Description:
Manage Herd Health and Equestrian Facilities at One of Colorado’s Premier Guest Ranches!
Hiring for a Full-time Year-round position with competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our team members.
OBJECTIVE:
The Herd Health and Equestrian Facilities Manager serves as the primary steward of the health, welfare, care, and recordkeeping of the C Lazy U horse herd while overseeing the maintenance, organization, and operational readiness of all equestrian facilities and equipment.
This position serves as the primary coordinator for veterinary care, farrier services, herd health records, nutrition programs, medication administration, rehabilitation programs, and preventative care initiatives. In addition, the position oversees equestrian facilities, equipment maintenance, and daily operational standards to ensure a safe, efficient, and guest-ready environment for horses, guests, members, and staff.
This role requires advanced equine health and veterinary care knowledge, experience operating ranch equipment, strong administrative and organizational skills, and the ability to effectively prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. The Herd Health and Equestrian Facilities Manager is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare while ensuring all working ranch facilities meet the expectations of a premier five-star guest ranch operation.
This position plays an important role in building and mentoring a strong wrangler team that embraces the C Lazy U Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Goals. The successful candidate will be a proactive, hands-on leader who is visible, approachable, and collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across departments to support the overall ranch experience.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT
- Under the guidance of the Director of Equestrian Operations, oversee and maintain the overall health, welfare, conditioning, and wellbeing of the ranch herd.
- Manage all veterinary care, including but not limited to vaccinations, deworming programs, medication administration, treatments, preventative care, and emergency response.
- Administer IV, IM, and oral medications as required.
- Oversee equine first aid, including wound care, leg wrapping, lameness evaluations, colic recognition, and other health-related concerns.
- Train and supervise wranglers in safe and appropriate equine health care procedures and first aid protocols.
- Schedule and coordinate veterinarian, farrier, and equine dental visits.
- Assist the Director of Equestrian Operations with the planning, administration, and management of veterinary services, veterinary supplies, farrier, and equine dentistry budgets, including tracking expenditures, forecasting needs, and identifying opportunities for operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of horse care.
- Maintain accurate herd records, including veterinary, dental, farrier, and medication records utilizing approved ranch software systems.
- Develop and manage feeding programs, herd nutrition schedules, and supplemental care plans.
- Order and maintain inventory of veterinary supplies, medications, and herd health equipment.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of each horse's health status, physical capabilities, temperament, and suitability for ranch programs.
- Oversee rehabilitation programs and return-to-work plans for injured horses.
- Work with young, difficult, or special-needs horses to facilitate safe veterinary and farrier handling.
- Remain available for after-hours herd health emergencies.
HORSE ACQUISITION, EVALUATION, AND RETIREMENT PLANNING
- Assist the Director of Equestrian Operations in identifying, evaluating, and recommending prospective horses for purchase, lease, or adoption to support ranch operational needs.
- Assist in evaluating horses for suitability based on temperament, soundness, age, training level, guest safety, and compatibility with the ranch's programs and herd dynamics.
- Coordinate and participate in horse assessments, trial periods, pre-purchase examinations, and veterinary evaluations.
- Provide recommendations regarding herd composition and future horse acquisition needs based on current herd demographics, workload demands, retirement projections, and strategic ranch objectives.
- Assist with the integration of new horses into the herd, including health protocols, acclimation plans, and record management.
- Maintain accurate documentation related to horse acquisitions, evaluations, and placement decisions.
- Assist the Director of Equestrian Operations in evaluating the suitability, soundness, temperament, and long-term viability of horses within the herd.
- Make recommendations regarding retirement, rehoming, rescue placement, or removal of horses from active ranch service based on health, age, performance, safety, and quality-of-life considerations.
- Coordinate with approved equine rescue and retirement organizations to facilitate the responsible placement and retirement of horses transitioning out of the ranch program.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to horse retirement, placement, and end-of-life decisions.
- Assist the Director of Equestrian Operations and attending veterinarians in making humane end-of-life decisions when warranted by a horse's medical condition, quality of life, safety considerations, or prognosis.
- Coordinate and oversee euthanasia procedures in accordance with veterinary recommendations, ranch policies, and accepted equine welfare standards.
- Ensure all herd management decisions prioritize horse welfare while supporting the operational needs and safety standards of the ranch.
EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
- Ensure all equestrian facilities remain safe, functional, organized, and presentable for horses, guests, members, and staff.
- Maintain, repair, inventory, and order all equestrian equipment, including guest and member tack, saddle pads, cinches, latigos, harnesses, wagons, sleighs, halters, ropes, and related equipment.
- Work with the Equestrian Operations Manager to ensure compliance with DRA tack inspection guidelines, including monthly inspections, documentation, and repair tracking.
- Maintain hay and grain inventory and provide monthly reporting to the Ranch Controller.
- Assist the Director of Equestrian Operations in developing, monitoring, and managing the Working Ranch supplies budget, including forecasting operational needs, tracking expenditures, maintaining appropriate inventory levels, and identifying opportunities for cost-effective purchasing while supporting the highest standards of ranch operations and facility maintenance.
- Work with the Equestrian Operations Manager to develop and maintain daily wrangler chore assignments, including facility maintenance, feeding programs, equipment cleaning, pasture care, and general ranch support activities.
- Work with the Land Maintenance Team to maintain, drag, and water arenas in preparation for guest activities, clinics, Shodeo events, training programs, and other equestrian functions.
- Oversee cleaning, organization, and upkeep of the tack barn, shoeing area, arenas, member areas, veterinary area, roads, pens, water tanks, feed equipment, and related facilities.
- Work with the Land Maintenance Team to oversee pasture and corral watering systems.
- Coordinate facility setup for Working Ranch Cattle operations and special equestrian events.
- Ensure daily trash removal and overall facility cleanliness.
- Coordinate with the Maintenance Department to train and supervise wranglers in the safe operation of ranch vehicles and equipment designated for equestrian use, including tractors, hay trucks, water trucks, and Kubotas.
- Coordinate with the Maintenance Department to ensure proper care, maintenance, and repair of ranch equipment and vehicles.
TEAM LEADERSHIP AND RANCH OPERATIONS
- Hire and supervise the Herd Health Assistant Wrangler.
- Work in collaboration with the Equestrian Operations Manager and Children’s Program Manager in the management of seasonal wranglers and kid counselors.
- Assist in Overseeing daily wrangler assignments and chore completion.
- Ensure horses are properly prepared for trail rides and equestrian activities.
- Assist Equestrian Operations Manager in labor management and equitable distribution of approved overtime.
- Assist Equestrian Operations Manager in monitoring and evaluating team member performance, including attendance, productivity, horsemanship, guest service, initiative, teamwork, and adherence to ranch standards.
- Assist guests and members with mounting and dismounting when necessary.
- Lead guest trail rides on occasion.
- Perform general ranch duties as assigned.
HOSPITALITY AND GUEST EXPERIENCE
- Anticipate guest needs and create exceptional equestrian experiences for members and guests.
- Support a family-oriented guest experience consistent with the traditions and expectations of C Lazy U Ranch.
- Maintain and uphold ranch quality assurance standards.
- Promote clear communication among wranglers and other departments to ensure seamless guest service.
- Maintain proficiency with all Wrangler Training Manual standards and expectations.
- Assist in overseeing daily equestrian operations and provide management coverage when required.
Requirements:
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Equine Science, Equine Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or related degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in equine herd health management, veterinary care, or working ranch/equestrian operations. Dude Ranch experience preferred.
- Proven experience administering IV, IM, and oral medications.
- Proven experience in equine first aid, including but not limited to wound care, leg wrapping, lameness evaluation, colic recognition, and emergency response.
- Demonstrated knowledge of equine health management, preventative care programs, nutrition, rehabilitation, and horse welfare best practices.
- Experience maintaining veterinary, farrier, dental, and herd health records.
- Experience coordinating veterinarians, farriers, equine dentists, and other equine health service providers.
- Experience evaluating horse suitability, soundness, retirement planning, and quality-of-life considerations.
- Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in a working ranch, equestrian facility, or related environment.
- Proven experience operating ranch equipment, including tractors, utility vehicles, hay handling equipment, and related ranch machinery.
- Experience with budgeting, inventory management, and operational planning preferred.
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ranch management software systems.
- Strong organizational, administrative, and recordkeeping skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid Driver's License and ability to be insured by the company's auto insurance carrier.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Leadership
- Influence organizational strategy and provide valuable input and counsel to equestrian management.
- Motivate and mentor team members to accomplish goals.
- Promote trust, collaboration, and partnership between departments and team members.
- Engage year-round and seasonal/college-aged staff to develop a culture of providing exceptional service.
- Represent C Lazy U in the community and model the values of the Ranch.
Problem-Solving/Decision-Making
- Demonstrate the ability to accept ownership and take initiative. Utilize available resources and a solid understanding of the impact of business decisions to make sound, timely, and confident decisions.
- Effectively solve employee relations issues, member and guest complaints, herd health concerns, and operational challenges that arise.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE & COMMUNICATIONS
- Highly aware, courteous, and professional in all interactions, especially sensitive and conflict situations.
- Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to interact effectively with high-end guests and members from across the globe.
- Consistently demonstrate fairness, empathy, and professional maturity.
- Comfortable interacting with and presenting to corporate groups, clients, and guests.
This Job Description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for the Herd Health and Equestrian Facilities Manager position and is not intended to be an inclusive list of tasks and expectations. Team members are held accountable for all duties of this job. I further understand that this Job Description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment and that the company reserves the right to revise and change duties as the need arises.
