Our Story
Our love affair with alpacas began during the winter of 2001
when we saw a television commercial for alpacas sponsored by the
ILoveAlpacas.com
Website. We had recently moved from an in-town location in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, to the countryside of Gettysburg and realized that
our 18 acres could easily accommodate a manageable alpaca herd.
But we were nearing retirement and worried that this new venture
could have a negative impact on our other love: travel. So we
hesitated while we studied the idea of owning alpacas. Our research
focused on the responsibilities involved in alpaca ownership.
We already knew the up side of the business: beautiful, gentle
animals, an outdoor way of life, and a handsome potential return
on our investment. After three years of thinking it over, we decided
to go for it. We both love animals, and this seemed like a great
new outlet for our energies -- as if we needed more to do since
we already own and are still personally overseeing two other local
businesses, an equipment rental business and a tour center.
Early on in our venture, we had met a suri alpaca breeder from
Ohio whose business acumen, success both as a manufacturing entrepreneur
and as an alpaca breeder made a lasting impression on us. His
enthusiasm for the alpaca lifestyle and investment convinced us
to give alpacas a try. When we were finally ready to "take
the plunge", we visited the Ohio farm, selected three bred
rare suri alpaca females and one maiden and set about to ready
our property for their arrival. That was in November of 2003.
It took several months to prepare for our alpacas' arrival - -
building fences, laying water and electric lines, etc. But by
March of 2004 our "girls" finally came home. During
the following three years, we purchased two herd sires: a true
black alpaca with exceptional conformation and fleece and a half
interest in a multiple award-winning full Accoyo male.
We invite you to visit us, meet our alpacas, enjoy the wonderful
history surrounding our farm and see if you also might want to
get involved in this incredibly satisfying way of life. And, by
the way, during our first year as breeders of rare suri alpacas
we have managed to continue travel with nearby neighbors doing
the alpaca sitting for us. This coming winter we plan a long camping
trip as well as a cruise or two. Where there's a will, there's
a way!
— Larry and Helen Hornbake
|
