2 answers
Carolyn
Student
Grand Junction, Colorado
7
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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2 answers
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:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Carolyn,
Charting Your Ideal Career Journey
Embarking on the journey to identify your ideal career can appear overwhelming, particularly when you're grappling with multiple interests and the fear of making an incorrect decision. However, several guiding lights can aid you in ascertaining if you're navigating the right career course:
Fuelled by Passion: A significant indicator that you're on the right career trajectory is experiencing a deep-seated passion and interest in your work. Genuine excitement and fulfillment derived from your job signify that you're in the right profession.
Skills Synchronization: It's crucial to ensure your skills are in sync with your career selection. When your job enables you to efficiently harness your strengths and capabilities, you're more likely to experience satisfaction and success in your chosen path.
Aligning Personal Values: Your career should resonate with your personal values and convictions. A job that mirrors what matters to you can offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond merely earning a living.
Balancing Work and Life: Your chosen career should facilitate a healthy work-life equilibrium. If your job allows you to strike a balance between work, family, and personal time, it can enhance your overall contentment and well-being.
Perpetual Growth: The ideal career path should present opportunities for ceaseless growth and development. Constant learning, evolution, and advancement in your field signal that you're on the right path.
Acknowledgment and Praise: Positive feedback from peers, superiors, or clients can also suggest that you're thriving in your chosen career. Recognition for your efforts and accomplishments can bolster your confidence and reaffirm that you're on the right path.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
Harvard Business Review: Renowned for its leadership, management, and career development insights, the Harvard Business Review offers research-backed guidance on identifying the right career path and achieving professional success.
Forbes: A leading business news and financial information source, Forbes provides valuable insights into career trends, job satisfaction, and strategies for discovering a rewarding career path.
Psychology Today: A reliable source for psychological insights and advice, Psychology Today offers valuable information on the role of personal values, interests, and skills in identifying the right career path for individuals.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Charting Your Ideal Career Journey
Embarking on the journey to identify your ideal career can appear overwhelming, particularly when you're grappling with multiple interests and the fear of making an incorrect decision. However, several guiding lights can aid you in ascertaining if you're navigating the right career course:
Fuelled by Passion: A significant indicator that you're on the right career trajectory is experiencing a deep-seated passion and interest in your work. Genuine excitement and fulfillment derived from your job signify that you're in the right profession.
Skills Synchronization: It's crucial to ensure your skills are in sync with your career selection. When your job enables you to efficiently harness your strengths and capabilities, you're more likely to experience satisfaction and success in your chosen path.
Aligning Personal Values: Your career should resonate with your personal values and convictions. A job that mirrors what matters to you can offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond merely earning a living.
Balancing Work and Life: Your chosen career should facilitate a healthy work-life equilibrium. If your job allows you to strike a balance between work, family, and personal time, it can enhance your overall contentment and well-being.
Perpetual Growth: The ideal career path should present opportunities for ceaseless growth and development. Constant learning, evolution, and advancement in your field signal that you're on the right path.
Acknowledgment and Praise: Positive feedback from peers, superiors, or clients can also suggest that you're thriving in your chosen career. Recognition for your efforts and accomplishments can bolster your confidence and reaffirm that you're on the right path.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
Harvard Business Review: Renowned for its leadership, management, and career development insights, the Harvard Business Review offers research-backed guidance on identifying the right career path and achieving professional success.
Forbes: A leading business news and financial information source, Forbes provides valuable insights into career trends, job satisfaction, and strategies for discovering a rewarding career path.
Psychology Today: A reliable source for psychological insights and advice, Psychology Today offers valuable information on the role of personal values, interests, and skills in identifying the right career path for individuals.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.