Meet The Family

Tom Wentz
Tom along with his daughter Tara are the trainers at Wentz Stables. Tom has been training American Saddlebreds for over twenty years. He is kind, patient, and never stops working unless he is having a coffee! He does not like to resort to quick-fixes or harsh punishments in his training, rather he prefers a more compassionate approach and takes the time to teach the horse. It is these techniques and this patient approach to the horse that produces successful and long-lasting results. This allows the horses in his care to continue showing year after year. Tom was awarded with the 2002 UPHA Chapter 15 Horseman of the Year for his training accomplishments.

 

Tara Wentz
After graduating at the top of her class in college, Tara decided to become a professional horse trainer along with her father. In addition to training the show horses, she does the majority of instructing of the show riders as she has a special gift for communication and building confidence in her students. But watch out! She expects as much from her riders as she does of herself. Tara is Co-Chairman of UPHA Chapter 15 and is a member of the Board of Directors for PSHA. She also has her Judge's license in Saddlebred & Saddleseat Equitation and is currently working on her Hackney & Roadster license. Through her many years of showing countless horses, she has been an important and very visible part of Wentz Stables since its beginning.

Diane Wentz
The only way to describe Diane and her role at Wentz Stables is to say that she is the backbone of the entire operation. She single handedly manages the finances, show planning, vet records, riding suits, not to mention her unique style of teaching that gives people the courage and understanding to make great improvements in their riding. There is no question about it, Diane is the boss, the ultimate problem solver, and the most organized person you would ever want to meet. Yet in the midst of running the 50-stall full training facility, she will always stop and often bend over backwards to help each and every one of her customers.  Diane is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts at Kutztown University.

Joe and Lori Sarnie
Joe and Lori (Twig) became partners in Wentz Stables with Tom and Diane over ten years ago. Joe is the caretaker of the 28-acre farm, spending countless hours meticulously grooming the property making it look more like a country club than a horse stable. He also takes care of the entire operation while the rest of the family is away at horse shows, giving everyone the comfort and security knowing that everything is in good hands at home. Last, but certainly not least, Joe is an incredible chef who makes home-cooked meals every night. Twig is equally important to the success of the barn. You will never see her sit down when there is something to be done. She plans which horses need to be worked each day, gets practically all of them ready, and keeps the enormous daily flow of horses and customers in constant motion. Without her continual energy and hustle, we would be hard-pressed to get everything done in a day! Twig is on the Board of Directors for PSHA where she is the Point Secretary and runs the year-end awards banquet.

Cassi Wentz
Cassi is a Kutztown University student who enjoys skiing and dancing. With excellent grades, a sweet personality, and a hardworking attitude, she is always such a pleasure to be around. She is currently majoring in Physics with an interest in engineering. Watch for Cassi next year since she often takes young horses in the ring for them to gain experience and is a great catch rider. She has always been an important part of Wentz Stables and won the barn their first World Championship title in 2001 with CH Lover's Heir in Jr. Exhibitor Show Pleasure.

Tiana Tapper
Tiana is a Kutztown University student who enjoys music, skiing, and spending time with her family and loving boyfriend, Brad. Together, Tiana and Brad, recently rescued a retired racing greyhound named Jet. She is currently studying Elementary/Early Childhood Education and would like to be a teacher. Tiana has been a successful show rider in many divisions such as pleasure, performance and equitation. This year she will be showing whatever she can get her hands on!

Kirby Tapper
Kirby is a Northwestern Lehigh High School student who is loved by everyone. She adores any kind of animal and spending time with her friends. She has such compassion for the animals when they are injured or sick often staying up at night to sit with them in their stalls. She is such a versatile rider and in her short career she has already shown over 20 different horses.

 
Megan Stettler
Last, but by no means least, Megan has been such a wonderful addition to our "family" and has been with Wentz Stables for almost 15 years. Megan is attending Lehigh Carbon Community College and would like to become a Veterinary Technician. She is an incredible asset to the barn and works at home and the horse shows as a groom. Megan's dedication and hard working attitude are to be admired and we are truly lucky to have her a part of Wentz Stables.