July 7, 2023 – End of an Era.
Dear Clients, Friends & Our V Family,
As you know, Varian Arabians has been for sale for several months. As of today July 7, 2023, the ranch officially came under the new ownership of Simon & Caprice Arkell & their daughter Sophie whose passion is barrel racing at Cal Poly. The new name of the ranch will be Varian Equestrian, LLC dba Varian Equestrian Center.
Kristy and Mike will remain in management positions for the new owners as the long-standing, loyal, hardworking, well-respected staff overseeing your horses for years. This change of ownership does not affect your horses boarded here in any way. VEC will be sending you out their boarding contract soon and are looking forward to meeting you personally. They will be delivering the same exceptional service you have grown accustomed to at Varian Arabians.
VEC has created a social media page under Varian Equestrian Center, LLC where you can send a direct message or contact them at the following email addresses;
They also have a website VarianEquestrian.com.
Varian Arabians will continue in a virtual role with the VA website, maintaining the sales pages of V horses, and the marketing & breeding services of Major Mac V and Windy Bey V, who will at this time both remain at the ranch under my ownership & management. I will be available to VEC in a "consult" position to help in the transition period over the next couple of months.
The Power of the V & the legacy of Sheila Varian with your help will remain strong in perpetuity. The Varian History wall in the show barn will remain as part of the farm for the visitors to continue to learn about her legacy & her unforgettable history in the Arabian horse world.
Sheila's museum is now in three different but very special locations that represent her lifetime achievements. Her saddle she won on Ronteza in 1961 at the Cow Palace in San Francisco will be on display along with Ronteza's bridle, photos, belt buckle, story & photos written about her incredible win on her little bay mare. This October the Cow Palace annual rodeo will host "The Year of the Woman” they will also raise money for Ovarian cancer. The rodeo circuit normally raises funds for Breast cancer and the participants wear pink but this year they will wear teal, it will be a wonderful tribute to Sheila and all women of the western world. For more info on the event in October or the Cow Palace Event Center http://www.cowpalace.com
The bulk of her museum went to her Varian family at the V6 Ranch in Parkfield, California. John Varian, the man of many talents, woodworking being one of them will build her a beautiful rustic museum in their quaint little town of Parkfield for people to visit. For more info & history on the V6 Ranch go to http://www.v6ranch.com, if you are looking to "Cowboy or Cowgirl Up" for a weekend this will become your happy place. I know Sheila is smiling, she loved to ride on that ranch and be a part of the many clinics & events they hosted, so many wonderful memories she held close to her heart was at the V6.
The third special location I chose was to send her Cowgirl Hall of Fame dress, hat, and boots to the Santa Ynez Historical Museum in Santa Ynez, California. This is where Sheila would do her Vaquero events every November. http://www.santaynezmuseum.org
I am sure in my heart Sheila would approve, all these places were meaningful to her and they will all honor her memory.
Thank you in advance for helping us make this transition a smooth one. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.
Long live the V.
Kind regards,
Angela Alvarez
General Manager, Varian Arabians
Cell - 805-441-1229
Please take note of the change of address for mail delivery for Varian Arabians to my home across the street from the ranch:
1203 Corbett Canyon Rd. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
