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Cattle Horses Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head Pen Rider

Yuma, CO ยท On-site

Utilizes a horse to ride through assigned pens daily and identify sick animals by observing outward signs of distress; segregates sick cattle for treatment by driving them to nearest hospital pen ...

Head Pen Rider

Yuma, CO ยท On-site

Utilizes a horse to ride through assigned pens daily and identify sick animals by observing outward signs of distress; segregates sick cattle for treatment by driving them to nearest hospital pen ...

Ranch Hand

Freer, TX

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ranch Hand duties would include riding pastures to check for sick cattle, horses and other large animals. Assisting with doctoring sick animals as needed, fence repair, shredding, tree trimming and ...

The Cowboy SE is responsible for overseeing the care of cattle, horses, pastures, equipment, stock water systems and fencing at the farm property. Responsibilities: * Make sure cattle always have ...

Ranch Hand

Freer, TX

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ranch Hand duties would include riding pastures to check for sick cattle, horses and other large animals. Assisting with doctoring sick animals as needed, fence repair, shredding, tree trimming and ...

Ranch Hand

Freer, TX ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ranch Hand duties would include riding pastures to check for sick cattle, horses and other large animals. Assisting with doctoring sick animals as needed, fence repair, shredding, tree trimming and ...

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Cattle Horses information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do cattle horses jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle horses in the United States is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced when working with cattle horses on a ranch?

Working with cattle horses on a ranch often involves unpredictable weather, long hours, and managing large herds over varied terrain. Horses require consistent care and training, and there is always a need to prioritize both animal welfare and safety for the team. Collaboration with other ranch hands, veterinarians, and livestock managers is essential to ensure the smooth operation of daily tasks and to address any issues that arise with the horses or the cattle.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day include specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, corporate executives, certain consulting professionals, and skilled trades like commercial pilots or construction managers. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, or specialized certifications, and may involve high-pressure environments or irregular schedules.

What is a handler of horses and cattle called?

A handler of horses and cattle is commonly called a stockman, ranch hand, or livestock handler. These workers are responsible for managing, caring for, and moving livestock, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and handling techniques. They may also be trained in the use of tools like halters, ropes, and cattle prods.

What is the difference between Cattle Horses vs Farmhands?

AspectCattle HorsesFarmhands
Required CredentialsNone or basic riding experienceVaries; may include certifications in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentRanches, farms, outdoor settingsFarms, agricultural settings, outdoor work
Industry UsageAnimal handling, riding, ranch workGeneral farm labor, crop and livestock tasks

While Cattle Horses are specialized for riding and herding cattle, Farmhands perform a broader range of farm tasks, including crop work and general maintenance. Both roles are essential in agricultural settings, but Cattle Horses focus on animal handling and riding, whereas Farmhands handle diverse farm duties.

What is the most paid equine job?

The most highly paid equine job is typically that of a professional horse trainer or riding instructor, especially those working with high-value or competitive horses. Equine veterinarians specializing in large animals also earn high salaries, often exceeding other roles in the industry, particularly with advanced certifications and experience. Salaries vary based on location, expertise, and clientele, but these roles tend to offer the highest compensation in the equine field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cattle Horse Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cattle Horse Trainer, you need hands-on experience with horse handling, knowledge of livestock behavior, and often a background in animal science or equine studies. Familiarity with training tools, safety equipment, and ranch management systems is typically required. Strong patience, problem-solving skills, and effective communication with both animals and handlers help set top trainers apart. These skills ensure the safety, efficiency, and well-being of both horses and cattle during ranch operations.

What are cattle horses?

Cattle horses, often referred to as ranch horses or cow horses, are horses that are specially trained and used for working with cattle on ranches and farms. They help ranchers herd, sort, and move cattle efficiently across large areas. These horses are valued for their agility, intelligence, calm temperament, and ability to respond quickly to the movements of livestock. Typical breeds used as cattle horses include the American Quarter Horse and the Australian Stock Horse. Their training and temperament make them essential partners in the daily management of cattle.

What is the highest paying cattle livestock job?

The highest paying cattle livestock jobs are typically ranch managers or cattle farm owners, who oversee large operations and make strategic decisions. These roles often require extensive experience, management skills, and sometimes specialized certifications, with salaries varying based on farm size and location but generally reaching six figures for successful, large-scale operations.
More about Cattle Horses jobs
What cities are hiring for Cattle Horses jobs? Cities with the most Cattle Horses job openings:
What states have the most Cattle Horses jobs? States with the most job openings for Cattle Horses jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cattle Horses job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,173 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Head Pen Rider

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Head Pen Rider
REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager
FLSA STATUS: AG Exempt, Salaried
FUNCTION: Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Supervises pen riders. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  • Utilizes a horse to ride through assigned pens daily and identify sick animals by observing outward signs of distress; segregates sick cattle for treatment by driving them to nearest hospital pen; calls deads in for removal.
  • Assists in the shipment of fat cattle by opening gates, driving cattle to shipping areas for weighing; counting cattle and separating strays; checking withdrawals.
  • Moves/drives cattle from one area of the yard to another humanely by utilizing low-stress techniques including the slow movement of cattle.
  • Returns treated cattle to home pens from hospitals daily.
  • Returns stray animals to home pens.
  • Rides horse safely by awareness of surroundings and exercise of caution in dangerous situations.
  • Maintains appearance of break room by properly disposing of trash, wiping feet upon entering, and sweeping/mopping according to the posted schedule.
  • Maintains cleanliness of horse facilities by sweeping floors, maintaining stalls, etc...
  • Reports observed pen maintenance issues to appropriate yard employees for repair (broken water tanks, bunks, holes, etc.).
  • Alerts supervisor to possible problem pens through awareness of unusual trends (including concerns about feed, conditions of cattle received, etc).
  • Sets a positive example for employees by modeling safe work practices and following safety rules and policies. Communicates critical safety information to employees by conducting regular safety training; monitors workplace for unsafe/non-compliant behavior.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Ability to ride a horse in a safe manner.
  • Ability to furnish gentle horse and tack.
  • Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to apply these functions using units and weights.
  • Knowledge of cattle breeds and characteristics.
  • Flexibility to work varied hours should shipping necessitate it.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

COMPETENCY:
Expected to adapt to changes in the work environment, have the ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events, exhibit sound and accurate judgment, prioritize and plan work activities, set goals and objectives, observe safety and security procedures, and report potentially unsafe conditions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is required to ride a horse daily and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Frequently to Occasionally the employee is required to push/pull, reach, bend, run, sit, stand, jump, climb, squat, kneel, lift, carry, twist, grasp/squeeze. Working with or near cattle, horses, vehicles and equipment in all weather conditions.
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