Our History: Family, Farming and Rodeo
The Shantz farm was purchased in 1916 in the Navarre area (near Wetaskiwin) by Laura and Wesley Dorchester. They raised cattle and sheep along with their four children, Leonard, Tom and Caroline and Villa. Leonard and Tom grew up breaking and racing horses. They competed first in Roman Riding, then Tom took a special interest in Chuckwagon racing and is well known in the Chuckwagon circuit.
Caroline and Tom both married Shantz siblings. Caroline married Lloyd and Tom married Joy. In 1948, Caroline and Lloyd purchased the family farm from her father and moved their three children, Donna, Jerry and Bonnie onto the home place. Although they were progressive farmers, horses were still an important part of their daily activities. They, along with others, founded the Wetaskiwin Light Horse Association. It was here that Donna, Jerry and Bonnie were well known for their horsemanship skills, both at horse shows and gymkhana events. They also won Family Ride events at horse shows.
Jerry took an especially keen interest in horses and was given the opportunity to hone his skill under notablie horse trainers in California. After considerable consideration, Jerry decided instead to buy the Narvarre family farm from his folks. Jerry married Brenda Stoodley and had two children, Gina and Jayson.
Gina grew up riding with her grandfather Lloyd and her dad, Jerry. She also competed in horse shows and gymkhanas at an early age. Her love and knowledge of horses developed into a serious breeding and training program. Gina and her partner, Wayne continue the proud tradition of raising performance quarter horses. They are bred to possess superior speed, confirmation and disposition for the sport of rodeo. These horses go through a methodical training program right from birth until they are handed to their new owners.
Caroline and Tom both married Shantz siblings. Caroline married Lloyd and Tom married Joy. In 1948, Caroline and Lloyd purchased the family farm from her father and moved their three children, Donna, Jerry and Bonnie onto the home place. Although they were progressive farmers, horses were still an important part of their daily activities. They, along with others, founded the Wetaskiwin Light Horse Association. It was here that Donna, Jerry and Bonnie were well known for their horsemanship skills, both at horse shows and gymkhana events. They also won Family Ride events at horse shows.
Jerry took an especially keen interest in horses and was given the opportunity to hone his skill under notablie horse trainers in California. After considerable consideration, Jerry decided instead to buy the Narvarre family farm from his folks. Jerry married Brenda Stoodley and had two children, Gina and Jayson.
Gina grew up riding with her grandfather Lloyd and her dad, Jerry. She also competed in horse shows and gymkhanas at an early age. Her love and knowledge of horses developed into a serious breeding and training program. Gina and her partner, Wayne continue the proud tradition of raising performance quarter horses. They are bred to possess superior speed, confirmation and disposition for the sport of rodeo. These horses go through a methodical training program right from birth until they are handed to their new owners.
Jerry Shantz barrel racing
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Lloyd, Jerry and Bonnie Shantz on a family ride
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