LB Ranch Partner/Manager

Les Butler

Les was born in Birtle, MB and was raised by his aunt and uncle, Eva and Walter McTavish, on their mixed farm. It was still fairly common to use teams of horses for farm work at that time.

Les learned how to ride and drive horses from his uncle Walter, and his father, Art Butler, who were both very good teamsters.

Les moved to Vancouver in 1974, to start his own business, but in 1995, the call of ranch life and horses was strong, and he returned to Winnipeg to help his aging father with the ranch work.

Not having ridden a horse for over 20 years, he picked up riding and driving horses again in a very short time. He began to enjoy working with horses again, and retired from his business, moved back to the ranch to help his dad with the business.

In 1995, after moving to the ranch, Les bought Blazer, his best pal (a palomino quarterhorse cross), and trained him as a good all-round western horse. He continued to take on more responsibility for breaking and training horses to ride and drive, especially after his aging father's health began to fail. Art also taught Les the basics of hoof care and trimming hooves properly.

In April of 1996, Les bought all the horses and equipment from Art (the business end of the ranch), and began to try to build the business back up.

In July 1998, Les bought a mobile home, and moved to the ranch, as he felt that to be a success the manager should be there at all times.

In October 2000, Les and his partner, M.E. (Bunny) Eastveld bought the ranch and renamed it the LB Ranch.