For many guests, a horseback ride at Tanque Verde Ranch is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For wranglers like Catherine "Cat" Hines, it's a calling—one rooted in a lifelong love of horses, deep connection, and the joy of sharing the Sonoran Desert from the saddle. Cat has been part of the Tanque Verde Ranch family for nearly two years, but her journey with horses began long before that.
A Lifelong Love That Turned into a Calling
"Horses have always been something I loved," Cat says. "I was three years old the first time I was on a horse. I always knew, in the back of my mind, that I wanted to work with them if I could." After high school, Cat took time to work at a barn, immersing herself fully in horse care. Those years shaped her understanding of horses on a deeply personal level. "All I did was learn how to care for horses. It became a beautiful connection," she explains. That path led her to her first ranch job in Colorado in 2010, where she spent six seasons wrangling. "That's where I fell in love with wrangling. Getting to interact with both guests and horses—it was the dream job."
Finding Home at Tanque Verde Ranch
Cat's journey eventually brought her to southern Arizona. When she arrived at Tanque Verde Ranch, the welcome left a lasting impression. "Angela was one of the first people I met, along with a longtime guest named Stephanie," Cat recalls. "Stephanie told me this was one of the best places to work if the opportunity came up—and she was right." What keeps Cat coming back each season is the people. "The other wranglers were so helpful right away. They taught me the ropes and really brought me into the ranch family," she says. "Even though there are so many people working here, it truly feels like a family. Everyone is personable and welcoming, and they wanted to understand my background when I started. I've learned so much here."
The Horses: Heart of the Ranch
Tanque Verde Ranch is home to an impressive herd—about 105 horses, plus 70 leased from Wyoming. Wranglers are often paired with one or two horses to help them develop specific skill sets, and for Cat, one horse stands out above the rest. "Ocala—Cal—is the first horse that comes to mind," she says. "He's a gelding, about five or six years old, and he's just adorable. He gives off silly vibes, but he wouldn't hurt a fly. He's always taking in the world around him and is incredibly sweet." Cat has been working with Cal since May 2024, helping him learn and grow into his role. One moment in particular captures his gentle nature. "I was haltering another horse one time, and he just came up out of nowhere and rested his head on my shoulder," she recalls. "That's just who he is."
Days That Start Early—and Matter Deeply
A wrangler's day at Tanque Verde Ranch starts early, usually between 5 and 6 a.m. The morning begins with folding blankets, tidying the barn, and gathering the horses—often pushing them up from the lower hill as they transition from sleeping and eating to running into the corral. From there, it's brushing, saddling, and splitting chores based on the day's rides. A large vet board ensures every horse receives individualized care, and feeding is a major operation—around two tons of alfalfa hay every single day.
Why the Rides Matter
Cat's favorite trail is Scotts Knob, especially during sunset rides. "That final side hill gives you incredible views of the Sonoran Desert, it never gets old." What truly makes the job special, though, are the guests. One interaction still stands out: a sunrise ride with a grandmother and her grandson. "It was her dream to experience the Southwest on horseback," Cat shares. "Being part of that moment—seeing a dream come true—is unforgettable." She also loves watching guests step outside their comfort zones. "Seeing people conquer something they've never done before, learning how to work with a horse—it's incredibly rewarding."
Advice for First-Time Riders
For those considering their first horseback experience at Tanque Verde Ranch, Cat offers simple but powerful advice: "Don't forget to breathe. Relax and look up—take in the adventure and the experience. Remember that horses are animals, and they need to be worked with. Trust the process."
More Than a Ride
From sunrise rides to breathtaking desert views, Tanque Verde Ranch's horse program is built on care, connection, and authenticity. Wranglers like Cat bring heart and experience to every ride, ensuring guests don't just see the desert—but feel it. For anyone dreaming of a horseback adventure, Tanque Verde Ranch offers more than a ride. Meet Cat and the rest of our wrangling team on your next ride.