Internship on a Working Wyoming Ranch

I thought I knew myself before HorseWorks, I was wrong. I had so much to learn about the meaning of happiness and the difference between that and contentment. I thought I knew, but finally understood, there are no problems, only solutions. I thought I was independent, but I didn’t truly understand the definition. I believed I could handle anything, but I learned help is always better. MaeCile and Nate and their horses and animals taught me so much about myself that I am forever grateful. I often talk and think about politics and the news of the day, but when you’re out in the middle of the Wyoming range and it’s just you and the horse under you, that’s real.

HorseWorks was the most fun I have ever had and makes life worth living. When I applied to HorseWorks, I knew I wanted to escape city life and ride horses. I didn’t realize I’d meet lifelong friends and family and have a transformative experience on my outlook on life. The horses and Wyoming sunsets brought long-sought peace of mind and refocused me on those things in life that are actually important.

I spent a few weeks at horse works and really enjoyed it. Going on this trip I really wanted to learn everything I could about horsemanship and ranch life. I got to wake up at the same time as the sun and watch some of the colts being trained, go on rides where it was just open land for miles, feed the horses and claves, do some cow sorting and so much more. The horses are so friendly and which makes bonding with them so much easier. The off site activities are fun, but for me I enjoyed the ranch life the most. Once I got home I was able to get a job as a Vet assistant at a well known hospital and horseworks definitely played a big part in that. Thank you for the experience and I hope to be back soon!

I traveled to horseworks in June of 2019. I was looking for inauthentic Western Ranch experience and I feel like I received that experience. It was awesome to meet so many people from all over the world. First of all we were given the time at the beginning of the trip to introduce ourselves have a little time to talk about we were looking forward to doing during the week. Being a working Ranch, we had chores to do. However, we were given the opportunity to choose specific chores. Also some of the animals had medical issues And had to be treated. Since we worked in teams, those of us who were not as familiar with that were able to work with others who did know what to do. I definitely plan to return!

I am a life long horse nut, but had decided to make a career in banking. I was 10 years into my career and had risen to a senior level in an investment bank when I first came to Horseworks. Working horses the western way and learning from Nate and MaeCile was amazing. There was so much I had never considered as an English rider. Fast forward five years and I'm no longer an investment banker, but instead I work with horses full time. I have also been back to Horseworks several times.
The accommodation is in cozy cabins. I love walking down to my cabin after a delicious dinner and enjoy the amazing Wyoming night sky with billions of stars. You can hear the cattle and the horses moving and chewing on their hay. If you are very lucky you may also hear a coyote calling it's friends. So many opportunities to see wildlife here.

Being back in 2019 was the 4th time I returned to work with MaeCile at HorseWorks in Wyoming - coming from across the world (Sweden) I make this trip once a year to be able to really fullfil my urge to experience the real Wyoming and get an opportunity to work with horses. I love all the the things about HorseWork - a place where you really get to participate in the all of the activities that comes with Ranching, perfect if you want a true working experience and get a hands-on ranch experience.

HorseWorks Wyoming is truly the opportunity to really enjoy horses and riding regardless of your age, background or horseback riding experience.

While looking for a place to visit on my gap year, with a fierce love of riding (despite having not done it as much as I'd have liked) and not work-shy, I stumbled across Horseworks Wyoming. Reading into it, it sounded like a lovely opportunity to do some amazing riding in the most perfect scenery possible for Western riding and learn to be a cowboy at the same time. Boy was I not disappointed.

From the Western riding gear, horses and rustic lifestyle to the stunning scenery and rope skills, Horseworks held the key to the perfect cowboy lifestyle. Working as a team to care for the animals and help each other out, riding our way up, over and around rolling hills in the ever-changing (but often sunny) Wyoming weather, whipping out the ropes for some afternoon lasso practice or choosing to spend the afternoon bathing in the local hot springs, Horseworks as it all.

I should emphasise that this is no dude ranch. This is THE perfect place to develop horse-sense skills and learn everything you possibly can. The ranch owner, MaeCile, will try to accommodate your interests and help you to push yourself and develop new skills. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to understanding, working with and training horses. It's the perfect opportunity to learn how to listen to and understand your horse and take your riding to the next level, rather than just sitting on a horse.

I say it's an adventure to last a lifetime and I really mean it. Once you get a taste for the lifestyle you can never let go. Once you've been welcomed into the Horseworks family it really is that, a family of people from all over the world that will always know a home at the ranch tucked away in the hills and plains of beautiful Wyoming.

I don't even know how to capture my Horseworks experience in only a few words. After my first visit in 2016 I've come back every year. The ranch has become my home away from home and the people there have become family. You never know what to expect on a single day but it's always an adventure and for those willing to be open to new things and be flexible, it's the best thing you can do. I've gotten so many amazing opportunities at the ranch that have shaped me into a more strong and confident woman! When I first came to the ranch I was shy and quiet but MaeCile and the wranglers taught me so much and inspired me to come back and become a wrangler myself. I have discovered more about myself and my own strengths. It has helped me accomplish a lot of amazing things these past years, like finishing the toughest horse race in the world, The Mongol Derby, and starting my own business, a horse travel agency. My horsemanship skills have improved so much. I got the opportunity to work with lots of different horses at horseworks and even train my 'own' young horse. It is an experience I will never forget and I'm still planning on coming back again as soon as I can!

What we did with the horses was really helpful. I saw what to do step by step when starting a new horse. I got to practice doing everything as well so I knew what to do when I got home. As I was the youngest, I was the first person to lie over and sit on Maddie and girlie and by the end of the week, I was riding them around the barn with just a halter and rope. I helped missy get over her fear of people getting off too. I got to ride Phoenix twice as well, a lovely 4 year old. He helped me realize how different it is riding a horse that is still “learning” to riding a horse that has been ridden for years. I now know that you have to be very consistent with your cues and not let them learn bad habits. This will help me in the future with my horse.

I had such an amazing time and all the experiences I had helped me make up my mind and go to uni to study equine science and therapy! I gained so much knowledge which is helping me now to work with a mare.