Celestina Ranch Peruvian Horses

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Celestina is Spanish for matchmaker, and that is our goal – to help you find the horse of your dreams.

Our commitment is to create the “user-friendly” horse. We keep only a small and select herd on our farm, but our contacts within the breed can help you to find your equine companion and to develop the skills to fully appreciate your equine partner’s qualities. We are located 30 minutes south of Calgary -- with easy highway access from Calgary, Okotoks or High River.

We are delighted to announce that Sr. Alejandro (Alex) Montalvo is training horses here at Celestina Ranch for the 2010 season.  Limited training spots will be available for client horses on a first-come, first-served basis.  Contact us today to discuss your training needs.
 

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CLST Exclamacion & RJT Celestina - June, 2010

What's different about Celestina Ranch?

Horses are an integral part of my life.  I believe they give me a mirror to "check in" on my personal progress and spirituality.  My world was changed forever when I met first Trigger, then Lila.  My personal journey to living an authentic life was kick-started by these noble creatures.  Their honesty and transparency humbles me, and they see through to my soul.  They see my true intentions clearly, and their sensitivity to and forgiveness of my human frailties is inspiring.  They get it right when I get it right, and the more often I work with them, the more I learn about understanding and accepting that the perceptions of others are every bit as valid and reasonable to them as mine are to me.

Horses allow us to strap leather to them, put metal in their mouths and carry our weight on their backs - generally without complaining too strenuously about what we ask them to do.  In return, they ask that we feed, water and care for them.  They do not lay guilt trips on us when we are too busy to spend time with them.  They are willing to work for us in the round pen at liberty if we have given them a reason to accept our requests.  They are willing to follow us if we have earned their trust in us to lead them by keeping them safe.  My goal is to earn that trust every time I interact with them.  And this has spilled over into my relationships with people.  Others may not share my opinions, but that does not make their opinions and perceptions less valid than mine.  I strive every day to remember these things.  And that is just part of the gift I've been given and want to share.

I was fortunate to have spent five years working with a "horse trainer" that willingly shared his knowledge with me.  I feel a commitment to pass that legacy on.  My heart sings when a horse or client "gets it" for the first time, and I see the pride they feel in that accomplishment.  If I can contribute to that, my days have meaning.

What's so special about Peruvian Horses?

Descended from the horses brought to the
Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, the Peruvian Horse is born with a smooth, natural way of going stamped into their genetic heritage by hundreds of years of selective breeding. Peruvians are shown barefoot – the gait cannot be influenced by weighted or other special shoes.

Although similar in type and sharing the Spanish genetic origin from centuries ago, Peruvian Horses differ from Paso Finos both in their conformation and in their way of going. The Peruvian is generally a slightly larger horse than its Paso Fino cousin. Both breeds execute a smooth four beat gait. Where Paso Finos are prized for a short, snappy stride with little forward motion
(click here for video of Paso Fino in gait), Peruvians are expected to have a longer, ground covering stride with their front legs moving in a rolling motion from the shoulder known as termino.

The smooth gait makes Peruvian Horses an excellent choice for the rider who wants to avoid the discomfort of a trot. Peruvian Horses are hotbloods, and are generally quite forward and energetic. This can make them intimidating at first for some new riders or those accustomed to a less energetic breed, but we believe that with proper training, support and understanding, these horses provide an equine experience like no other. "Hot" does not mean spooky or unmanageable, and our horses have a strong foundation of basic groundwork to teach them calmness and self-control while preserving their energy and spirit.

We have quieter horses in our lease and lesson pool that are ideal for the adult novice, while the fiery individuals are a thrill for even the most experienced rider. We look forward to working with you.



We provide:
 

Horses for sale or lease

Riding and handling lessons

Boarding

Clinics and seminars

We are proud members of the following organizations:

Peruvian Horse Association of Canada

Peruvian Horse Club of Alberta

Peruvian Horse Club of British Columbia

Peruvian Enthusiasts and Recreational Riders Unlimited

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HdN Niņo Rey seeks contact

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”
 
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”
-- Anatole France



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"Where the trail horses are show ready"
Blackie, Alberta, Canada
Phone: (403) 601-2500 Fax: (403) 652-1302