2008 Sales List
Our farm is located in the lovely southern Willamette Valley, in Oregon. The farm is situated on 40 rolling acres of grass and oak and fir trees (see "The Farm"). Turn-out is abundant, and the rolling hills provide excellent exercise for even the laziest or most geriatric in our herd. Even the biggest couch potato in the bunch has to walk up the hill to get her dinner.
We follow and breed along the prominent lines of the most well-known breeders and horses of our time. We are blessed with one of the nicest herds you will find anywhere and we price them well below what you would expect to pay for the same quality horse in California or a fancy show barn.
However, please keep in mind that we live in Oregon. Mud is a fact of life here and we accept it because it makes everything so green and beautiful (except the horses). If you visit in the winter or spring, more than likely you will be greeted by a furry (often muddy) beast. The fact that they are white just makes matters worse. The only way to keep them spotless is to keep them inside and blanketed full-time. They are always inside in rainy weather but at every opportunity, we prefer to let them be outside and be horses. We hope you can see past the mud. It does wash off when the weather warms up.
Our horses are our family. Selling them is extremely hard, emotionally...and putting a monetary value on them and haggling over it seems to take away from the joy of buying a dreamhorse, or the satisfaction of selling one.
We are usually firm on prices but we try to be flexible whenever possible and are open to terms with a reasonable down payment, if terms are necessary in order to make your dream a reality.
Matching people with their dreamhorse is more rewarding than anything I have ever done. It took a long time for me to come to terms with the idea of EVER parting with any of my horses. I wanted to keep all of them and the very thought of selling one seemed like I was choosing favorites. As time has passed, I have at times decided to sell some of my closest and most dear horses...horses I NEVER thought I would part with...because someone came along who could offer them more than I could...someone who was a better match for them than I was...someone who could give them a lifetime of love and attention...someone who was looking for their dreamhorse, and found it in MY dreamhorse. When those connections are made, it's like a little dagger in my heart and it's hard to let go, but I've never regretted it. And in addition to matching up a dreamhorse with its dream-owner, I've also gained some wonderful and lifelong friends and an extended family that reaches from coast to coast now.
The Fine Print:
We don't ever want to lose track of the horses we sell. Our goal is to ensure that they have a great quality of life and a loving home...forever. With that in mind, please don't be offended if we ask for details about you, your facilities, your experience, your plans for the horse, photos, etc. We're not trying to be rude or nosey, and we don't necessarily believe that a fancy barn equals a good home. Our place definitely isn't fancy, but we are utterly devoted to the care of our horses. We want the same for the horses we sell. The more information we have, the better the chances that a 'perfect match' can be achieved.
We try to place our horses in permanent homes, but we also realize...'stuff happens.' If it ever becomes necessary for you to re-sell a horse you bought from us(and if for some reason we can't buy it back), we will try to help you find a home for it. We will list it for sale on this sale page and we will not charge commission, a listing fee, nor will we mark the horse up for our own profit.
ALSO - if you don't see the horse of your dreams on this sale page, drop us a line anyway. A lot of the "sold" horses on this page were never listed for sale anywhere. Sometimes we have a horse that isn't officially for sale, but if the right match came along, they could be. That is actually the dream scenario for us, particularly with an older horse who has been with us for a long time...to have the perfect match come along and for things to just fall into place. Plus, even if we don't have something that fits your needs. we might know of someone who does!
Nitro
2007 Andalusian/Arabian Foal
Gaffilee x Don Marco
Born May 14, 2007
It's a boy! Click here for photos. Now that nice weather is finally here, I hope to have new ones shortly.
Nitro is another exceptional foal from one of the most successful pairings ever. Don Marco and Gaffilee are pure magic together as you can see from the photos above and below. I keep waiting for a filly, and so far Gaffilee has been determined to produce colts (only one filly so far, and that was before she came to me...but that filly became a National Champion). If Nitro had been a filly, he'd be staying with me and I find myself tempted to hang onto him regardless but I am hoping that his perfect person is out there somewhere. With his high-whites and flashy blaze, he is a sight to behold and even though he will grey out over time, the white markings will remain his striking signature for years to come. He has an engaging, curious personality and - like all our foals - he is a complete show off and is all over anyone who steps foot in the pasture. With his bloodlines, good looks, athleticism and charm, he will make someone's dreams come true since he really is quite the little dreamboat.
For more information on Gaffilee and Don Marco, visit our stallion and mare pages.
$5000
photos below: Tango (Don Marco x Gaffilee), Zar (Impresario x Gaffilee...Impresario is Don Marco's son), DW Picaro (Don Marco x Gaffilee), and DW Preciosa (Don Marco x Gaffilee)
SOLD! When Stella Taylor of Houston, Texas saw Zar, she knew she had found the horse she had always dreamed of. Many obstacles have popped up along the way, some of them thrown up by me, but Stella persevered. Stella is retiring and moving from Texas to Idaho and Zar will be joining her when she starts her new life. I have to admit, I initially had reservations about this one because it just seemed like SO much for one person to bite off...relocation, a new home, a new horse...all simultaneously. But when Stella sets her heart on something, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her devotion to Zar is evident and all-consuming, and I think he will thrive with all the love and attention she will shower on him. I see a very happy ending to this fairy tale.
Plan ahead: Reserve your 2008 Andalusian Foals
Most of our foals, particularly the purebreds, all sell before they were born, so plan ahead in order to get the foal you want. Below are the combinations we are planning to breed and offer for sale at this time. These are subject to change up until the moment the mare is bred, so if you are interested in a certain combination, please let me know. Prices on in-utero purchases are typically around $1500-$2000 less than the price of the foal after it is born. Another advantage is that you have up to a year to pay for your foal, depending on when you make your decision.
I bought my very first half-Andalusian in-utero more than a decade ago and I wouldn't change a thing. The excitement of waiting for my foal and the feeling of knowing that it was "my baby" was something I will never forget. We are in the process of installing a wireless web/foal cam in the foaling stall so that you can be even more involved in the process, even from afar. Isn't technology grand?
2009 In-Utero Purebred Andalusian Foals Planned
(see our Mare and Stallion pages for more information on these individuals)
Dona x Aragon - $10,000
Hespera x Aragon - $9000
Amara x Don Marco- SOLD
Infanta x Aragon - $11,000
Imara x Don Marco - $11,000 - SOLD
Heidi x Malibu - $10,000
Antonia x Malibu - $10,000
Katana
2006 Hispano-Arabe (Andalusian/Arabian) Foal
Rebekah Bey x Malibu K
born 8/12/06
It's hard to ever choose a "best" from our foals, but Katana is definitely at the top of the list. Our farrier and trainer have both said that they think she is one of the nicest foals, of any breed, that they have ever seen. I have to agree. She hasn't had an awkward moment since she took her first step. She is bold, smart as a whip, put together beautifully (big broad chest, amazing arched neck, deep body, nice bone) and has an engaging, confident (okay, arrogant) personality that casts a spell on everyone she meets. She thinks she is the cat's meow. She was born deep chestnut but has now greyed out to a light pewter color. She is going to be an absolutely stunning mare. Although they aren't related, she reminds me a LOT of Zar (see below) and I anticipate that she will mature into a larger, more feminine version of him. She has the same presence and beautiful topline. I see her as an elegant dressage horse or the picture perfect dreamhorse/companion.
Katana's dam, "Reba," is a daughter of GH Venture, and a grandaughter of the great Bey Shah. She has size and elegance to spare and has been shown successfully on the Arabian circuit. Katana's sire is our wonderful, versatile Malibu K. You can find more information on him on our stallion page.
Click here to visit her page where we will regularly post new photos as this lovely little girl starts to grow up.
Click here to see a brief video of Katana, taken in March 2007. It's not Academy Award material, but it does show how cute she is.
SOLD! Congratulations to Chris Ott of Longview, Washington. Chris owns Katana's half brother, a beautiful gelding named Shah, by Notorio DW. She was browsing around online and as soon as she saw Katana's video, she knew she was acquiring another horse. :) How wonderful that Katana will be growing up with her brother and we will be able to watch them.
2007 Pure Spanish Andalusian Filly
Heidi x Malibu K
We couldn't be more excited about this filly. Heidi is one of our best producing mares, and two of her previous foals are still with us so we were so happy this foal sold in utero...or I'm sure we would have kept her too! Heidi's past foals have been tall and elegant, with extraordinary personalities, and Ali is no exception. This was a great combination because Malibu added his wonderful broad chest and beautiful topline to the equation, making Ali into one of those rare fillies with height, substance, movement, AND personality.
SOLD! Congratulations to Sheila Wardman of Shuswap Lake, BC, Canada. What a fabulous home this foal is going to. Sheila owns a retreat/spa on fifty acres on the shore of beautiful Shuswap Lake in eastern British Columbia. With over 1000 miles of shoreline, it is one of BC's great natural attractions and Sheila is planning to add an Andalusian riding program to her list of guest activities. This foal will join her growing herd which already includes two beautiful Andalusian mares.
Click here for photos and video of Chaganjuu's Alegria!
2007 Pure Spanish Andalusian Colt
Infanta CV x Don Marco
We are SO excited to announce that Infanta is once again in foal to Don Marco! We were beginning to worry after 4 years of trying that we weren't going to get another chance at this combination. But our last ally-oop breeding of the year in 2006 for Infanta resulted in a pregnancy. At last!
Infanta is the 1995 IALHA National Champion Senior Mare, an honor bestowed upon her when she was just three years old...back when the senior and junior mare classes were combined. She is picture perfect, has a temperament to die for, and her pedigree is packed with some of the most influential horses of our time including Jugueton V (National Champion of Spain) and Mercedes VII. In addition, Infanta carries a color gene so it is possible that this foal will as well. Don Marco is our senior stallion and is hands down, one of the best producing stallions I've ever seen. But don't take my word for it. He is undefeated in Get of Sire competitions, being named National Champion Get of Sire in a huge show in 1997...his offspring being judged superior to Andalusian greats such as Genio, Ravel, Ofendido VII, Legionario III, Teodoro, and Navarre.
Filly or colt, this foal will surely be a showstopper and should look as good on paper as it does in person. As breeding or show stock, this combination is a no-brainer and in the personality/best friend department, you can't go wrong here.
SOLD! Congratulations to Cynthia Mercer of Newfoundland, Canada. Cynthia has been diligently searching for her dreamhorse and a Don Marco foal was her goal. This foal will be born here in Oregon, which I believe to be one of the most beautiful places on earth...but it's new home in Newfoundland is equally (if not more) breathtaking. This is a special foal for a special person and it will be Cynthia's companion for life.
Update: Infanta surprised us with a beautiful colt a week early, which worked out perfectly since Cynthia and her husband Keith were able to spend 4 days with their new family member at the end of a well-timed business trip. The name they have chosen is Arador. Arador is absolutely stunning...big bodied, bold, fearless and engaging. He is one of the biggest hams I've ever seen and he delights in strutting his stuff for anyone who will stop and watch him...which many people do. Whenever I see him racing around the pasture, leaping and showing off, I look up toward the road and - it never fails - there is a car stopped along the fence, pointing and smiling.
Esperanza
Don Marco x Port Benicia
1997 Andalusian/Arabian Mare
Esperanza is a beautiful, balanced 15.1hh Hispano-Arabe (Andalusian/Arabian cross). She is extremely easy to work with and is incredibly bold, both in her movement and disposition. She never hesitates to do what you ask of her, and nothing seems to faze her (her idea of a spook is to blow out her nose). Although she was just started under saddle this July, she has progressed very rapidly. She has three solid gaits and is beginning her lateral movements. She would be a fabulous youth or amateur horse and she is very capable (physically AND mentally) of both the Arab, Andalusian, and open circuit in halter, dressage, hunter, or even western pleasure. If you are looking for a best friend and lifetime partner, she is all that and so much more. Once you see her, you will fall in love with her personality and movement. On the horse/human scale, she is closer to human than horse. She has a very endearing habit of turning her head almost completely upside down when you are cleaning her stall to beg for chin scratches.
SOLD! Esperanza has finally found her soulmate. Kyra Collins of Milwaukie, Oregon fell in love with Esperanza online and when they met in person, she just lit up. Esperanza acted like she had known Kyra all her life and the look in her eye was all I needed to see to know that all was as it should be. Kyra is dusting off her old Stubben saddle and getting back into horses after a long hiatus. Espi is residing at a beautiful private dressage barn and is now a permanent member of Kyra's extended family, being loved on, ridden, and chin scratched daily by Kyra and her two close friends, Jet and Sam.
UPDATE: Hi, Nia, I hope you are alright. Espi seems very happy. We took her into her stall for an hour or so to give her a chance to get a drink but all she wanted to do was eat. Shannon's kids were riding their bikes up & down the barn aisle and she never even blinked. The 2 little girls both came to meet her and gave her some alfalfa & berry sticks which she accepted like a lady. When we put her back in the arena, she just wanted to hang around by the gate and get scratched. I gave her a good brushing all over before we left, and I will be back tomorrow and start with longeing her. She really seems very relaxed, a bit of pop-eye looks at new things and nostril-flaring, but as steady as a rock. She stepped on Shannon's little dog's paw and Maggie squealed, but it didn't bother Espi at all ( Maggie went right under her, lucky Espi is barefoot ). I will send you some photos soon, I promise. I am so happy ! xxxxxxxxx Kyra
Gaffizar
2000 Half- Andalusian/Arabian Gelding
Impresario DW (Don Marco x Jarana) x Gaffilee
Zar is a 15.1h gelding with the presence of a stallion. He is one of those horses that makes others fade into the background when he's around. The rearing photo above was taken when he was 2, and I am including it here because the photos we took recently didn't come out as crisp and clean as we expected, and don't capture his spirit the way the older photo does. Zar is one of the most athletic horses on the property. He is balanced, naturally collected and carries himself with pride and dignity. He bonds very strongly to his companion, either human or equine, and prefers an environment where he has a lot of interaction with his human and plenty of turn-out time with an equine buddy. He is very active and would not be happy in an environment where he was stabled without daily turnout or work. He is the type of horse who nickers and comes to the door with his ears pricked if you walk by with a saddle. He WANTS to go do something, and he loves attention. He still occasionally sees a horse-eating monster disguised as a hay bale/wheel barrow/shadow on the ground/etc., and we are working constantly on that issue. But he is a loving and wonderful horse who is for sale to the perfect, forever home only.
Mazarati DW
1999 Andalusian Stallion
(Don Marco x Ferrari K)
Words can't describe how I feel writing this entry to the sales page. For as long as Maz has been in my life, he has been second only to Don Marco when it comes to his status in the barn and in my heart. He has always been designated as Don Marco's heir-apparent, so the decision to part with him has not come lightly. The bond that he has formed with Judy Plumbtree has made a difficult situation a lot more bearable. Judy arrived on the scene when Brooke came out for the first time (see Pazo below). As I was showing them around and introducing them to everyone, it was obvious that Judy was immediately smitten with Maz and the feeling was mutual because he was practically pushing the stall front over to get her to scratch on him. At that time, Maz was decidedly NOT for sale, but as Brooke worked with him over the months, Judy continued to come to the barn and before you know it, she was Maz's designated rider and "Om" ("other mom", to coin a phrase from Brooke). It soon became clear to everyone that the two were meant to be together and when it became necessary for me to part with him, his new home was a no-brainer.
Maz is a special horse and would not be the right fit for just anyone. He is very sensitive and has been misunderstood by trainers in the past. Under first Brooke's tutelage and now Judy's, he has become calm and docile and a pleasure to work with. But what won me over the most was that not only is he a wonderful, manageable horse now but he has also retained all of the goofy, silly, loveable traits that make him "Mazarotten" (his barn name, affectionately spoken). Everyone who sees him falls in love and we have retained breedings to him so that we can still utilize him in our breeding program. He is elegance personified and his movement and presence will make the hair on your arms stand straight up. Bloodline-wise, he is a genetic powerhouse, and we predict that he will meet or possibly even surpass Don Marco with the quality and consistency of his offspring. We wish Judy the best as she begins a new chapter in her training and showing business on the horse of a lifetime.
SOLD
Update: I can't explain in words what I feel for this horse! Sometimes we walk to the end of the gravel driveway up by the golf course and one time there was a couple playing golf. When they saw Maz they just stood there and stared at him, I could tell they were just in awe. I thought what if someone offered to buy him, what would I sell him for? And my only thought was, how stupid I would be if some one offered me 1/2 a million, and I turned them down. Not even for that would I part with this horse. Silly I know, but I love him so much! -- Judy
Update 2: Congratulations to Maz and Judy on their success at their first open show in March 2007, where Maz won both of his halter classes.
Update 3: We did a clinic with Tina Stewart on Tuesday, Maz was a saint. Absolutely stole the hearts of everybody there. Tina says he is a fairytale horse, that we are just going to blow everybody away when he gets going. She says she is definitley breeding her mare to him. She loves him. It's so nice to go places and have other people feel about your horse, the way you do. The other trainer at the barn says he is the best representation of the breed she has ever seen. Really makes me want to go be a rep for the registry. The worst thing he did was whinny at other horses, but half way through the clinic he was totally focused and didn't whinny at all. Sooo much fun!...He's coming along so well, I'm super pleased with him, it is a fairytale.
~ Judy
Update 4: August 2007 - Maz is undefeated so far in open dressage shows, scoring in the 70's, and also just won Champion Stallion and Best of Show at the 2007 Northwest Andalusian Horse Association "Festival of the Andalusian" show. Congratulations Maz and Judy!
You can find out more about Maz and his availability at stud for 2008 by visiting our "Up and Coming" page. Click here.
1995 Andalusian Mare
Maya
1997 Reserve Champion Mare, NW Regional Andalusian Show (NWAHA)
Maya is the lovely daughter of Garbosa XI, is following in her mother's huge hoofprints with her beauty, athleticism, and personality. Garbosa was also the dam of the GREAT many time National Champion stallion Tranco, which makes Maya his half sister. On her sire's side, Maya is also half sister to our wonderful National Champion stallion Malibu K. Her pedigree is packed with the finest in OLD WORLD Andalusian bloodlines, including some of the best Military and Terry bloodlines imported to this country when the Andalusian breed was first brought into the United States. She is inscribed with the Cria Caballar, making her eligible for revision at any time. I am reluctantly selling Maya because times are lean and someone has to go. I have several other mares who are closely related to her but they are older and would have a harder time adjusting to a new place. So unfortunately, Maya needs a new owner who will love her and consider her part of their family.
SOLD! Congratulations to Martin Perez of Santa Paula, California on the purchase of this lovely mare. Martin and his son already have a young Genio stallion and are embarking on their new breeding program. Maya will be their first broodmare and the beginning of THEIR dream. She was one of my very first Andalusians, so although this is bittersweet, I know she will be getting a lot of attention and making someone else's dreams come true the way she did with me. She will be sorely missed around here.
1990 Andalusian mare
Azalia
(Jugueton V x Caramela)
I never thought I'd see the day when I'd sell Azalia, but the time has come. I consider her to be one of the shining stars in my broodmare herd. Azalia is a daughter of the Spanish champion Jugueton V, who I believe is now deceased. Her bloodlines are considered by many (including myself) to be priceless, an integral part of the foundation of Andalusian breeding in this country. She is just a gorgeous mare to look at...a classic...broad chested, big bodied, with a gorgeous neck and the most beautiful, feminine head and face I've ever seen on an Andalusian. She is a mare, yet possesses the presence of a stallion. Definitely one in a million.
SOLD! Congratulations to Martin Perez on his purchase of Azalia. Azalia will be accompanying her stablemate Maya to warm, sunny California. The sadness of seeing these two great mares depart is eased a little by the fact that they are both going together to such a wonderful home. Hopefully one or more of their foals will be returning to our herd at some time in the future.
UPDATE: Hi Nia, The Mares are doing just fine, they arrived today in the morning. They are very beautiful and they are in good condition. They both are very nice mares and my family and I are very happy with them. They look like they are having an excellent time adjusting to their new home and to all of their stall neighbors. They get along with my horses very well and we are very happy to have them. Thanks again, Martin Perez
Knight Ballerina
(QF Caveat x Gai Juliana)
Ballerina is a lovely and very special 1993 Arabian mare who couldn't be more appropriately named. One look and you can't help but be captivated by her femininity and charm.
If you are a fan of the famous Gainey arabian breeding program, Ballerina's pedigree contains 8 Gainey horses in the first 3 generations, including 3 crosses to Gai Parada. She is heavily Ferzon-bred, with Ferzon appearing 7 times in her pedigree, complimented by 5 crosses to Azraff. This is considered by many Arabian breeders to be the 'golden cross.'
The intensity of her pedigree illustrates that she was bred to be a top-notch broodmare, and on top of that, she is Breeder's Sweepstakes nominated for the IAHA, so all of her offspring (pure and partbred) are eligible to compete for thousands of dollars in winnings at sanctioned IAHA Arabian shows.
Bally is currently being offered for sale to the right home. We adore her, but realistically, with her bloodlines she should be in an Arabian breeding program where her potential contribution to the Arabian breed could be fully utilized and appreciated.
SOLD! Congratulations to Sandi Deome of Anderson, California. Sandi has a small herd of older Arabian mares from wonderful old bloodlines and Bally will be the "young blood" in the bunch, carrying on as they retire. Sandi believes, as I do, that old broodmares deserve to retire in their home and live out their days in peace and quiet in return for all they gave during their prime. Bally will be going to a forever home with Sandi and we look forward to many years of friendship and to watching Bally live up to her potential in a breeding program worthy of all she has to offer.
Pazo
1999 Pure Spanish Andalusian Gelding
Heidi x Dejado II
Pazo is a perfect example of fate at work. He has always been one of my favorite horses in the barn, and for years I have tried to figure out what to do with him since he clearly exceeds my needs, both in height and in potential. Enter Brooke Storms. Brooke first visited the farm to look at a young colt that was for sale. She is one of those rare individuals who really DOES need a 16+ hand horse, and she and Pazo hit it off immediately. As luck would have it, Brooke is a horse trainer who has studied classical dressage and she only lives a few minutes away. And as luck would have it, we have a barn full of horses who could benefit from her knowledge. So "as luck would have it," Pazo never even had to leave the barn and now Brooke is sharing her knowledge with all of us, both human AND horse. We are so happy to have her, and so delighted that Pazo can keep opening doors and turning over wheelbarrows and charming all of us, hopefully for a long time to come.
SOLD! Congratulations to Brooke Storms of Lebanon, Oregon. We look forward to seeing Pazo and Brooke in the dressage ring, at open shows, and at our Andalusian breed shows. The sky really is the limit for this talented duo and a lifelong friendship has been born.
UPDATE! Congratulations to Brooke and Pazo on their success at their first open show under saddle in March 2007. They placed in both classes (reserve and 5th) out of a large field of 15-20 horses in each class. Photos coming soon!
2005 Hispano-Arabe Colt (Andalusian x Arabian)
Armano
Gaffilee x Don MarcoBorn: 6/13/05
This colt is definitely one of the most dynamic Hispano-Arabes I've ever seen. This is Gaffilee's fifth foal by Don Marco (plus one by Don Marco's son, Impresario DW) and there is a reason the combination keeps repeating. The result is pure magic. One of the Gaffliee/Don Marco foals, DW Preciosa, is a National Champion halter horse, and the others are gifted athletes under saddle.
Armano is just wonderful. I could go on and on. He has a presence about him that just draws your eye to him, even from across the property and he carries himself with the same pride that makes his mother such a special mare. He has that same elegant, smooth, perfect topline that I love so much about the Don Marco foals, and try as I may, I just can't pick him apart. To me, he looks like he should be dipped in bronze and placed in the garden.
SOLD! Congratulations to Vera Jagendorf of Corbett, Oregon! Vera has been studying natural horsemanship for several years and Armano is her new partner. Armano is joining Vera's small herd in a 'forever' home in the beautiful Columbia Gorge. Since Vera is a professional photographer, we are looking forward to some stunning photos as Armano grows up and takes on the Oregon trails. :)
Camarillo (Rio)
2005 Pure Azteca A colt for sale
Najara x Malibu K
1996 Azteca C mare for saleBorn 6/18/05
He's here and he's gorgeous. He was a huge newborn, and seems to double in size every day. Less than fifteen minutes after he was born, he just STOOD UP, very matter-of-factly, no wobbling, no careening around the stall, no big deal, and he has been equally nonchalant about everything he has experienced so far. The halter? No big deal. Thunderstorm on his first adventure to the pasture? No big deal. A human windbreaker tied around his neck in lieu of a blanket? No big deal. Dogs barking, his neurotic "Aunt Maya" frantically swooning around to 'protect' him, lawnmower, weed-eater, and every other distraction you can think of? No sweat. He takes it all in stride, and is so sweet and calm, he will follow you around for scratches. Big boned, deep bodied, and broad-chested, just like his mom and dad, and with a lofty, confident, ground-covering trot.
SOLD! Congratulations to Barbara Shear of Alberton, Montana on her purchase of this wonderful colt. Rio couldn't be going to a better home, and we are very pleased that fate brought he and Barbara together. This was definitely a long, drawn-out process and there is just no doubt it was meant to be. Rio is moving into Barbara's new barn and into her heart. On top of that, he is stepping into the VERY big hoofprints left by Barbara's long-time gelding, Springer, who recently passed away. So this is a bittersweet occasion for everyone, but feels very right in spite of the sadness of losing such a beloved horse. We can't wait to watch Rio grow up, even if it will have to be through emails and videos. He is such a special boy.
Rio at 18 months old
Update #1: Here is an email from Rio (or possibly Barbara, his new mom), sent a few days after his arrival in Montana: "Well, I've been here a few days now and I'm starting to feel right at home! My mom loves me and is always trying to hug me- sort of annoying but I guess I'll have to get used to it :). I love Dancer. But she still thinks I'm a baby and, like, I don't know anything! I've decided to let her think that for awhile. My mom finally figured out the beet pulp (DUH) and I'm finally getting a square meal around here. Today we walked down to the creek and I got lectured about not dragging my mom around. GEEZ! Put a damper on all my fun, why don't ya???? I was a little upset about that but it all ended up well. Well, just wanted to update you guys at home. Nickers to everybody- Mom says pictures will come soon Love, RIO"
Update #2: Here is a photo of Rio at 18 months of age. Barbara, standing next to him, is 5'8. What a big boy!
Najara
Najara is a gorgeous chestnut Azteca C mare, by the famous black Azteca stallion Osado, and out of a lovely breeding-stock paint mare named Quincy's Quintessa. Najara has been with us for a LONG time, and it has only been recently that I made the difficult decision to part with her. At one time, I had big dreams for a breeding program that would feature not only purebred Andalusians, but a number of the wonderful crosses/new breeds that have come about. One of my favorites is the Azteca, which is the combination of the Andalusian and the American Quarter Horse or Paint. Najara is a rarity because she is the much sought-after Azteca C, and when bred back to a purebred Andalusian, her foals are all Azteca A's, which are the ultimate goal of any Azteca breeder. It takes 3 generations of breeding to get to an Azteca A.
Anyway, reality has set in and I realize that Najara deserves to be in a breeding program where she can be a star instead of a supporting role. Her 2005 foal by Malibu K (see above) showcases her quality as a broodmare and she also could easily be shown in halter or in western riding disciplines. She's a beautiful mare...very balanced, round, and she has no obvious flaws (at least, not to my eye). She's an easy keeper and an easy breeder and a fun, animated addition to the barn. She will make someone a wonderful foundation mare for a future Azteca breeding program.
Najara is in foal to Don Marco for a March 2007 Azteca A foal which should be absolutely amazing!
SOLD! Congratulations to Tonya Dolence (again!). This purchase has been a long time coming and I'm so glad things finally worked out so that Najara could be yours. Tonya and her fiance Marc are beginning a new life and a new Azteca breeding program in Northern Michigan. Najara and her baby-to-be will be the foundation for this program and for the new farm. We wish them the best of luck and can't wait to see pictures!
Update: "WE LOVE HER!!!! She is just beautiful...I think about 12 people have stopped by to see her already!!! They got word about her! Marc is carrying Don Marco's pictures with him wherever he goes and saying"thats the baby's daddy!!!"...Today was the best day...she has settled and has calmed down alot. We brushed her and cleaned her feet...she is very smart..dogs, fly spray, tractors, kids, treats, people and cars...she has been around all of it so far and she is very comfortable. I must say....she has learned that we have treats for her and she now greets us at the gate! I am very pleased with her!!!!! ...I just can't believe how beautiful she is...her coat is so healthy...I saw that you feed a certain food...can you give the nutrition regimine that she has followed...I want to keep her looking as good...Well...I can't wait to fill you in throughout the weeks and months that go by!!! Thank You so much! Talk soon! Pics will be coming!!! Tonya"
Cierva
( Castiblanco III x Lanca III)
1985 S/P mare bred by the Garrison Ranch. Her sire is the much admired National Champion stallion, Castiblanco III (now deceased), who sired more National Champions than any other American stallion in history. Cierva's dam is Lanca III, out of the imported mare Palais/Calhandra, an historic broodmare whose offspring influenced the Andalusian breed in Spain, Portugal, and in the United States. Cierva represents the best of both Spanish and Portugese bloodlines. For sale with a breeding to our National Champion stallion, Malibu K.
SOLD! Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Smith, DVM and Red Hills Ranch on the purchase of this outstanding mare, who delivered an exceptional foal by Malibu K in February of 06. She is pictured above in her new home in Gaston, Oregon.
Don Juan Casanova
(Solitario x ML Keisha)
Donnie is a 13 year old Hispano-Arabe who came to live with us in 1999. He has been the 'steady-Eddie" of the farm...the epitome of the perfect trail horse.He wasn't even on the sales list, until Francesca and Larry Loftis came along. He is the 1993 IALHA Half Andalusian National Champion Gelding...a beautiful bay with the heart of an angel and movement to die for.
Larry and Francesca were looking for a lifetime companion to follow in the footsteps of Francesca's 31 year old mare, Nilah, who she has owned for 29 years and is now retiring, and to trail ride with Larry and his Hispano Arabe gelding, Mr. D. Donnie fit the bill perfectly, and now lives with the Loftis family in beautiful Gold country, in Northern California.
SOLD! Congratulations to Larry and Francesca Loftis on their new family member. Donnie is a lucky boy. We will miss him, but feel so fortunate that he has landed in such a wonderful home.
A letter from Donnie (click here)
Impulsor (Iggy)
Enamorado x CapitanaIggy is a 13 year old shimmering grey stallion who makes you stop and point. With a gently curling mass of mane that reaches nearly to his knees, a forelock that passes the end of his nose, a tail that refuses to be tamed by a rubber band or braid, huge bone, a powerful build, and a face out of every girl's fantasy...there is absolutely no doubt when you look at him as to what you are seeing...an ANDALUSIAN. There is simply no other possibility. He is a classic Andalusian, the type you don't often find anymore. Adding to his appeal, he is completely high school trained and has been exhibited in California and the Northwest. He is proficient in Spanish Walk, Passage, Bow (his favorite), and Rear on command, as well as all the basics. He was lovingly trained by his original owner, has been well taken care of throughout his life and various homes, has been used as an exhibition horse only and has never been bred. He has no soundness or temperament issues. I have been hoping that he would be able to return to his original trainer/ owner, who is his soulmate but that isn't possible so he is being offered for sale to a very special, permanent home.
SOLD! Congratulations to the Espinoza family of Somis, California and Santiago, Chile!! Iggy has found a dream home with a wonderful family and will become the Espinoza's herd sire at their ranch in Chile. Thank you Sandy Holt (Iggy's original owner/trainer) for acting as the agent in this sale and to Steve and Donna at JDon Farms for helping connect the dots to make this very special fantasy match into a reality.
UPDATE! In a turn of events that could only be defined as FATE at work, Iggy travelled all the way from Southern California to Miami and spent a month in quarantine in preparation for his trip to Chile. While he was there, some new details about the importation process to Chile came to light, and literally at the 11th hour, Iggy was pulled from the flight and was shortly en route back to California. The Espinozas don't have facilities for a stallion at their farm in California, so Iggy became a very spoiled gelding. However, complications arose from his procedure, and he ended up in intensive care. It has been a long road to recovery, and now, in another strange twist of fate, everything has come full circle and he is once again owned and loved by his ORIGINAL owner, Sandy Holt, who was the agent in this sale to begin with. If ever there was a reason to believe that something things really DO turn out the way they are supposed to, this is it. Iggy is back where he belongs and all is as it should be!!
pictured above, senior stallion, Don Marco.
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