Mr. Lawrence “Larry” Banman was the creator of Venture Stables. Larry had a military background and believed that animals were an important part of life. He raised Foxes, Standardbreds, Arabians, Quarter Horses and Paints.
In the year of 1995, Venture Stables became a reality! It boasted a 60’x120′ indoor arena, a 100’x200′ outdoor arena, heated viewing room, 35 deluxe box stalls, daily turnout, riding lessons, camps, clinics and horse shows. Venture Stables was THE place to come for anything equine and still is!!!!!!
Larry was diagnosed with ALS in January 2015, and despite the restrictions ALS had placed upon Larry, he still managed to make it out to the farm. Venture Stables was his passion. Larry took great pride in this horse facility and we strive to keep that venture going too.
On June 2, 2015, Larry lost his battle with ALS and although Larry is no longer here in body, we know his spirit is still a big part of Venture Stables. Forever in our hearts.
November 1st 2014 Venture Stables was reborn and brought back to life by Jasmine and Marc Bastarache.
Jasmine McLean’s childhood home was in Coldbrook, Nova Scotia. She grew up in the equestrian lifestyle as her mother and grandparents both had horses. Though her home was in Coldbrook, Jasmine spent most of her time 25km away at Grand Meadows Stables in Grand Pré, Nova Scotia. It was in this stable that Jasmine learned the basics of horsemanship and developed a heart full of love and respect towards the large, free-spirited horses. Her dream was to one day own her own stable, just like that of Grand Meadows.
At age 9, Jasmine owned her first pony. Goldie was a Palomino and though advanced in age, was the epitome of beauty. Jasmine believed Goldie was nothing short of perfection- everything a 9 year old could want and more. Shortly after, the beautiful Palamino reached the end of her life. At 10 years old, as a Christmas gift, a still heartbroken little girl, was given Sir Joker, a black Morgan Quarter Horse.
Believe it or not, Venture Stables’ own cowgirl started off as an English rider. It didn’t take long for Jasmine to trade in her show jacket and breeches for a pair of cowboy boots and a sparkling belt buckle. In 2012 while living in Digby, Nova Scotia, Jasmine joined the Maritime Barrel Racing Association and just as her grandmother, began a journey as a barrel racer. It was also in 2012, when Jasmine started Cowgirl Up Tack Shop as part of a Summer project for her business program.
During this time, in Clare, Nova Scotia, 180km from Coldbrook, a young man named Marc Bastarache had grown up. With nothing holding him in place, Marc moved to Prince Edward Island to pursue higher education in the field of emergency medicine. In 1999, Marc moved to Digby, Nova Scotia. Not wanting to perform the same duties everyday without any variety, Marc started up a catering business and a fiddle shop. On top of his now three jobs, Marc also joined a celtic, East Coast band where he performed as both guitarist and vocalist.
In the year 2012, both Jasmine and Marc were living in Digby, Nova Scotia- unknown to one another and living two very different lives.
July 16, 2012, Marc noticed a frantic young woman trying to get her horses back into their paddock after coming loose. With no prior experience with horses, Marc stopped to help. So began the adventures of Jasmine and Marc :)
In the next few months, Cowgirl Up Tack Shop really took off. Jasmine, with her three horses: Jasper, Starr and Chesney, her children: Keaton and Gracee and new boyfriend Marc, began travelling with the tack shop and started offering stable parties around the Maritimes. Eventually, Marc made the decision to move back to PEI. Jasmine, content with her accomplishments and the life she had in Digby, was reluctant to leave. Marc was given the task of finding a barn in PEI with 15-20 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas and acreage for the horses. As fate would have it, Marc found exactly that in Freetown, PE. Soon after his big find, Jasmine and Marc made the commute to meet Larry and see Venture Stables. As Jasmine says, “There was just something about Larry”. One year later, in November 2014, Jasmine, Marc and Family, packed their bags and horses and moved to Venture Stables.
In the first few months, Venture Stables experienced the worst winter in decades. However, despite the cracked roofs, snow filled paddocks, inability to leave the property, no access to a tractor and various other unforeseen events, Jasmine and Marc persevered.
Summer of 2015, Jasmine and Marc exchanged vows at Venture Stables. Surrounded by children: Keaton and Gracee, horses: Jasper, Starr and Chesney, dogs: Soda Pop, Joey, Wilson and Bronco and many family and friends, The Bastarache family came to be.
Now the owners of Venture Stables, The Bastarache’s continue to embrace their love of horses together as a family. With all new obstacles, new friends, a barn full of majestic horses. Venture Stables currently thrives and has become a second home for many.
Venture Stables is a community of others connected to their own authenticity, love of horses, Mother Earth and Empowering people to LOVE themselves!!!!
