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Horseback Riding Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Devil's Thumb Ranch

Host

Tabernash, CO

$12.32/hr

... biking, fishing, and horseback riding during warmer seasons, Devil's Thumb Ranch offers ... In addition, as a Devil's Thumb Ranch host/hostess, you will be assuming the role of tour guide ...

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Horseback Riding Guide information

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How much do horseback riding guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding guide in Colorado is $12.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.50 and $14.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a horse trail guide make?

A horseback riding guide typically earns between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Guides often need good communication skills, knowledge of horses, and sometimes certifications in first aid or equine care.

What is a Horseback Riding Guide job?

A Horseback Riding Guide leads trail rides, teaches basic riding skills, and ensures the safety of riders and horses. They provide instructions on proper riding techniques, horse care, and trail etiquette. Guides may also share information about the surrounding landscape, wildlife, and local history. Responsibilities include saddling horses, checking equipment, and responding to emergencies. This role requires strong riding skills, communication abilities, and a passion for working with people and animals.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as experienced horseback riding guides working in luxury or high-end equestrian facilities, professional consultants, surgeons, or corporate executives. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience, and may involve irregular or demanding schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Horseback Riding Guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horseback Riding Guide, you need strong riding and horsemanship skills, knowledge of trail safety, and often first aid certification. Guides commonly use saddles, tack, ride communication devices, GPS systems, and may be required to hold certifications such as CPR, wilderness first aid, or equine care. Outstanding customer service, clear communication, and patience help you instruct and reassure riders of varying skill levels. These abilities are critical for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests while maintaining the wellbeing of the horses.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily activities of a Horseback Riding Guide?

A typical day for a Horseback Riding Guide involves preparing horses for rides, checking and fitting tack, conducting safety briefings, and leading groups on designated trails. Guides are responsible for monitoring both the riders and horses throughout the excursion, providing instructions to riders, and responding quickly to any issues or emergencies. Additional duties may include basic horse care, maintaining equipment, and assisting with stable management. Collaborating with other guides ensures consistent safety standards and a positive guest experience. This hands-on role combines customer service, animal care, and outdoor adventure in a dynamic work environment.

What is the 20% rule for horses?

The 20% rule for horses suggests that a horse should not be worked more than 20% of its body weight in a single session to prevent overexertion and injury. Horseback riding guides should monitor rider weight and horse condition to ensure safe and healthy riding experiences.

What is the 20% rule in horse riding?

The 20% rule in horseback riding suggests that riders should focus on improving their skills by dedicating about 20% of their time to practice and learning new techniques, which helps build confidence and competence. For horseback riding guides, understanding this principle can aid in training clients effectively and ensuring steady progress. It emphasizes consistent, focused effort over time to develop riding ability safely and efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado? For Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado are:
Horseback Riding Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Guide job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 19% Temporary, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $26,761 per year, or $12.9 per hour.
Summer Season Wrangler

Summer Season Wrangler

Devil's Thumb Ranch, Inc.

Tabernash, CO • On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Temporary
Description
Employment Period: Early May through September, with the possibility of extension.
Spend your summer creating unforgettable guest experiences at Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa as a Summer Wrangler. From May to September, this seasonal position offers an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for horses with exceptional customer service. You'll oversee horse care and safety while guiding guests in memorable activities at Cabin Creek Stables. Opportunities for extension may be available based on performance and business needs.
Principle Purpose of Job
The Summer Wrangler ensures the safety and well-being of horses while delivering exceptional guest experiences through engaging stable activities and events, contributing to the overall success of Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Facilitate safe, fun, and engaging stable activities and events for guests of all ages.
  • Deliver outstanding customer service, ensuring every guest interaction is positive and memorable.
  • Groom, tack, and untack trail animals; harness and unharness driving animals as needed.
  • Provide routine horse care, including feeding, monitoring herd health, and assisting with veterinary and hoof care.
  • Book reservations for stable activities via phone and in-person interactions, and handle POS system transactions.
  • Ensure all guests complete liability waivers and are fully briefed on safety protocols before activities.
  • Perform daily housekeeping and maintenance of barn and stable areas to ensure cleanliness and safety.
  • Act as Barn Host to welcome guests and provide guidance on stable activities.
  • Support ranch operations, including fence repairs, firewood gathering, mineral block distribution, and assisting with hay harvest.
  • Move horses to and from pastures on horseback and help monitor and maintain trail safety.
  • Maintain tack, harnesses, and stable equipment to ensure proper function.
  • Report and assist in addressing unsafe trails, fences, or hazards to maintain safety standards.
  • Promote other ranch departments and activities during guest interactions to enhance their overall experience.

Requirements
  • Minimum of three years of riding experience required.
  • Guest or dude ranch experience strongly preferred.
  • First Aid/CPR certification is a plus.
  • Experience in guiding or teaching horseback activities desirable.
  • Outgoing, friendly, and responsible with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and adjust to changing priorities.
  • Team player who works well independently and collaboratively.
  • Physically fit, capable of working in all weather conditions, flexible with demanding work hours, and able to lift 45 lbs or more regularly and stand for long periods of time.

Compensation Description:
$14.50 - $16.50/hr +tips Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience.
To Apply: Submit application materials, including resume, application questions, three references, and a riding video, through the Paylocity application portal or via email at hr@devilsthumbranch.com.
Benefits and Perks:
  • 152 hours of Paid Time Off if FT, Year-Round employment status.
  • Affordable furnished housing, if working a minimum of 35 hours/week or more.
  • Health, Dental & Life & Vision Insurances, plus 401k Employer Match of up to $2,000 annually-if FT, Year-Round employment status.
  • Wellness Program opportunities including meditation, complimentary daily Yoga, trail running & mountain-biking workshops.
  • 25% discounts at all Devil's Thumb Ranch restaurants, activities including Trail Rides, and Spa Treatments.
  • Discounted Winter Park Ski Resort season pass (available annually in season) or 1/2 price Grand Park Rec Center Pass.
  • Referral bonus of $250 if we hire someone you refer.

Due to the nature of our 24-hour operation, there is no guaranteed work schedule. Managers will try to accommodate specific schedule requests, but they are never guaranteed if business volume prohibits.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary Description
$14.50 - $16.50/hr +tips

Apply