~ Wrangler code ~
- -Wranglers ride as a gang for the benefit of the gang. Lead, point, swing and sweep.
- -No hoof, no horse. Whether barefoot or shod, a wrangler needs to have a keen eye and precise attention to foot and hoof care of their horses. A simple hoof pick can solve a lot of problems and should never be far away.
- -A simple rope halter and lead rope is a Wranglers best friend – and a good wrangler should be able to catch and lead their horse, but an even better wrangler should be able to ride a horse bareback with only a rope halter and lead rope as reins.
- -Wranglers don’t “bathe” – Wranglers just dust off.
- -Wrangler needs to know their knots. Everything from clove hitches to bow -lines, various slipknot to packing knots like double diamonds and basket hitches.
- -A Wrangler needs to know how to handle a rope. A better wrangler will know how to rope.
- -Wranglers need to be cool, calm, and confident – particularly with horses and always in front of guests
- -Good wrangler needs to understand dietary needs of their horses and livestock – horses and dogs eat first
- -Horses and dogs are not pets or beasts of burden. Horses and dogs are travelling companions.
- -The wilder the colt, the better the horse.
- Wranglers need to be aware of their natural surroundings and have good situational awareness
- -A good broke horse is worth double her weight in gold.-Wranglers need to be on the lookout for wild game and know where to find grazing and fresh water.
- -Wranglers need to keep camp clean and meals hardy – Teas & “Cowboy” coffee is a morning staple.
- -Wrangling is not an easy life, but it is a good life – “Das leiben ist shoon” – the life is good.
- -When range riding, Wranglers must show respect to wildlife, the land and be courteous to fellow riders they may meet out on trial.
- -Wranglers need to know how to live off the land – hunt, fish, forage & farm
- -“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to ride in the Rain”. Wranglers need to be able to ride in all seasons and weather conditions. Especially weather that is averse to crew, camp, and string.
- -When it comes to fencing, Wranglers need to keep fences – horse high, pig tight and bull strong
- -When working cows and other livestock, don’t be afraid to use your daddy’s voice and if that don’t work, use your mothers.
- -Wranglers need to have a sense of humor, quick wits and be able to “think in the saddle”.
- -Anyone can “run” a horse, but a Wrangler will know how to walk & trot.
- -A good wrangler will “whisper” to their horse, but a better wrangler will listen.
- -Good horsemanship is reaching maximum efficiency with minimal effort with your horse.
- -A Wrangler should be able to build a fire: anywhere & any weather.
- -For Wranglers – another word for wilderness is home.
- -A Wrangler is always humble.
~Paradise Riders ~
By: Ryan Brooks –Wrangler
A Wrangler needs to be a leader & not be afraid to be a lead the way. Employed to care for a remuda of Horses, a wrangler needs to have good horsemanship & keen horse sense. A good wrangler will outride with the crew when driving Cattle or other livestock and will know how to find fresh water and good pasture for grazing.
Sometimes a wrangler will track & hunt wild game & provide an exquisite culinary experience when preparing a camp cuisine for the crew. Generally, wranglers are creative, artist and may also be capable musicians.
Often a Head wrangler will act as a mounted guide to travelling folk from all walks of life, but a wrangler will assist a lead or wilderness guide with clients and horses in the remote backcountry and wilderness expeditions.
Wranglers can also help provide safety and logistics in the backcountry and assist others in extreme & remote wilderness settings via horseback and are ideal in Search & Rescue scenarios. Wranglers are proficient in bushcraft and equine/advanced first aid and a good wrangler is adept in his or her woodsman ship and mastery of the great outdoors.
Usually riding in groups of three or with a partner; solo wranglers may employ the aid of a well trained dog or other familiars in bringing in the remuda or tending to their animals in which they are responsible for out on the land. Wranglers ride as gang, for the benefit if the gang and being a Wrangler is more than a job but a way of life. A wrangler is always humble and at home in the wilderness.
