Joseph Bentz was born into a ranching family in Juntura, Oregon. With more than five generations in the ranching business, the Bentz family produces cattle and superior ranch horses. With ties back to the historic White Horse Ranch, each generation has built on the knowledge and genetics of the previous. The cattle operation spans rough country in Eastern Oregon, so the Bentz family has strived to raise horses with performance capabilities that can endure the tough country.
His parents, Mike and Linda Bentz, started The Spur Brand Horse Program more than 30 years ago with the vision of producing ideal ranch horses. The horses raised and used on the ranch are offered to the public at the family’s Ranchers Horse Sale, an annual sale the family started and continues to operate today.
After graduating high school, Bentz went to college to compete in rodeo events and study agricultural business. Shortly after graduating, Bentz spent years working alongside National Reined Cow Horse Association Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion and Road to the Horse World Champion Nick Dowers, where he focused on developing his horsemanship and colt starting skills.
After dedicating time to advance his horsemanship, Bentz returned to the family ranch to lead the colt starting program, incorporating the valuable skills he developed in training performance horses into the family’s horse program.
Learn more about Joseph Bentz, the Bentz family and the Ranchers Horse Sale at ranchershorsesale.com.
“I’m excited to test my skills and compete in the Wild Card Challenge at Road to the Horse 2025. It’s a huge opportunity for my horsemanship journey.” — Joseph Bentz
