Vern came from a ranching/farming background north of Martin, South Dakota.  Most of Vern's family still live in that area.  Vern worked most of his life on ranching operations between the ranches of his Dad, Tom, and his grandparents Ed and Gloria Risse.  He attended BHSU where he rodeoed.  He qualified for the CNFR in 1992 in Steer Wrestling and Team Roping.  He currently does all the training, shoeing, and breeding management of the VLW Ranch.

   Laurie grew up on a farm near Schleswig, Iowa with her parents and two brothers, all of which now live in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  She grew up showing horses in open and 4-H shows.  She attended SDSU and majored in Animal Science.  She met Vern through college rodeos.  She is also involved with the training and breeding program. She also breeds Cavalier dogs.

   Fehrin, 12, came into this world with a love for horses.  She is already a big help on the ranch.  She has a strong love for horses and horse training.  Fehrin loves to show horses at local open shows,4-H, playdays and 4-H rodeo.  She also enjoys English riding and jumping. She is active in piano, basketball, sings, and dances.  She is currently training her own 5- year old, Spirit.

   Keanna, 10, also has a love for horses.  She likes all aspects of showing and rodeoing on her paint horse, Mikey Sioux.  She also loves riding english and jumping.  Keanna is also involved in 4-H, dance, piano, singing, and basketball. She has picked her weanling, Moonstone Mare, to start training for her future use.

^{Mataya, 1, came into this world riding horses. She has a very strong love for horses and dogs. Her love for the outside will fit right into our schedule. She has been on the go with us from day 1. She is most content when outside or on a horse.  The girls claim she has been receiving "riding lessons" when they go out to play with the mini's they saddle up Tim and set her on and let her go.}                    

   Sierra, 7, loves to ride horses.   She has already won herself 2 buckles in Trail and at the local playday series. She can be found either riding Lightning, her black pony or Whispy, her moms show horse. She has a mini horse, Tiny Tim, that she loves to play with and drive.  Sierra is the happiest when sitting in the saddle--whether doing barrels, showing, or just out trail riding.  She enjoys her dance class and singing with her Dad when he plays guitar for her.