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:
"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."
"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."
"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 highschool sweatheart 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."