Bar SZ Ranch
Wrangler Academy

Welcome to the ranch, where you will find the opportunity to build resilience, persistence, and life skills that will last a lifetime. At the Borlands’ Ranch, located in beautiful San Benito, California, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind experience that cultivates the growth mindset every young person needs to succeed in life.

Why This Ranch Experience is Like No Other

This isn’t just another gap program, or a summer job.

The Borlands have spent over 15 years creating an authentic, hands-on hospitality experience where young people learn from seasoned mentors who have dedicated their lives to helping others grow.

The Bar SZ Wrangler Academy offers young men and women a chance to immerse themselves in ranch life, discover their own potential, and walk away with a deeper sense of purpose.

Over the course of Three, Six, or Nine Month Terms, Wranglers will engage in meaningful training and hands-on experience that push them to develop their character and life skills, all while being part of a supportive, tight-knit community.

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A Program Built for Real Growth

We believe in the power of resilience—the ability to overcome obstacles and turn them into opportunities. At Borlands’ Ranch, you will experience firsthand the power of persistence, hard work, and continuous improvement.

The Bar SZ Ranch Wrangler Academy is centered on these principles, designed to challenge and empower you in ways you will carry with you forever. This is accomplished through an immersive, hands-on position that provides the opportunity to live and work on the ranch as a Wrangler, learning about and participating in areas such as animal care, horse training, hospitality and customer service, and ranch management. Upon successful completion of the Ranch Academy, Wranglers will have gained invaluable work and life experience to aid them in pursuing a wide and exciting variety of careers.

Graduates of our Teen Ranch Camp programs will experience the opportunity to go beyond their week of camp, honing skills and putting into real-world practice the valuable life lessons they've gained.

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Who Is It For?

The Bar SZ Ranch Wrangler Academy is open to young men and women between the ages of 18 - 24 years old, and is perfect for:
- High school graduates looking for a gap year opportunity.
- College Students seeking real-world learning experiences.
- Young Adults seeking to gain skills and knowledge to build towards careers in the ranching, horsemanship, and hospitality industries.


If you are a high school student interested in experiencing life on the ranch, check out our Teen Ranch Camps.

Academy Course Terms

- Fall: August 22 - December 6, 2025
- Spring: January 10 - May 9, 2026
- Summer: May 16 - August 15, 2026


Class sizes will range from 3-4 Wranglers, allowing each student to receive meaningful personal training and mentorship from our Ranch Instructors. Applicants may apply for multiple terms, allowing for a flexible Three, Six, or Nine Month program.

*Term dates can be flexible, subject to approval after interview.*

What You Will Experience

Our program is divided into four key areas of focus:

1. Hospitality and Life Skills: You will be involved in all aspects of hospitality, from meal preparation to learning the etiquette that makes a lasting impression. You'll build skills in direct guest communication and service, showcasing the respect inherent in ranch life. You’ll gain hands-on experience and confidence, building blocks of strong leadership for wherever life takes you.

2. Ranch Life: You'll learn the ropes—literally! From caring for horses to roping and round penning, herding cattle, repairing fences, cleaning stalls, and more, you  will be active in all aspects of ranch work, building both character and competence.

3. Community and Connection: We’ll come together throughout each week for family dinners and community activities like line dancing, game nights, and campfire chats. You'll find a place in something bigger than yourself, a supportive environment that encourages connection, communication, and trust.

4. Personal Growth: Through reflective activities, personal mentorship, and real-life lessons, you will strengthen a growth mindset. You'll gain tools to help work through challenges, build resilience, and understand that success is about persistence.

The Investment

This is more than just a job, or any other gap program. It's a life-changing experience that fosters resilience, persistence, and a growth mindset—all in an authentic, community-driven environment. The ranch has been home to countless interns and wranglers over 15 years, teaching valuable life skills, personal growth, and real-world hospitality. The Borlands and their team of mentors have created an experience that not only teaches essential life skills but emphasizes the importance of human connection and doing life together.


This investment includes:

- Authentic Ranch Experience: Spend 3 to 9 months immersed in ranch life, learning from the Borlands' 15 years of experience in community building, hospitality, and life skills.

- Growth Mindset Focus: Develop resilience, persistence, and the ability to grow in every situation.

- Professional Certifications: You'll have the opportunity to pursue a Certified Horsemanship Association certification under the leadership of our expert instructors (Available for 6 and 9 month term options).

- Life Skills Development: Learn valuable, everyday life skills such as treating others with respect, customer service, conflict resolution, and more.

- Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance from experienced ranch instructors and senior wranglers, creating a supportive learning environment.

- Community Building: Forge lasting connections with fellow wranglers and staff, working together and supporting one another through every activity.

- Teamwork and Responsibility: Participate in hands-on ranch chores, fostering responsibility and teamwork in a real-world setting.

- Hospitality Training: Discover the art of hospitality with lessons in customer service, meal prep, and community care.

- Physical and Mental Challenge: From horse training to roping, experience activities that push you beyond your comfort zone and help build both mental and physical strength.

- Emphasis on Personal Growth: Develop a growth mindset that helps you approach challenges with a positive and resilient attitude.

- Real-World Application: Apply what you learn in a true working ranch environment, where every task contributes to the overall success of the ranch.

- Daily Engagement: Engage in meaningful conversations, problem-solving, and activities that promote learning and growth, day in and day out.

- Family-style Room and Board: Share meals around the table with your community, learning the importance of respect, communication, and teamwork. Wranglers will be housed on site, with meals and other necessities provided.

- Connection to Nature: Experience the healing and grounding benefits of spending time outdoors, working with animals, and connecting to nature.

- Fun and Relaxation: Enjoy down time with activities like line dancing, poker night, and lawn games, while connecting with your peers in an informal setting.

- Leadership and Confidence: Build leadership skills as you contribute to the community, strengthening your confidence and your ability to lead and follow.

This program is intentionally designed to cultivate an environment where individuals are encouraged to embrace growth, learn through action, and develop resilience in the face of challenges. The Borlands and their team believe that true growth happens when we do life together, supporting one another, learning from each experience, and building a community based on trust and mutual respect. All these elements combined make the investment a transformative experience that lasts far beyond the term itself.
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Click the link above to complete an application. Please note that completing the application does not guarantee enrollment, as the spots are limited.

I learned a lot about ranch life and animals in general, but I think the two most important things I learned were teamwork and what hard work really was. I was expected to get up in the morning, feed animals, work horses, fix fences, interact with guests, and more. I also learned that while the work was hard, there was also plenty of time to play. Work hard, play hard was one of the biggest things I learned in my time at the ranch.

Emma

Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, whether it was fixing vehicles that broke down or fixing broken water pipes. I gained many skills and the satisfaction of being able to look back and see that your
work is valuable.

Mitchell

I was shy and not particularly comfortable carrying conversations with adults. Through hands-on experience with leading trail rides, teaching guests how to care for animals, and helping them learn about how a ranch operates, I came out of my shell. I learned I had a voice that people wanted to hear and that what I had to say could be interesting and important. I now carry the valuable skill of communication
wherever I go.

Maleah

The Bar SZ Ranch Wrangler Academy offers the chance to discover resilience, confidence, and purpose within yourself.

Our vision is that each Wrangler will grow, learn, and lead to set them on a path to success!

We can’t wait to welcome you into our ranch family!

Happy trails,

Tim & Michelle
Bar SZ Ranch

Photo of the Borland Family silhouetted against an epic sunset at Bar SZ Ranch