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Horse Ranch Hand Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Equestrian Center Ranch Hand Reports To : KCRMA Equestrian Center Barn Manager Starting Pay Range ... Handle horses in stall and turnout, feeding grain & hay, mucking stalls with fork and wheelbarrow ...

Horse Ranch Hand information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do horse ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse ranch hand in Colorado is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Horse Ranch Hands face during their daily routines?

Horse Ranch Hands often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing the physical demands of feeding, grooming, and mucking stalls, and responding quickly to unexpected animal health issues. They must also coordinate closely with other ranch staff to ensure the well-being of the horses and the smooth operation of daily tasks. Adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and maintaining high standards of animal care.

What is the difference between Horse Ranch Hand vs Horse Stable Worker?

AspectHorse Ranch HandHorse Stable Worker
CredentialsNone required, some experience preferredNone required, entry-level
Work EnvironmentRanches, open fields, outdoorStables, indoor and outdoor
Job DutiesFeeding, grooming, general ranch choresCleaning stalls, feeding, basic care
Industry UsageCommon in ranching and equestrian farmsCommon in stables and riding facilities

The main difference between a Horse Ranch Hand and a Horse Stable Worker lies in their work environment and scope. Ranch hands typically work outdoors on large ranches performing a variety of chores, while stable workers focus more on indoor tasks like stall cleaning and basic horse care. Both roles require minimal formal credentials but are essential in equine care and management.

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

To thrive as a Horse Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with horse care, basic animal husbandry knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ranch equipment, grooming tools, and sometimes basic veterinary or equine management systems is beneficial. Physical stamina, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you excel in this demanding, team-oriented environment. These skills ensure the well-being of the horses, efficient ranch operations, and a safe workplace for both animals and staff.

What are horse ranch hands?

Horse ranch hands are workers responsible for the daily care and maintenance of horses and the ranch facilities where they live. Their duties typically include feeding, watering, grooming, exercising horses, mucking stalls, cleaning barns, maintaining equipment, and sometimes assisting with breeding or training. Ranch hands may also perform general ranch work such as repairing fences, maintaining pastures, and handling other livestock. This role requires physical stamina, a love for animals, and basic knowledge of horse care and safety. Experience with horses is often preferred, though some ranches provide on-the-job training.
What are popular job titles related to Horse Ranch Hand jobs in Colorado? For Horse Ranch Hand jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Ranch Hand jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Ranch Hand jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Horse Ranch Hand jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Horse Ranch Hand job openings:
Infographic showing various Horse Ranch Hand job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,037 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Equestrian Center Ranch Hand

$20 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Job Title: Equestrian Center Ranch Hand

Reports To: KCRMA Equestrian Center Barn Manager

Starting Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour, paid on a bi-weekly basis

Employment Classification: Regular Part-Time (up to 30  hours per week); Non-Exempt


Application Closing Date: August 16, 2026


BENEFITS SUMMARY

Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association employees' eligibility for benefits varies by employment classification. Regular and Variable Full-Time employees receive healthcare benefits, employer-paid dental and vision insurance for the employee, Life & AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance. Regular Full-Time, Variable Full-Time, Regular Part-Time, and Variable Part-time employees also enjoy retirement benefits, paid time off, and paid family medical leave. Seasonal employees may be eligible for paid family medical leave and paid-sick leave.


POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Equestrian Manager, Ranch Hand responsibilities include providing quality horse care in a safe, well-maintained facility.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following is an overview of the primary duties and responsibilities:

  • Handle horses in stall and turnout, feeding grain & hay, mucking stalls with fork and wheelbarrow, carrying hoses, filling turnout waters and troughs throughout the property, carrying grain bags, wheeling shavings, sweeping barn aisles and tack rooms/houses, raking hay around the facility, cleaning turnout pens, picking up and dumping muck buckets. 
  • Assist in the upkeep and management of landscaping projects.
  • Undertake minor carpentry and painting tasks.
  • Replace, repair and maintain fences and gates.


OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Previous experience handling horses is required. 


JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to work 40 hours per week that could include some evenings, early mornings and weekends as conditions might dictate. 
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred, but not required.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the job. 
  • Must have the ability to be flexible and be able to adapt to changing daily schedules based on timelines and equipment repair needs. 
  • Working sometimes in challenging weather conditions.
  • Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and be insurable by the KCRMA's insurance carrier by maintaining an acceptable driving record, if over the age of 18 and tasked with operating the facility's machinery.
  • Be able to work evenings, holidays, and weekends as needed.


WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

This position requires work in a variety of locations and conditions, including but not limited to the Equestrian Center. 

Working Environment

  • Moderate physical activity will be required frequently.
  • Work will occasionally be required outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat/cold.
  • Work may be required under hazardous and adverse conditions, including, but not limited to, slippery and uneven surfaces and proximity to moving mechanical equipment.
  • Use of sensory activities, such as talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling (identifying objects by touch), depth perception and color vision will be required frequently.

Physical Requirements

  • Have ability to lift, move and carry objects in excess of fifty (50) pounds frequently.
  • Have ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, bend, lift, squat, push, pull, crawl, jump, slide, climb, pinch, grip, reach overhead, reach away from body, and perform repetitive motions.


Candidates are subject to pre-employment criminal background and DMV record review (if applicable), along with possible reference checks.


This Employer Participates in E-Verify.