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The Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is pleased to acknowledge some of the best wranglers in the nation. Our wranglers are expert horse men and women; they handle all the horseback riding trips, trail rides, and horseback riding camps. Here is some more information about our wranglers:
 Brad
"My name is Brad Yunek and I work for Roley and Janice as one of the wranglers, a mechanic, guitar picker, and a few other odds and ends. The fact is I just keep showing up and they keep giving me things to do. In reality I've had the joy of working for and with two real good friends part time since 1996 and year round since 1999. An added bonus for me is that my wife Susan, daughter Heather, son Joshua, and I call the Ranch “home,” and live in the old ranch house. I find great joy in song writing. I like to put words and notes together and make people think, smile, and cry. You can find a sample of some of the many songs I have written at my SongU member page. I hope you enjoy.
I was born in Rockford, Illinois and raised in California. Susan and I first visited Sandpoint in 1983 and moved here in 1991... just about the time Janice and Roley were getting going with Western Pleasure. For 20 years I made my living as an equipment mechanic. I did pull a 6-month detail as a hand at a cow/calf operation in Walden, Colorado. I had a Grandpa and three uncles who made their livings with harness horses in northern Illinois. Even though I was not around it full time as a youngster, the sounds, smells, and work that goes along with livestock have always brought me comfort and joy. I like to think that I can relate some of that happiness to you as our guests when you join us.”
Marcy
“Hey there folks! My name is Marcy Ott and I've been working at the Ranch for three years. My job here includes  wrangling, guiding, and Dutchoven cooking. I grew up in western Washington state and as a little girl I went to ranch camps a lot like the ones offered here at the ranch. When I was 11, I was given a horse for my birthday and began my adventures with horses. I learned Hunter-Jumper through Pony Club. I then trained at Western Pleasure and Stockseat Equitation. As a teenager with a “need for speed,” I participated in Gaming. My passion in life now is riding and packing in the high country of North Idaho. So come join us at the ranch for your Western Pleasure adventure in the North Idaho mountains.”
Barb
 "Hi! My name is Barb Rhodes. I've been a wrangler at the ranch since 2006. When I'm not riding, you'll find me housekeeping.
Horses have been my passion since I was old enough to form the word. At the age of 7 I was exploring the woods on horseback with my cousins from dawn till dusk. All my working life has been spent with horses, from the New York racetracks and local riding stables to a large Morgan breeding farm in Colorado. From there I worked my way up to a training position and traveled the show circuit.
I've lived on the ridge across the meadow from the ranch since 1985. My family lives "off the grid" producing our own electricity.
I love my job and truly enjoy meeting and getting to know each and every guest. So come out for a visit. I look forward to meeting you."
Danielle
"Howdy. My name is Danielle and I have worked at the ranch since about 2001. I started in the "dish pit" in the kitchen and worked my way up. I still have to work in "the pit" every once in a while but now I do everything from hostessing to harnessing horses and working in the office to cooking. My favorite job comes in the summer season when I am a Wrangler full time.
Besides having the pleasure of working at the ranch, I also live there. Roley and Janice are my parents, so I am the fourth generation to live and work at the ranch. I am currently going to school at North Idaho College where I am working towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Resort Recreational Management. It is my dream to take the knowledge I gain at college and use it as I work full time at the ranch with my family. I publish a ranch blog "From the Horses Mouth" where you can read about the latest happenings at the ranch.
I began riding horses before I could walk and I have been hooked ever since. In the summer time I compete in a few local shows with my horse JR. Besides showing and guiding trail rides I also train some of our younger horses. Horses are one of my greatest passions in life and I love having the opportunity to share that with our guests who visit the ranch. So come join me so we can create your horseback adventure."
Erin
.jpg) “Hey There! My name is Erin Bradetich and I work at the ranch as a wrangler. When I was about 10 years old, I came to my first youth horse camp here at the ranch. I continued to faithfully attend the camps up until I became too old. After that Janice and Roley gave me a job. I started out in the kitchen and I worked my way out to the horses.
I have been raised here in Sandpoint my whole life, I am the fifth generation of my family to call our small town home. Horses have always been a huge part of who I am. When I was about seven or eight, I went to my first horseback riding lesson and I haven’t stopped riding since. I really enjoy going out on the trail with the horses and admiring the beauty of the outdoors. Horses are my biggest passion and I know I will continue to be involved with them for the rest of my life.
I love what I do, getting to know every guest that comes our way is such a joy for me. I look forward to meeting all of you! Happy Trails!"
Sammi Jo
"Howdy Everyone!! My name is Sammi Jo Carter, and I work at the ranch for three years as a wrangler as well as harnessing and working with the draft teams. I have known the Schoonover
family for more than thirteen years, through our county 4-H program and local horse shows. When I was not working at the Ranch, I was in Powell Wyoming attending Northwest College working toward my Associate of Applied Science in Equine Riding and Training, I just graduated May of '09
I started riding before I can even remember, received my first pony when I was five started 4-H at eight and that is when riding became an addiction. All through my 4-h career I rode several different horses which with every horse made me a better rider. I rode both English, Western, and Gymkhana. Now I successfully compete in Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, trail both show and timed, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Hack, Open Reigning, and my favorite…. Barrel Racing. So come on out and have some fun, can't wait to meet you!"
Melissa
"My name is Melissa Peck, Janice's niece. I was raised on the ranch until age 7, when my family and I moved to the lower cattle ranch. I have been working at Western Pleasure since 2000 as a trail guide, kitchen helper, office assistant and house keeper. I started riding horses with my parents when I was a very little girl. I took over at the age of four riding a very trustworthy horse by myself. I have spent lots of time with my father working cattle on horseback, and taking family vacations every summer into the Wilderness Mountains for a week-long pack trip. Exploring new country is my favorite activity!" |
