longranger
07-15-2011, 02:38 PM
I just spent the past 6 weeks as the chef/wrangler for a outfitter here in Wyoming. I took the job for $500.00 a week plus tips.(tips exceeded the $500.00 a week)I am a retired firefighter/paramedic and was used to feeding more than 8 at a time.My eyes got wide open after the first week I have never worked as hard doing anything as this.Absolutely back breaking long hours(12-18 hrs days)
The outfitter is unique in that this not a pony ride where some wrangler walks you through the woods.She does high level fast rides through the spectacular Wyoming's Big Horn Mountains.Clients never see the same trail in any direction and all gaits are used.No beginners or kids all clients must know how to ride in all gaits and saddle their own horses.Some days they ride out from the ranch then we go to the mountains for four days and move camp ever day.That's the back breaking part to move 7 canvas 12X12 wall tents every day and all associated gear.Occaisionally a another rancher will ask the Outfitter if they would'nt mind helping to move cows.
All but 5 clients were from the U.K.Denmark,Italy,France,Ireland,England,Scotland and Japan.
I made some super new friends,they love coming here they love America more than a lot of Americans do.Most are professional people and a definate exchange of cultures was benefit for me personally.
If heaven and hell exist it 's in Wyoming, these rides are not for anyone who fears getting hurt.If you are not on top of your game you will get hurt.The boss lady has been running these rides for16 years.This was the worst, 1 broken femur in 3 places(operator error),4 broken ribs with bruised lung(operator error) 1 hand with 3 fractures(operator error), paramedic skills were useful this year.
I must mention one our wranglers "Merle" the boss lady and her are great friends for 20 years.Merle is an executive with Jet Blue airlines and the most competent woman I have ever worked with.Yes Merle is a beautiful Russian lady who is married to a N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ret. Merle will keep up with just about any man,knows tools and how to use them.
I busted my ass for other peoples comfort and the clients were more than happy with our service.It is not a "Dude Ranch",I was surprised at the number of ladies who do this ride we had 2 more ladies than men.
The guys suffered the most significant injuries(operator error)my experience tells me the ladies tend to make more right decisions when riding horses than men do.
I hated the first week thought I had made a bad decision the work load was tremendous no 15 minute breaks after 4 hrs. you get 5-6 hrs sleep thats it !
It took me a week to see and do everything then it got easier the next week.But it's the clients I enjoyed the most.They were accomplished people of some means and world travelers and they love Wyoming the best, I say I can't blame them,It's not CO,MT,UT or ID it is uniquley Wyoming,we don't get mentioned on most national weather reports unless the cattle are dying.Towns are 2 hrs. apart @ 75mph. least populated state with more Antelope than people.
Thank You Wyoming for giving me this very unique opportunity it has been life changing in many ways.
The outfitter is unique in that this not a pony ride where some wrangler walks you through the woods.She does high level fast rides through the spectacular Wyoming's Big Horn Mountains.Clients never see the same trail in any direction and all gaits are used.No beginners or kids all clients must know how to ride in all gaits and saddle their own horses.Some days they ride out from the ranch then we go to the mountains for four days and move camp ever day.That's the back breaking part to move 7 canvas 12X12 wall tents every day and all associated gear.Occaisionally a another rancher will ask the Outfitter if they would'nt mind helping to move cows.
All but 5 clients were from the U.K.Denmark,Italy,France,Ireland,England,Scotland and Japan.
I made some super new friends,they love coming here they love America more than a lot of Americans do.Most are professional people and a definate exchange of cultures was benefit for me personally.
If heaven and hell exist it 's in Wyoming, these rides are not for anyone who fears getting hurt.If you are not on top of your game you will get hurt.The boss lady has been running these rides for16 years.This was the worst, 1 broken femur in 3 places(operator error),4 broken ribs with bruised lung(operator error) 1 hand with 3 fractures(operator error), paramedic skills were useful this year.
I must mention one our wranglers "Merle" the boss lady and her are great friends for 20 years.Merle is an executive with Jet Blue airlines and the most competent woman I have ever worked with.Yes Merle is a beautiful Russian lady who is married to a N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ret. Merle will keep up with just about any man,knows tools and how to use them.
I busted my ass for other peoples comfort and the clients were more than happy with our service.It is not a "Dude Ranch",I was surprised at the number of ladies who do this ride we had 2 more ladies than men.
The guys suffered the most significant injuries(operator error)my experience tells me the ladies tend to make more right decisions when riding horses than men do.
I hated the first week thought I had made a bad decision the work load was tremendous no 15 minute breaks after 4 hrs. you get 5-6 hrs sleep thats it !
It took me a week to see and do everything then it got easier the next week.But it's the clients I enjoyed the most.They were accomplished people of some means and world travelers and they love Wyoming the best, I say I can't blame them,It's not CO,MT,UT or ID it is uniquley Wyoming,we don't get mentioned on most national weather reports unless the cattle are dying.Towns are 2 hrs. apart @ 75mph. least populated state with more Antelope than people.
Thank You Wyoming for giving me this very unique opportunity it has been life changing in many ways.