The people behind the rides at Paintrock
Our wranglers bring together deep experience in ranching, horsemanship, conservation, and hospitality. Their knowledge shapes each stay at Paintrock, from how our guests experience the landscape to how they understand the role a working cattle ranch plays in caring for it.
Meet the team of friendly, skilled, and knowledgable people that we've assembled to host you during your time at the ranch.
Lauren O'Toole
Head of Stay Programs
Lauren brings a mix of logistical precision and lived experience to every stay at the Paintrock. She joined Ranchlands as a wrangler at the Zapata Ranch in 2021 and now oversees all guest programming, shaping our annual calendar of events and the small details of the daily experiences guests have on the ranch. Her time guiding rides around the world in the off-season gives her a global perspective on horsemanship and hospitality, while her background in conservation biology grounds everything she shares with guests in respect for land, animals, and working landscapes.
Taylor Dolak
Wrangler
Taylor’s approach to horsemanship is shaped by a lifetime in the saddle and years spent riding across continents. After studying equine science at Colorado State University, she began working in Argentina, where she continues to guide horseback trips each winter. A finisher of the Mongol Derby and a longtime facilitator of the Gaucho Derby, she is an outstanding rider, well versed in many different disciplines, and plays a large role in helping guests ride with greater confidence.
Grace Phillips
Wrangler & Fly Fishing Guide
Grace grew up riding and working on the Chico Basin Ranch, where ranch life was part of her everyday from a young age. After years guiding fly fishing trips in Alaska and Argentina, she returned to Ranchlands to take part in the family business. At Paintrock, Grace leads rides and guides guests in fishing excursions along Paintrock Creek, sharing both her technical skills and lifelong insights into outdoor recreation.
Oliver Tautkus
Wrangler
Oliver came to Ranchlands from Australia through the internship and apprenticeship programs, first at the Frying Pan Ranch in Texas and then at Paintrock. After completing his apprenticeship, he joined the stays team and quickly became known for his patience, clarity, and generosity as a teacher. Deeply knowledgeable about ranching, Oliver loves helping guests understand what’s happening on the ranch, making each ride an opportunity to learn as well as enjoy the landscape.
Our wranglers in their own words
This team is part of what makes time at the Paintrock feel immersive, meaningful, and as though you're hosted by friends. Whether you’re coming for the riding, the landscape, or the chance to learn something new, these are the people who will make your stay unforgettable.
