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, organically fed 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.

Tyler was a professional bull rider and rodeo circuit competitor before taking some time off to help us at the E-L this year and we are very grateful to have his considerable skills. Guests just love ridin' alongside Tyler because of his quick fire southern drawl, big welcoming grin and willingness to swap tales.

Trevor hails from Nebraska and spent three years under the tutelage of renowned horseman, Josh Bilbrey. Trevors wicked sense of humor is eclisped 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!

Jesse joins us 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.