Gerald, Jael’s husband and right hand man, Gerald can be found in the shop tuning up equipment, eliminating skunks from Julia’s storage room, riding on cattle moves or taking a pickup full of people to the river for a float.

Helen Mackay and Julia Childs are proficient horsewomen and granddaughters of Malcolm Mackay, these two amazing ladies call the ranch home and help out everywhere from the cookhouse to the corrals. Ask Helen the family history and visit the menagerie of animals in Julia’s chicken yard. Her free range, chickens provide the Cookhouse with fresh eggs every morning.

Duane Estelle, Helen’s husband, Duane rides whenever he can, often making time to help out on difficult cattle moves. With perfect cowboy hospitality, Duane will make you feel right at home.

Luke has worked at the ranch for many years in many capacities. This year, he takes on part of the Wrangle duties while actively maintaining our fleet of trucks, trailers and 4 wheelers. Luke is an avid hunter and trapper and will enthusiastically let anyone in on the secrets of his trade.

Erik Carlson, Cowboss. Erik is a Montana native, born and raised just down the road in Columbus. He brings 16 years experience in stockmanship, horsemanship, shoeing, and herd health to the Lazy E-L. Erik spent 10+ years as a cattleman on the Beartooth Ranch, owned by Mel Gibson. He knows cattle, and has brought many new ideas for improving stockmanship. Once an avid bareback bronc rider, Erik has traded in his riggin’ for more solemn rides on his favorite horse Rooster and the more subdued sport of team roping. Erik never has a lot to say, but always takes the time to explain his methods of stockmanship to guests visiting the Lazy E-L.

Val was a professional horsewoman for over 20 years and discovered a great passion for guest ranching nearly 15 years ago. If you don't find Val in the office happily tending to reservations, marketing or working on the website, you'll find her on her horse headed for the hills, fishing pole and hiking boots strapped to the back of the saddle. Val enjoys guiding guests to magnificent, hidden mountain trails or sharing the location of her favorite fishing hole. You're welcome to ride along anytime.

Jack is back! Jack spent many years on and around the E-L ranch in various capacities. A well known, iconic figure of this area, Jack's talents are many and varied; from Cowboy Poetry, to building beautiful bits and spurs, to running a successful ranch horse auction and now this year, Operations Manager for the E-L. If you like to shoot the breeze, pull up a chair beside Jack and wile away the hours.

Head Chef Jesse is a seasoned veteran of The Lazy E-L. Hailing from Woodland, California, he has transformed his passion for the outdoors and the sea into the voice of his cooking. Jesse is a huge fan of local and fresh ingredients so having our ranch raised beef and home grown organic vegetables has been a delightful benefit of his job. Jesse most enjoys watching people's "eyes roll back in their heads" when they eat his food! We think you'll be doing that a lot while you're with us. On his free time you could go to the local creek and find Jesse doing what he loves to do, fishing. Feel free to come along but be warned that fish tremble in fear when Jesse is on the hunt for fish!

Our horse trainer and seasoned Lazy E-L cowboy, Trevor hails from Nebraska and spent three years under the tutelage of renowned horseman, Josh Bilbrey. Trevor's wicked sense of humor is eclipsed only by his roping and horsemanship skills. Pull up a chair beside Trevor in the cookhouse and you're sure to spend more time laughing than eating!

Originally from Healdsburg, California, Kenny is returning to the ranch for his second year. In his spare time, Kenny is a collegiate golfer and avid fisherman. Kenny is in the process of getting his degree in equine studies at Miles Community College under the supervision of renowned horse trainer “Josh Bilbrey”

"Hello! My name is Mallory, and I was born and raised in the high mountains of Colorado. I have been working with horses and guests for the past 8 years and I’m excited to make the Lazy E L my new home! If you can’t find me horseback, I’ll be out hiking through the mountains looking for my next adventure."

MEET KYLE... I'm originally from San Angelo, Texas. I love huntin', and packin' into the mountains. I enjoy starting and riding colts and seeing them come along. I also ride bareback horses in high school rodeo. Cowboyin' plays a big role in my life seeing as how it's all I've been brought up around! I enjoy laughin' and hangin' around meeting new people and makin' others laugh. I also like havin' a little bronc ride now an' again, keeps a guy humble!

Meet Dee! A fun loving gal if ever there was one...and a cracker of a Chef to boot! In her own words "I live in Seattle, Washington. I enjoy writing, laughing out loud, wearing hats, and cooking bacon. I am a big fan of flip flops, and occasional cannonballs off of lake docks on hot summer days. These are a few of my favorite things. Looking forward to experiencing new adventures at Lazy E-L Ranch". Are you starting to get the idea that we laugh ALOT around these parts?

Meet Virginia!

I was born and raised in small town USA know as Congerville, Ilinois. I pretty much live in the kitchen baking pies and decorating cakes for my friends and family! I love to laugh and meet new people. I am a fan of jeans and boots, cattle, and good eats! I am a first timer for the Lazy E-L this year and I cannot wait to get started! I love having a good time so ya'll better be ready to have one too!

Meet Morgan!

Hey, guys! My name is Morgan Russell. I am a born and raised Montana girl and live near Custer. I have a passion for good horsemanship and riding young horses, rodeoin' and spending time with great friends, and for seeing the big Montana sky from the back of a good horse! I am looking forward to my first summer with the Lazy E-L!