Just A Little Sidetrack ....

Ok. I know I said my next post would be the stallions of Startown Stables, but I got a little sidetracked by these beauties....



These horses are from Blake-Cliff Stables. I spent a wonderful day there on Saturday photographing their annual trail ride. I took almost 600 pictures, so you will see them trickling on here slowly as I have time to go through them all.

You know one of the things I love most about the Paso Fino horses? I just love how natural they look. I love their long shaggy manes and tails. I love how sturdy and compact they are. When I look at them out in the pastures, I can just imagine them running free across the plains hundreds of years ago. They just seem to have that feeling about them.

If I remember correctly, these two are a little on the elderly side, and yet they are still so beautiful. I can only hope to age so gracefully!

Startown Stables

The story of Startown Stables began over 50 years ago in a small town in Columbia, South America, known as Tarqui. It was there that Luis Carlos Iriarte, a respected Paso Fino breeder and trainer, instilled into his only son a love for the Paso Fino horse. Alvaro grew up and became the fourth generation in his family to breed, train, judge and show Paso Fino horses. * (*Info gathered from various Iriarte family material).



Alvaro vowed that one day he would come to America and become a citizen. He accomplished his dream at the age of 35. He moved to America and became a US citizen in 1979.



Startown Stables is a fabulous place and is home to about 100 Paso Fino horses. The stable and it's owner are well known and highly respected in the Paso Fino community.

I pass this stable several times a week and seldom a morning goes by that you don't see Alvaro out riding those horses, with the "funny little gate", out in his fields. They're a beautiful sight.





I was so excited when I found out I was going to Startown Stables to photograph their horses! I've been driving by this place for years and have never once stepped foot on the property. It was exciting to finally be there and meet Alvaro. As I said in my previous post, he was charming. Thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with him and his beautiful horses.

One of my tasks was to photograph the mommies and their babies. Of course, I was THRILLED! I just love the babies! There were several moms and babies in the big pasture, so my daughter (who came with me) and I hiked the fence and went in the pasture with them. I'm getting so brave now! hah! They were having breakfast but kept a watchful eye on us at the same time. Every time we'd get close they'd all take off. I ended up in the middle of the pasture with my long telephoto lens on a tripod in hopes of catching just a few shots of the beauties. They were tricky. The babies are like little magnets, always stuck to their mommies' sides. And it seems that they're frequently on the back side! I did manage to get quite a few decent shots however....

This Palomino and her baby were just gorgeous! I understand that Palominos are quite unusual in the Paso Fino breed. Her baby was only a couple weeks old. We so wanted to get closer, but they were quite shy.

Now these two were the brave ones of the bunch. They actually came towards us a couple of times.


Not these two - they were at the far, far end where they just completely ignored us.

So pretty...



He looks like a little stuffed animal!

Here's the brave pair again....

Loved this baby! So cute!

These two decided that they would just stare us down in hopes that we'd leave.

I could have spent all day with the mommies and babies. But it was time to move on to the stallions! Oh Boy!!! They're always exciting!!! See them in my next post!

Alvaro Iriarte

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Alvaro Iriarte

Fourth generation Paso Fino horse breeder and trainer.

Owner of Startown Stables.

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Today I had the great pleasure of meeting Alvaro Iriarte. What a lovely gentleman. He welcomed me and made me feel right at home immediately. He was a true pleasure to work with. I will have many pictures to post soon. And I will be returning to Startown Stables several times over the next few weeks. So be sure and check back!

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OH!!! And guess who I saw today???? JUAN CARLOS IRIARTE!!! He stopped by Startown Stables with Lisa for just a few minutes. I must say he looks fabulous! You'd never know the trauma he just went through! It was just so, so wonderful to see him. Made my day.

New Photos Soon!!!!

Hey everyone!!! It's been a long time since I've posted. I'm excited to say that I've got some new Paso Fino sessions coming up soon, so be sure and check back for new pics!!! I've missed the horses and am looking forward to being around them again.

ALSO, please check out Blake-Cliff Stables new webpage! It's beautiful! www.blakecliffstables.com

GOOD NEWS!!!!

Juan has made it through his surgery successfully! The doctors are feeling very optismistic about his recovery. Thank you everybody who kept Juan and his family in your thoughts and prayers. All those prayers have resulted in a miracle. Juan still has a rough road ahead though, so keep them coming!

~ Sandy

Update on Juan

Please check in on Juan and Lisa's website (click on their link on this page) under their Message Board. There have been several new posts over the last couple of days regarding Juan and his treatments. He is still awaiting surgery, but is receiving anti-fungal medications while he waits.

My heart breaks for him and his family. Please, please keep Juan and his family in your thoughts and prayers. They need all the prayers that they can get during these difficult, difficult days.

PLEASE PRAY FOR JUAN

The Iriarte Family has posted a prayer request on Juan and Lisa's website. Juan Carlos is undergoing surgery again today. They fear that the fungal infection may have spread. They ask that everyone pray for Juan.

Another Small Prayer ...

For a beautiful little filly who ran her heart out against "the boys" today.
God Speed Eight Belles.

Prayers for Juan Carlos

As many of you know, Juan Carlos (who I've spoken of often on this blog) is battling leukemia. He is literally in a fight for his life. I learned today, that Juan contracted a severe sinus infection which became life threatening. In order to save his life, Juan had to have an eye removed. It appears the operation was successful and that the infection was removed. Lisa says he is doing well and recovering nicely. I have to say that these two people are so amazing to me. I've only known them a few short months, but feel like I've know them for years. And never once have I ever heard them feel sorry for themselves or the situation they find themselves in. They are always so positive and so optimistic. Always finding the silver lining in the dark cloud that lurks nearby. I have a profound admiration for them.

Please keep them in your daily thoughts and prayers as they battle with this disease. I can't wait for the day when I can see Juan in the saddle again doing what he loves. That will be a picture perfect moment for sure.
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To Juan and Lisa, take care of yourselves and know that my family and I think of you every day and are sending all our thoughts and prayers your way. ~ Hugs, Sandy
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Feel free to leave a message here for Juan if you'd like or you can click on their link and leave a message there. Juan and Lisa read both sites and love hearing from people!!