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Ballena Vista Farm employs a team of horsemen & women who are dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable & who have a genuine love of equines. Following is a short biography of some of them:
MANUEL OCHOA, Farm Manager – Manuel has occupied the Farm Manager position since 1991. He brought with him over 30 years of experience in the equine industry, many of them working with the legendary trainer Charlie Whittingham. A respected horseman, Manuel oversees every aspect of the Farm, concentrating on reproduction/breeding, training, & horses sent to the Farm for rehab & lay-up. A father & grandfather, Manuel & his wife reside on the Farm along with their dog, Paco , a Black Lab/Great Dane mix who acts as the official “visitor greeter” for the Farm, as well as two cats.
MIGUEL (“MIKE”) JIMENEZ, Broodmare Manager – Miguel joined BVF in November, 2007, after spending 16 years as the Assistant Manager at Valley Creek Farm. Following in the footsteps of his father, a retired jockey who galloped Sunday Silence & Runaway Groom, Mike spent 5 years in the Whittingham barn walking hots & grooming horses. He is Manuel's “right hand man”, assisting with the entire Farm operation. His responsibilities also include client communication & discussing stallion seasons with owners during breeding season. Mike, his wife & 2 daughters are Farm residents & he enjoys coaching his daughters' soccer & softball teams in his spare time.
BECKY OCAMPO, Office Manager – Becky joined the Farm in February, 2007, bringing to BVF over 5 years of accounting & office workplace experience. She is responsible for all accounting tasks (including monthly invoicing), HR duties & Payroll processing, as well as assisting the Grounds Manager with his responsibilities. Becky is bi-lingual &enjoys coaching her children's soccer teams, playing soccer and playing with her Rottweilers’ Zenny and Sequoia.
MARCELINO GORDILLO, Grounds Manager – Marcelino has been with the Farm prior to its groundbreaking in 1983. He & his crew ensure that the grounds & facility are kept in tip-top shape, both from a visual & serviceable standpoint, taking pride in making the Farm a showplace for residents, both human & equine, as well as for clients & visitors. He is a father & grandfather & resides on the Farm with his family.
MARTIN CHAVEZ, Trainer – Martin is responsible for the initial breaking & training of horses on the Farm, as well as supervising the other riders. An employee of the farm for many years, he also serves as a groom & exercise rider. His association with Manuel spans 20+ years. Martin resides on the Farm with his wife & children, one of whom, Cesar, aspires to become a jockey.
JUAN RINCON, Stud Manager – Juan oversees the very important care & activity of our stallions. Also a long time employee like many at BVF, he assists in the breeding shed & serves as the stallions' groom. Like Martin, he has been an associate of Manuel for over 20 years. He & his family are also Farm residents.
VETERINARY CARE – Dr. Gary Cranney, founder/owner of Cranney Veterinary Services in San Marcos, is the primary veterinarian for BVF; his associate is Dr. William Talbot. These experienced professionals in equine care & reproduction ensure that all horses receive the proper veterinary care, including timely vaccinations & parasite control. Drs. Cranney & Talbot have a combined 5 decades of experience in equine reproduction & are among the most well-respected in the field.
FARRIER CARE – Experienced farriers Paul Schiewe, Daniel Perez & Jason Job visit each week to provide their expert services to horses on the Farm, & are available for on-call assistance as needed.
Of course this list is only a partial one. Many supporting employees lend experience & dedication to the care of each equine resident of the Farm.
We invite you to call us for an appointment to visit Ballena Vista Farm & meet the staff !
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