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August 28, 2010 Horses have always been a very special part of my life…a part that I shared, in particular, with my father, who lived with me at my ranch, Hacienda Nirvana for the last several years. My father’s death, although expected, was particularly difficult for me. It has impacted my spending time at the ranch since our love for horses was something we both shared and unfortunately, instead of bringing me joy…visiting the ranch still evokes extreme grief and sadness. I had hoped that the horse shows, the trail rides and the field trials, (which were previously every weekend events for my trainers and me) would captivate my interest once again….but they have not. My 11 year old son, who does like the horses, is very active in other activities. Additionally, my recent marriage to John Crews and obligation to our now blended family along with a busy medical practice have, as well, impacted this decision. When I walk into the barn, I FEEL GUILTY not spending time with my beloved animals. I still love the smell…the familiarity….but right now, there is something pulling me away from there. This may seem odd to some people, but, life, I suppose, takes us on different journeys and mine, for some reason, has journeyed away from horses for the time being. I have been in the Peruvian Paso Horse breed for over twenty years. I have always been lucky enough to have outstanding trainers and ranch employees, and they, for the most part, have been family. My horses could not be better. I can honestly say that there is not a BAD one in the bunch. Many of you remember me when we had over 90. These remaining horses (about 30) are the keepers….not the cast-offs. The “old Foster broodmares” are in their late 20’s – they are strong and sound! Anceoso will be 27 in January! If you ever questioned the soundness of the Peruvians – or the soundness of a particular bloodline- you are more than welcome to view multiple generations…of very sound Peruvian horses! In preparation for this sale, I insisted that the horses be evaluated and appraised in order to have honest and realistic expectations that would serve both buyer and seller. I chose the Risso family as consultants for several reasons. First, the Risso family has been successfully breeding and showing Peruvian Paso horses for over three generations and have maintained a highly regarded reputation. I have known Raul Risso for almost twenty years. We have shared each other’s stallions, bought, admired and critiqued each other’s horses. Additionally, I had his beloved *RyR Galileo at the ranch for several months prior to his sale overseas. Raul is an esteemed international judge and a gentleman. Eduardo Risso, (the son of Pepe Risso Sr), is probably one of, if not the most highly regarded breeder in Peru today. He is, as well, a highly regarded judge internationally. Sr Eduardo Risso is actively breeding and showing horses in both North and South America and knows the importance of “Americanizing” the horse in terms of training and versatility…without changing the essence of the inherent “Peruvian horse” characteristics. He was also instrumental in developing the very successful and well recognized Rocking M Ranch, in Texas and continues in a consulting capacity with them today. Last and certainly not least was the additional benefit of including Eduardo Risso Jr. Here is a young man who truly “lives horse”. Through his parents and through his grandparents he has had the unique opportunity to know two very successful and divergent bloodlines of horses in Peru. He is an outstanding rider who knows conformation and function. He is now living in the United States attending college and has become knowledgeable about what the American rider needs in a versatile pleasure horse. As most of you can well imagine, this was a very difficult decision. Still, I am resigned to selling all of the horses. Nothing would make me happier then to see each of these horses go to the loving owners they deserve and who deserves them. I have always believed that horses pick their owner as much as we select “our horse”. In an effort to accomplish that goal, I will have Ruben Sanchez (formerly with Brentwood Place now with Rocking M Ranch) and Felix Flores (formerly of Phoenix Ranch, Felix has been with us at Hacienda Nirvana for over a year), available to work with the horses and their new owners. These two men are professional, experienced and versatile in their training techniques. Moreover, they have each been in the United States for years and know many of these bloodlines and which horses will be best suited for which disciplines. Lastly, there is the question of equipment and tack….and, yes, we have lots of both. I have been asked about whether I would consider selling these items. I will sell these items; however, I have not yet put prices on anything. If there is anything that you are in need of please let me know. My dear friend, Alberto Lummis, (who has been a great help to me with this sale as well as with my life in Peruvian Paso horses) and I will be available at the sale to help you with new or used tack. A list of horses and their current appraised market values will be posted on the website shortly and a catalog is being produced. If you have any questions, you may contact me for further information. We have several hotels in the area that are very reasonable and a list is available. As well, if you do know that you are coming please let me know because I would like to have enough food and beverage for everyone. I look forward to seeing many of you at the sale on the 28th. I sincerely appreciate your emails and the interest in the sale. Kindest regards, Marla At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains lies an equine utopia known in the Peruvian Horse world as Hacienda Nirvana. This Peruvian horse breeding ranch and horse training clinic has some beautiful show horses for sale. For more information please e-mail or call us at (334) 514-1859
HACIENDA NIRVANA
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