Wrangler Training Program
Where riders build skill, responsibility, and real ranch experience.
Our Wrangler Training Program is a 4.5-day immersive, hands-on experience where you don’t just ride — you work, learn, and grow alongside a professional ranch team.
Led by professional and certified coaches, Elana Von Doeler & Mary Morel Maluk, the program combines clear instruction, practical application, and thoughtful feedback to support real, lasting learning in a working ranch environment.
Perfect for riders who:
Want to become better horsemen and horsewomen
Plan to work in the equine industry or start their own program
Want a true Canadian ranch experience while building real, transferable skills
Now offering Level 1 & Level 2
Riders may begin in Level 1, while experienced riders can challenge the Level 1 evaluation to qualify for direct entry into Level 2.
How It Works
Participant Requirements
This program is hands-on and requires riding foundations, physical readiness, and a positive, engaged attitude. Riders must be:
- 18 or older
- Confident handling horses in a working ranch environment
- Willing to participate fully in daily trainings & ranch responsibilities
Daily Schedule
- Program hours: approximately 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Morning and evening chores before and after training are part of the daily routine
- Days include theory lessons, demonstrations, practical application and group training
Accommodations & Meals
- Included accommodation will be bunkhouses or tents with access to the "Saloon" for modern washroom facility and chargers
- Accommodations are 2 per bunkhouse, if you would like private accommodation you may bring your own tent
- Ranch meals are included
- Cooking is part of the program experience and will involve group meal preparation as part of daily ranch life
Program Dates & Application
Level One
2027 Dates
June 14-18, 2027
August 16-20, 2027
Minimum Experience Required: Confident in walk, trot and beginning stages of canter. Must be able to saddle, handle horses independently and ride alone in open spaces.
Over 4.5 immersive days you’ll develop:
• Groundwork & communication
• Equine wellness & preventative care
• Trail guiding & rider management experience
• Cattle work and pack-trip preparation
• Leadership and confidence in a team
• Equipment and saddle fit
• Real insight into ranch operations and the equine industry
•Certificate of completion issued to those who complete the program
Cost: $1595 + HST
Level Two
2027 Dates
September 6-10, 2027
Minimum Experience Required: Confident in all gaits and on a variety of horses. Previous cattle work experience, camping & some ranch experience.
Level 1 is a prerequisite for Level 2. Exceptions may be considered for experienced horsemen and horsewomen who successfully challenge the Level 1 evaluation.
Over 4.5 immersive days you’ll develop:
• Advanced horsemanship and groundwork skills
• Advanced trail guiding & rider management
• Roping & advanced cattle work in a variety of settings
• Real life pack-trip wilderness experience
• Coaching & horse training skills
• Introduction to colt starting
• Planning your pathway into the industry
•Certificate of completion issued to those who complete the program
Cost: $1595 + HST