Looking for a Job Working on a Ranch this summer?
Here at The American Cowboy Academy have had many students come through our Ranching and Horsemanship courses seeking experience to work specifically summer jobs. While most of our students seek to employ their newly acquired skills in full-time, year-around positions, several are just looking to spend their summers on the back of a horse or as a ranch hand in the West.
The beauty of The American Cowboy Academy is that we cater each and every class to our students. With the average class size of 3, we can personalize the instruction to you!
What skills do you need to work on a ranch during the summer?
We will be publishing a full article on the exact skills an individual should possess when seeking ranch employment but let’s cover the basics.
Skills Necessary
- Basic Horsemanship
- Knowledge of Saddles and Tack
- How to properly saddle up a horse
- How to conduct trail rides
- Basic Medical Care
- Ranch Hand Skills
- Ability to buck hay, administer grains
- Trailer Hauling
- Experience with common Ranch Tools
- Tractor/ Skid Steer Operation
What the ACA teaches
- Basic Horsemanship
- Hoof Knowledge
- Knowledge of Saddles and Tack
- How to properly saddle up a horse
- Neck Reining & Direct Reining
- Colic Identification
- Basic Medical (Saddle Sore Care, etc.)
- How to select properly fitted saddles
- Knowledge of Pads & Blankets
- How to ride
- How to guide trail rides
- How to provide safe and effective instruction to true beginners
- Ranch Hand Skills
- Basic Fence Knowledge (Barbed, hot tape, grid, cattle wire, etc.)
- Basic Plumbing Repair
- Knowledge of Water Systems and Repair Diagnosis
- Basic Mechanical Experience
- Tractor Operation and Maintenance
- Knowledge of common ranch tools
- Knowledge of Hay, Alfalfa, Grains, etc.
- Trailer Driving
- Chainsaw Operation
- Trailer Hauling
All Job Opportunities are different
While we are generalizing the experience requirements of all summer jobs, the “skills necessary” covers a great deal of employment opportunities. Experience requirements will differ from Ranch to Ranch. What is the position? Is it a Ranch Hand or Wrangler opening? Does the job require 2 years or 10 years of experience? Keep in mind, all opportunities will be different.
Fully Prepare You
The American Cowboy Academy seeks to prepare our students for work/ recreation in the Ranching/ Agricultural Industries. We aim to expose our students to a variety of skills and knowledge sets necessary to hack it. Whether you are seeking a seasonal position, full-time, or want to apply the knowledge and experience on your own- The American Cowboy Academy is here for you.
