Rare Gem Alpacas

06/23/2026

Many years ago, Kierstyn used to climb over the fence from her grandparents’ house behind me so she could help with the alpacas.

Today she’s my number one ranch hand.

This week she brought her little brother, Ash, to the farm, and watching him work with the animals reminded me so much of his big sister at that age.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. ❤️

Hardworking. Kind. Animal lover.

06/23/2026

Many years ago, a little girl named Kierstyn used to climb over the fence from her grandparents’ house behind me so she could come help with the alpacas. She wasn’t much older than Ash is now. Even then, she was a hard worker, eager to learn, and happiest when she was around animals.

Fast forward to today, and Kierstyn has grown into my number one ranch hand. She knows the animals, understands the routines, and has become an invaluable part of Rare Gem Alpacas.

This week she brought her little brother, Ash, to help on the farm. Watching Ash this week, I could see many of the same qualities that made Kierstyn such a great helper when she was his age.

Just like his sister, Ash is hardworking, kind, and has a natural connection with animals. From learning the basics of feeding and cleaning, to helping with halter training, he earned the trust of the animals, took every job seriously, and did it all with a smile.

One of the greatest joys of farm life is watching young people discover confidence, responsibility, and compassion through working with animals.

Today reminded me that while we’re raising alpacas, we’re also helping raise the next generation of animal caretakers.

And that’s a pretty special thing to witness. ❤️

06/14/2026

Rare Gem Apache's Healing Heart is looking absolutely radiant as we enter summer and count down to her September 29 due date with her very first cria.

Healing Heart has always been one of those females who reminds us why patience matters. While many of her Apache Gentleman siblings were known for their bold Appaloosa expression, Heart's patterning was much more subtle. She wasn't the biggest juvenile and never demanded attention, but as she has matured, her unique genetics, beautiful fleece, and sweet disposition have made her an increasingly important part of our breeding program.

For her first breeding, I selected Snowmass Divine Optics, a pairing years in the making. I still remember the first time I put my hands on a basket of his fleece at Parade of Champions and thinking, "I need these genetics in my program." Beyond his exceptional fleece, Divine Optics brings exactly the kind of hidden black genetics I hoped to pair with Heart's unique Appaloosa background. Since then, I've waited for the right female and the right opportunity. This September, we'll finally see the result of that long-held vision.

For now, I'm simply enjoying watching Heart blossom into motherhood and counting down the days until September.

https://www.openherd.com/AlpacaPage.aspx?ActiveOverride=1&alpaca=174945&title=rare-gem-apaches-healing-heart

03/29/2026

✂️ First Shear ✂️

Tomorrow is Halo’s first shearing… and with a leopard Appaloosa, this is where things get really interesting. Up until now, what you see is only part of the story.

Once that cria fleece comes off, her patterning will sharpen and come into full view — often much more defined than what’s been visible on the surface.

It’s also our first real look at what she’s been growing underneath. Not just color… but structure, brightness, and uniformity — the traits that matter long-term.

Halo has been a standout from the beginning, and moments like this are part of what I love about breeding… watching potential start to take shape in a more meaningful way.

Tomorrow is the reveal. ✂️🦙

03/06/2026

Taylor Bleu and I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Friday.
Hope yours is a real HUMdinger — the good kind, of course. 🥰

03/02/2026

What an exciting night at the Golden West & Wild West Show! We are beyond thrilled to have secured the Ironhide V***r breeding in support of Calpaca. Huge thank you to Ironhide Alpacas and Aspen Alpacas for their generosity and for offering such an exceptional opportunity.

Now the fun begins — selecting just the right Rare Gem female to complement this extraordinary male. With V***r being non-dilute, this will be a strategic pairing as we continue exploring the genetic layers behind pattern expression. We’ll be stacking the odds carefully. 🥰

Congratulations and thank you to Darcy Phillips of Rare Gem Alpacas on being the winning bidder of Ironhide V***r’s (co owned with Aspen Alpacas) donation breeding to CALPACA - it was the highest sold breeding of the evening! We can’t wait to see who you send to him!! 🌟👏🥳

Ironhide V***r won his 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Championship banners this weekend!! Huge thank you to Mary for showing our special boy.

02/17/2026

A sun-kissed afternoon, two young Appaloosas, and a moment that felt a little bit magical. Pixel's first halter session caught Candy's eye and admiration. Future herdsire energy... with a side of charm.

More Info: https://www.openherd.com/AlpacaPage.aspx?ActiveOverride=1&alpaca=177037&title=rare-gem-pixel-davinci

02/13/2026

2025-26 Winter Birthing Season Wrapped!

* 8 of 11 Births 340 Days or Less
* 10 Unassisted Births
* 6 Appaloosa Expressions

Grateful for strong moms and thriving crias! 💓

More Info: https://www.openherd.com/farm/4716/rare-gem-alpacas

01/25/2026

He left as a young male with promise —
and seven months later, strutted home with the confidence of the Appaloosa stud muffin that he is.

Mirakel is officially home in Southern California for winter breeding season after a summer in Montana and a fall in Oregon — and he didn’t just grow up while he was away, he fully stepped into his role.

He’s matured into a confident, solid, masculine male with the presence you hope to see in a working herdsire, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him back on the ranch and settling in.

While Mirakel was away, his first four offspring arrived — all expressed Appaloosa, including from solid, non-Appaloosa dams, in colors ranging from brown to white.

Winter breeding season is officially underway, and Mirakel is ready.

https://www.openherd.com/alpacas-for-sale/167852/mirakel-appaloosa

12/12/2025

“Reverse Appaloosa”…. Do you picture spotted babies backing up like tiny alpaca moonwalkers? 😄

The term is borrowed from the llama and horse worlds, but in alpacas it describes something a little different — a darker base with white spots.

Two weeks ago, we welcomed two reverse-Appaloosa arrivals — the first we’ve had in 11 years, and both born within the same week.

Meet Mirakel’s newest duo, Dappled Daphne (Dam: H2R Myrtle) and Enchanted Manly Man (Dam: Enchanted Girly Girl), reminding us that alpaca genetics still love to surprise us. ✨