Meet Jorgia Rutherford | Horseback Guide & Adventurer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jorgia Rutherford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jorgia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I had formally been a hairstylist in NorthWest Arkansas. I gave that up after only 2 years in the industry. I wanted to travel and experience all that nature has to offer us.
I then looked for seasonal jobs near National Parks or areas that I have been wanting to visit. Using the skills I already acquired from growing up on a cattle farm, I became a Wrangler for an outfitter in the Grand Teton National Park.
With each new season, I build new skills, see new country, and create memories that will stick with me forever.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career is not your typical 9-5 work your way up the company ladder. I work seasonally so that means I stick with one company for 4-6 months and then move on.
It was difficult getting started working with horses because everyone wants experience. Luckily, I grew up riding and had a base knowledge. Most everything I know, I’ve learned on the job from coworkers and bosses.
The great thing about the world of agriculture is that it’s a very tight knit community. Most everyone knows everyone, and you can make some life changing connections with people once you get started.
The most challenging thing for me was being alone. I don’t know anyone where I move each season and it can get lonely.
I met my current boyfriend in Wyoming at my first seasonal position. We now travel together and look for jobs that we can work together at ranches, parks, etc.
I want everyone who has a desire to do this to know that they can do it too. You don’t have to be rich to travel the world, you don’t need to know everything either. There are employers out there willing to teach people- you just have to be willing to put in the work. It takes long hours, lots of sweat, and grit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were to come visit me I would definitely take them skiing out in Steamboat Springs! It’s a great mountain to learn on- there’s lots of green and blue runs! We would have to eat at my favorite spot Seedz, an all organic restaurant. They have amazing fresh and tasty food. We would have to hit all of the thrift stores in Denver of course, as well as go down to Pikes Peak and the Royal Gorge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Nana and Aunt really pushed me to pursue my adventures. It was scary to quit a career that I had quickly become successful in and venture into uncertainty. They helped me to find my first job in Wyoming and have been supportive since I first started

Instagram: @jorgiakateadventures

Image Credits
Whitney Mabie Photography