About the owner/instructor, Joan Wurst

A horse trainer for fifty years, Joan Wurst continues to maintain an active role in the equine industry.  While her experience spans over many disciplines, the primary focus and expertise of her career has been re-training problem horses into safe and obedient partners.  For the past twenty years, Joan has combined her love of barrel racing and teaching to produce many outstanding horse and rider combinations. Under her direction, students gain the confidence and tools they need in order to maximize their full potential.  Whether in the arena or out on a trail, the ultimate goal of her riding program is always a safe and willing mount.

Throughout the years, Joan and her daughter Laura Lee Thomas, have enjoyed much success in the world of barrel racing. Many of their wins were aboard horses that were home-bred, raised, and trained. Joan is a futurity winner, rodeo winner, and has open wins too multiple to list.  Aside from barrel racing and pole bending, Joan is an accomplished rodeo and money winning team roper and trains horses in the discipline as well. Laura Lee has since gone on to enjoy great success riding and training professionally.

Barrel camp and clinic testimonials:

My first horse camp did not happen until I was 40 years old- as that summer I was able to make childhood dreams come true!  Believe it or not, I was not the oldest rider, as that year, we ranged from 6  to 55.  What a joy to be able to join in and play with everyone and not be made to feel silly at all, just a part of the gang at Everwind Ranch.   The expectations were high for both horses and riders- all were to work hard and do their best.  Encouragement and support came in from every direction.  Instructors helping kids, adults and children in the mix- everyone offering to help the little ones and old ones alike.  I learned many things about myself and my horse that week, and we did make good progress in our horsemanship and our barrel pattern.   We have done several more camps and clinics since that summer- all growing and learning experiences. 
Everwind Ranch camps and clinics are a blast!  No matter your level of riding there are others there to help you and welcome you.  There is something for everyone who wishes to better themselves and their riding.  Come ride with us!
Sherri Finch

 I just want to share about my experience with Joan's clinic. I am an adult rider , whose daughter has been riding with Joan for a few years now! Joan encouraged the parents to ride by adding an adult beginner class at her shows. It was so much fun!!  I started to show and found out I don't ride too good, but with Joan's help and attending her clinics I am getting better all the time. I thought the clinics where just for the kids.. So not true!! We have had a great time at every one. It is amazing how the kids encourage the parents. It has just been an amazing experience for my daughter and I to be able to have the experience and the guidance from Joan..

Cindy Snyder

My name is Mary Woodworth; I have been at Everwind Ranch now for 5 years.

I have cooked for 4 barrel camps and have attended several of Joan’s clinics.

I thought I knew everything about a horse and how to do things.

I learned that I did not know everything, and I have learned so much from Joan.

When a child or adult attends the camps they get way more than the price of the camp.

Joan gives her all in teaching everyone. She helps with horse’s that have problems, she helps figure out if they need a new bit or if their teeth might need work on. She address each problem and access the child and horse, the children learn a lot in that one week that they are at camp, they not only learn barrels and poles but we do a drill team, we practice everyday to learn a drill pattern and on the last day of camp at the fun show they all show off what they learned during the week. We sure do surprise the parents with that.

Joan gives more than anybody could expect, on her free time thru the day you will find her in the indoor arena helping anyone who has something they need a little more help with.

Joan makes sure that every child or adult is safe at all times when in contact with the horses or swimming in the pond.

She has extra things going on every evening for the children or adults who attend from roping or team penning or showing them horsemanship.

She teaches not only barrels and poles but she teaches you horsemanship and how to do things the safe way.

I myself can say that I have learned so much from Joan and I am still learning,

I have a horse that could have hurt me badly and Joan has taught me how to handle this horse and to do things the right way and we get along great now, and have come a long way from the first time I rode him’

I praise this lady for all that she has taught me as well as the things she has taught all the children and adults who have attended her barrel camps and clinics.

There are many things you look forward to once summer comes: Warm weather, no school, and Joan’s Barrel Camps!! Joan has been an amazing instructor that has helped me to not only become a better horseman, but also a better person in general. She really takes the time to get to know you and your horse so she can give you the best help she is able to. Joan’s barrel camps and clinics are always loads of fun, as you meet tons of crazy horse people like you, while learning with your horse how to improve your runs.

Jamie Nicklas

Barrel Camp is very much worth the time and money.  You learn a lot, meet new people, And have a lot of fun! I loved it so much i went to two last year and am going to two again this year. I’m also excited for the combo camp. Its going to be fun trying something new and exciting.

Rickel Darling

The atmosphere, the guidance, the direction, the facilities, the food and, of course, the knowledge make each week worth every penny and then some!  You provide so much more for these kids than just improvement on horses; some things you truly cannot put a price tag on!  I appreciate you and everything you do!  It's a warm, wonderful feeling as a parent to be able to send our children into the environment you provide.  Thank You!!

Lisa Hauptmann for barrel camp