One of the most satisfying aspects of running an alpaca business is hearing of the success of your clients and sharing in the joys of their business.
On Friday morning I received a phone call from Troy and Mary Ogilvie of Timberlodge Alpacas, Kaufman, Texas. Troy and Mary are two lovely people who are very enthusiastic about their alpaca herd and have some great ideas on promoting alpaca fiber in the United States. About two years ago Troy and Mary purchased an alpaca, Theresa, from us. Theresa was bred to our Enchantment’s Prince Regentand produced a stunning light brown male cria, Treasure of Airlie in June 2006. (That’s a picture of Airlie at the beginning of this post after his second place win at the 2007 TxOLAN Alpaca Spectacular in Fort Worth this year.)
The reason for Troy and Mary’s telephone call was to let me know that Treasure of Airlie had just won not only First Place in his class but also Color Champion at the Houston Livestock Show. I was thrilled to hear the news, not only because Airlie is out of our herdsire, but also because of the joy Airlie’s achievement brought to Troy and Mary. I walked around with a smile on my face for the rest of the day thinking about how happy they were with their win.
Treasure of Airlie will be off to the “Alpacas of the Ozarks” show in Arkansas in April and I am sure he will make a great impression on the judge at that show too.
So Congratulations again Troy and Mary (and Airlie), may your victory at the Houston show this weekend be the first of many!
Rosemary,
Thanks for the article. We were happy, indeed. Mary was… shocked when the judge ppinted to her and said, “First Place”. She dropped her jaw and smiled a really big smile. Then when they went back into the ring for the Color Champion round, the Judge walked up to her and presented her with the Champion Banner. She looked at me in the stands with the happiest smile on her face.
Airlee was a great little champ. He walked into the ring with confidence, stood while being inspected, and seemed to enjoy the experience. Kevin O’Leary, the judge, said he noticed Airlee as he walked into the ring. With his confidence, broad chest, strong and straight legs, his typey head just topped it off. Airlee’s fiber showed strong crimp and a very fine handle, with plenty of staple length. We are so proud of him. The next show will help to get him noticed by another region of Alpaca breeders. We hope he becomes popular as a herd sire as he gets older and begins to produce wonderful progeny for the future.
Thank you for all your support over tha past several years. We never could have done this without the mentoring you provided, as well as providing us with Theresa – our first producing female. Thanks again, and we hope to see you soon for shearing. Give our best to Ric.
Comment by Troy Ogilvie — March 12, 2007 @ 1:44 pm