Sleigh Ride Teamster

About the Role

For more than 100 years, Lone Mountain Ranch has welcomed guests to beautiful Big Sky, Montana. Set on 148 acres just minutes from Yellowstone National Park, the Ranch is known for authentic Western hospitality, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable guest experiences. As a Sleigh Ride Teamster, you'll be responsible for safely driving our draft horse teams on one of Lone Mountain Ranch's signature winter experiences. This position combines expert horsemanship, guest interaction, and hands-on teamwork to create a safe, enjoyable experience for every guest. Beyond driving sleighs, you'll help care for the horses, prepare equipment, support our Sleigh Ride Dinner operation, and work alongside a close-knit team that takes pride in preserving one of the Ranch's longest-standing winter traditions.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate horse-drawn sleighs while transporting guests along the Ranch's winter sleigh trails.
• Welcome guests, assist them boarding and exiting the sleighs, and help create a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the ride.
• Share information about the Ranch, our draft horses, and the history of the area with guest groups in an engaging and professional manner.
• Feed, groom, monitor, and care for the health and well-being of our draft horses.
• Harness, hitch, unhitch, and prepare horses and sleighs for each ride while ensuring equipment is clean, safe, and ready for operation.
• Monitor horse health throughout each shift and provide basic equine first aid when appropriate.
• Support the Sleigh Ride Dinner operation by assisting with dining room setup, food and beverage support, dishwashing, and table resets.
• Prepare sleighs between rides by clearing snow, arranging blankets and cushions, and maintaining a clean, welcoming presentation.
• Work collaboratively with the Horse Program, Culinary, and Food & Beverage teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Follow Ranch safety standards, operational procedures, and animal welfare practices at all times.
• Support other departments and Ranch operations as needed, embracing the collaborative nature of a small hospitality team.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of five years of horse handling experience.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• Strong horsemanship skills and the ability to safely work around large animals.
• Excellent communication and guest service skills.
• Comfortable speaking to groups of guests throughout each shift.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven, icy, and snow-covered terrain.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and throughout the winter season.

Preferred

• Previous sleigh driving experience.
• Experience working with draft horses.
• Experience in guest ranch, outfitting, hospitality, or tourism operations.
• Knowledge of basic equine first aid.

Who Thrives Here

This role is a great fit for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for horses and takes pride in excellent horsemanship.
• Enjoys interacting with guests and sharing the Ranch's history and traditions.
• Stays calm, confident, and safety-focused in changing winter weather conditions.
• Thrives working outdoors throughout the winter season.
• Is dependable, hardworking, and willing to jump in wherever needed.
• Appreciates being part of a close-knit team where everyone contributes to creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Takes ownership of their work and cares deeply about both guest and animal well-being.