most trainers have ads for their lessons/training services, or for horses for sale, so you could check out ads and contact any farms/ranches that appeal to you. I’m fairly certain that the Horsetrader has regional editions and is online. For English riding disciplines you could try the Chronicle of the Horse, and You could also reach out to FFA and 4H chapters in areas that you are interested in visiting. I think there are also online forums for just about any aspect of the animal industry.
If you find some possibilities, you could contact them with a letter of intent and resume or summary of your experience and goals. Some of James’ points above are good things to consider when writing a letter of intent (if you haven’t already)
Hope this gives you a starting point! It sounds like you have time to start making some connections - the people you contact may not have an opportunity for you, but they may have friends & colleagues who do!
Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps: