Flexible Horse Trail Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Wrangler - Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

Spend your season riding through the Sonoran Desert while creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

Dates: September - April 2026/2027 AND December - April 2026/2027

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is looking for enthusiastic, experienced horse people to join our team of Wranglers. If you enjoy working with horses, meeting new people from around the world, and thrive in the outdoors, this is an opportunity to be part of a Unique Arizona Ranch experience.

Our wranglers are more than trail guides-they are hosts, storytellers, and ambassadors of the ranch. Every day is different, from caring for our horses to leading scenic rides through the beautiful desert landscape and helping guests create lasting memories.

Compensation: competitive hourly wage (based on experience) + tips. Potential for housing.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

An Incredible Setting: Nestled on the Lower Salt River, in the shadow of the Bulldog Cliffs.

A Meaningful Experience: Build connections with guests while sharing your passion for horses, Arizona History, and the unique desert environment.

A Great Team: Join a hardworking, supportive crew that values professionalism, hospitality, and a love from the outdoors.

What You’ll Do

As a wrangler, you’ll play an important role in creating a safe, enjoyable experience for both our guests and horses.

• Feed, groom, catch, tack, and provide daily care for the ranch horses
• Monitor horse health and recognize basic signs of illness or injury
• Lead guided trail rides for guests of varying riding abilities while enduring safety and enjoyment
• Share knowledge of the local desert landscape, wildlife, and ranch history during rides.
• Provide clear riding instruction before each ride
• Maintain barns, corrals, tack, and riding equipment
• Assist with ranch operations as needed
• Help create a welcoming atmosphere by interacting with guests throughout their stay

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for dependable, positive team members who are passionate about horses and enjoy providing exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications:

• Strong horseback riding skills and confidence handling horses
• Previous experience working with horses in a ranch, stable, or trail riding environment
• Basic knowledge of equine health and first aid
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of a team
• Comfortable working outdoors in Arizona’s desert climate.
• Flexible, dependable, and willing to help wherever needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds
• Comfortable standing, walking, and riding for extended periods
• Able to work in varying weather conditions, including heat and dust

The Details:

Housing: employee housing may be available. Due to the nature of the ranch operations, pets are not permitted.

Schedule: Wrangler schedules vary depending on ranch activities and the season. While a typical schedule will be provided, flexibility is essential, and overtime may be required during busy periods or as ranch operations demand.

Season: seasonal positions available, with opportunities for longer-term employment for the right candidates

If you’re looking for a rewarding job where you can combine your passion for the horses, the outdoors, and hospitality, we’d love to hear from you. Join the team at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and help guests experience the beauty of Arizona from the saddle.

We are a historic guest ranch built in 1930 with a long tradition in showing guests from all over the world a little of the Old West. Sitting on the banks of the Salt River and in the shadows of the Goldfield Mountains, the ranch is located just 40 minutes northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest. The ranch has been owned by the same family for nearly 75 years.

Our 20 cabins have a rustic charm, each with their own bathrooms and yet purposefully lacking televisions or phones. Our main lodge is stunning with a four-sided fireplace in the living room and a real Saguaro cactus skeleton in the center of our dining room where we serve delicious meals made from scratch. Guests take part in a number of activities including horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, swimming in the pool, relaxing on their porch, or playing any number of games on the lawn.

We are a small Bed & Breakfast guest lodge along the lower Salt River with a distinct southwestern atmosphere. Along with our bed and breakfast guests, we also welcome corporate meetings, schools, weddings, and private family groups where we can serve all meals during their stay. With 20 guest cabins, we can accommodate up to about 60 guests depending on the dynamics of the group.

We offer horseback riding from Oct to May each year. To beat the heat, we offer kayaking, paddle boarding, and tubing in the summer months on the Lower Salt River, and kayaking on Saguaro Lake in the fall / winter and early spring. We encourage all of our employees to enjoy these experiences on their time off and offer employee discounts to do so. Just some of the perks of working at this lovely hidden gem in Mesa, AZ. The Ranch is a truly special place and we are looking for a special person to fill this position!