Meet the Wranglers

Barb

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

“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

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

“Howdy. My name is Danielle Otis 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 near by. Roley and Janice are my parents, so I am the fourth generation to live and work at the ranch. I married my high-school sweetheart and we have two beautiful children, Emily and Gabe. 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. 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.”

Isaac

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Hello. I have been employed at the Ranch since 2005. My first job was washing dishes and keeping the wood box full. As the years passed I began taking on more responsibilities and jobs. Now I do pretty much anything you could think of. From taking out the trash to building barns and yes I still have to keep the wood box full. Along with working at the ranch, my wife Libby and I live there as well. Roley and Janice are my parents which means I am a fourth-generation rancher. Horses have always been a part of my life, for as long as I can remember I have been riding. Currently, I am a Wrangler and also help train the young horses on the ranch. So come take a ride!

Kelly

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Hey there! My name is Kelly Whitney, and I have been working at the ranch since 2018. I started as a babysitter and quickly found my way out to the barn working as a junior wrangler. I have since climbed the ladder and now work as a full-time wrangler in the summer. In the fall, winter, and spring, you can find me helping start the young horses, doing housekeeping, and wearing the many hats that come with keeping the ranch running!
When asked how long I have been riding, my answer is, “Since I was in the womb!” I grew up in a family where horses were our life. For me, horses are my escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Although I spend more time on the ranch than anywhere else, when I’m not there, I am likely barrel racing or out exploring with my dog, Dally. I also enjoy making jewelry for my small business, Hold’em Lane Jewelry. You can find my shop on Instagram @holdemlanejewelry or in the gift shop when you visit the ranch. I look forward to meeting you! Happy Trails!!

Kim

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

“Howdy Folks”. My name is Kim Dana and I have been working at the ranch since 2011. I started during the sleigh ride season, as one of the drivers. When I’m not driving the drafts you can find me helping where ever the ranch needs an extra hand. During the summer months, I trade my driving lines in for a set of bridle reins and the wagon seat for a seat in the saddle as a wrangler.

When not at the ranch I am at home, which is south of town. I have been married to a wonderful man; John since 1998 and we have one son named Cody.

For as long as I can remember I have been blessed to be involved with horses. I was around 15 when I learned to drive draft horses and I did some showing with them for several years. I had a saddle horse of my own and mainly did trail riding with them; so I can say I grew up with the best of both. Recently I have started learning the discipline of reining, I am looking forward to all the fun and experience along the way.

So there’s a little about me, I am looking forward to meeting you and learning a little about you. See ya’ll soon!

Libby

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Hello, I’m Libby Schoonover. I’ve been working at the Ranch since 2008. I work mostly as a Wrangler in the summer but, also cook, clean, and help with the odds and ends of everyday ranch life. Besides working at the ranch, I get to call it home. I married my high school sweetheart Isaac, Roley and Janice’s son. I was born and raised on a horse, just 15 minutes down the road from the ranch. I enjoy trying new things on horseback and love a good adventure!

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