Summer Work
Horse Trainer/Ranch Hand

Position Overview

  • Role: Horse Trainer/Ranch Hand (Experienced Riders)
  • Duration: Late April/Early May – October
  • Location: Porcupine Hills, 1 hour south of Calgary, Alberta

Responsibilities

  • Train ranch horses as trail and cow horses; possibly start them on barrels, poles, and obstacles.
  • Ride in fields, hills, and outdoor arenas.
  • Complete other ranch tasks, including halter breaking yearlings, ground training, tack cleaning, fence repairs, and tractor driving.

Requirements

  • Experience: Must be a competent rider (western or dressage).
    • Able to make horses gallop, perform correct rollbacks, stops, and ride with a “soft feel.”
    • Must sit quietly in a western saddle at trot and canter, with no bouncing.
  • Safety: Follow all safety rules and use designated areas for specific activities.
  • Fitness: Must be physically fit and capable of working with young, inexperienced horses.
  • Additional Qualities: Honest, reliable, good work ethic, and common sense.
  • Rules: No smoking, alcohol, or drugs on property.

Working Conditions

  • Flexible Schedule: Work when weather is good; time off when weather is bad.
    • No riding on icy/muddy ground or in high winds.
    • Possible time off for local events (e.g., Calgary Stampede, Banff visits).

Compensation & Benefits

  • Wages: Starting at $15.00/hr for paid workers (Canadians or those with work permits).
    • Contract: Invoice for hours worked.
  • Housing:
    • Rent-free ranch house with shared living spaces.
    • Furnished with high-speed internet, satellite TV, and phone.
    • Refundable $100 cleaning fee and $360/month for utilities.
  • Food:
    • Option for room and board, at $30/day, includes meals cooked by ranch owner.
  • Visitors: 25 hours of volunteer work per week in exchange for room and board.

Accommodation for Pets

  • Outside pets are welcome.
    • Shared pasture available at $4/day per horse (owner supplies feed).
    • Note: No pets inside the house due to allergies.

Environment & Lifestyle

  • Setting: Porcupine Hills; sunny, sometimes windy and dusty, near streams and forests.
  • Amenities: Nearby town (Nanton, 20 km away), stunning scenery, outdoor lifestyle.
  • Community: Live and work with other trainers in a cooperative environment.

Expectations

  • Kindness and respect for horses.
  • Ability to earn trust, respect, and obedience from horses.
  • Cooperative work style, focused on safety and efficiency.

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your riding experience, availability, and any relevant qualifications.
Send your Resume: cbhorses2@icloud.com