Ava Bergstrom
Winchester
Summary
Animal care professional pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Equine Science, with extensive hands-on experience in health monitoring, behavioral observation, and safe handling across animal species. Primary strengths include large animal care, handling, and training, with strong experience in client communication and education.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Ranch Hand and Wrangler (Seasonal)
Greycliff Creek Ranch
Greycliff
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Provided daily care for horses and livestock, including feeding, watering, and routine monitoring.
- Conducted daily health checks on all animals, including post-work assessments and injury evaluations.
- Groomed, tacked, bathed, and prepared horses for client trail rides and lessons.
- Handled horses of varying ages and training levels, including starting and training young horses and colts.
- Assisted with broodmare and foal care, monitoring behavior, condition, and overall health.
- Assisted in livestock management, including moving cattle and bison on horseback.
- Assisted with livestock handling procedures, such as vaccination, branding, and reproductive work.
- Maintained clean stalls, barns, and facilities to support sanitation and biosecurity.
- Experience in fence building, facility upkeep, and general ranch maintenance.
- Collaborated with team members on daily ranch operations.
- Worked directly with clients of varying ages to ensure safety, animal welfare, and positive experiences during lessons and trail rides.
- Instructed group and individual riding sessions, ensuring safety and skill improvement. Assisted with photography and media for horse and livestock advertisements.
Ranch Hand and Wrangler (Seasonal)
Greycliff Creek Ranch
Greycliff
04.2024 - 08.2024
- Rehired for a second seasonal term following the successful completion of the prior season.
- Assisted with daily horse and livestock care, handling, and ranch operations.
Barn Staff Member
Myopia Hunt Club
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Maintained stalls, pens, and farm equipment to support animal health and sanitation.
- Conducted daily turnouts and routine horse care.
- Observed horses for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior, and reported concerns.
Barn Intern
Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited
09.2021 - 08.2022
- Assisted with daily feeding routines, and preparation of grain and hay.
- Administered medications as directed, and monitored horses for responses.
- Maintained stalls, paddocks, and barn areas to support animal health and safety.
- Participated in training rides and early-stage conditioning under supervision.
- Observed horse behavior and overall condition during routine care.
Working Student
Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited
06.2018 - 09.2021
- Provided daily care for horses, including feeding, grooming, tacking, and turnout.
- Maintained paddocks, trails, and farm areas to support safe handling.
- Worked closely with children and adults with disabilities in a therapeutic riding environment.
- Led horses and side walked alongside clients to ensure safety and positive experiences.
Volunteer
Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Assisted with grooming, tacking, and handling horses for therapeutic riding sessions.
- Supported clients with disabilities through leading and side-walking during lessons.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Equine Science
Rocky Mountain College
Billings, MT05.2026
Skills
Clinical and animal care skills
- Animal health monitoring and daily wellness checks
- Medication administration
- Behavioral observation and pain, distress recognition
- Monitoring recovery and post-treatment behavior
- Biosecurity and sanitation maintenance
- Preventive care routines
- Recognizing abnormal vital signs
- Record keeping and reporting health concerns
Animal handling and client skills
- Safe handling of large and small animals
- Large and small animal training
- Multi-species animal behavior awareness
- Client education and communication
- Assisting inexperienced riders and clients
- Matching animals to client skill and temperament
- Calm decision-making in high-stress situations
Affiliations
Extracurricular Activities: Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
Extracurricular Activities: Ironstone Farms, 'Golden Aces' Drill Team Member
Extracurricular Activities: Ironstone Farms, 'Golden Aces' Drill Team Member
Timeline
Ranch Hand and Wrangler (Seasonal)
Greycliff Creek Ranch
04.2025 - 09.2025
Ranch Hand and Wrangler (Seasonal)
Greycliff Creek Ranch
04.2024 - 08.2024
Barn Staff Member
Myopia Hunt Club
05.2023 - 07.2023
Barn Intern
Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited
09.2021 - 08.2022
Working Student
Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited
06.2018 - 09.2021
Volunteer
Ironstone Farm Challenge Unlimited
06.2017 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Equine Science
Rocky Mountain College