Who you'll meet

Family & wranglers

The family

Roley and Janice Schoonover sit on a large rock with Fall foliage in the background

Janice and Roley Schoonover

Roley and Janice are both natives of Sandpoint, Idaho. Janice grew up on the ranch that is now known as the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Janice’s Grandpa, Riley Wood, came to Sandpoint in 1940 and the family has been on the ranch since that time. Horses have always been a major part of Janice’s life. As a child, she was very involved in the local 4-H program. In 1982, she married Roley, her high school sweetheart. They moved away from Sandpoint to pursue Roley’s college career. He received a degree in business administration and six years after leaving Sandpoint, they returned home.

Landon, Danielle, Emily, and Gabe Otis

Roley and Janice’s oldest daughter, Danielle, grew up as your typical horse-crazy country girl. As a ranch wrangler, she enjoys riding the numerous trails around the ranch and loves to share her ranch life with visiting guests. She is the writer of the ranch blog “From the Horses Mouth”. She enjoys photographing life on the ranch. You can follow her on Instagram as @danielles_lens. She married her high school sweetheart Landon Otis on August 9, 2008. On December 1st, 2009 they welcomed their first child Emily Joy Otis. On April 18, 2012, they welcomed their baby boy, Gabriel Paul Otis. The addition of Emily and Gabe to our family introduces the fifth generation at the ranch.

Isaac, Libby, and Zeke Schoonover

Isaac is Roley and Janice’s youngest. Through the expert instruction of Pat Wyse and countless hours in the saddle, Isaac has become an impressive horseman and trainer. He and his Dad make a great training team that starts all the ranch horses. On September 10, 2011, Isaac married his high school sweetheart, Libby Stockdale. Libby, also an excellent horsewoman, works here at the ranch as well. Libby also loves to photograph life on the ranch. You can follow her on Instagram as @libbytherancherswife. On August 15, 2020, Isaac and Libby welcomed their son Zeke to the family; another 5th generation ranch member of the family.

Hear the family tell the ranch's history in their own words on the Ranch History podcast.

The wranglers

Woman in a cowboy hat riding a sorrel horse down the trail

Barb Rhodes

“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 Otis

“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.”

Cowboy smiling for camera while riding his horse past a big red barn at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Isaac Schoonover

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!

Blonde girl smiling and laughing while riding her horse through water

Kelly Whitney

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!!

woman on gypsy vanner horse riding with other people on horseback behind her

Kim Dana

“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!

woman loping horse through the snow with warm glow sunset light behind

Libby Schoonover

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!