Testimonials

Over the years we have had many satisfied clients.  Here's what a few of them had to say about their experience at the Curry Ranch.



I often receive updates from a number of the satisfied customers who purchase Curry Ranch horses but I rarely get the chance to see the horses first hand after they have left the ranch.  I recently, however, had the opportunity to pay a visit to a young lady who had purchased a nice mare from the Curry Ranch.  The mare that her parents bought for her was five years old and untrained.  The extent of the handling that this mare had was limited to routine hoof care, vaccinations, and deworming.  Other than that, she hadn't been handled very much.

I had received reports from time to time from the parents of this young lady that the mare was coming along nicely in her training.  A few days ago, I was invited to drop by and witness their progress.  Since her parents had previously informed me that their 14 year old daughter had done the majority of the training with this mare, I was quite eager to see this for myself.

When I arrived, her father told me that he helped with some of the ground work, desensitizing, and first two rides. Other than that, his daughter had done the rest of the work.  I witnessed the horse being saddled and warmed up briefly on a longe line before this young lady climbed into the saddle.  The horse stood calmly while she mounted and walked out at a nice controlled flat walk when asked to do so.

She turned nicely, had good lateral flexion, stopped nicely, and appeared quite calm while being ridden.  To be quite honest, I didn't find anything especially remarkable about this since that is what I would expect from Curry Ranch horses.  What I did find remarkable was that the most of the training that this horse had received was done but a 14 year old girl who was a relatively inexperienced rider and completely experienced in the process of starting a horse.

Another thing that I was quite impressed by was that this mare had been trained in nothing more than a rope halter.  As a matter of fact, when I watched the horse being ridden, she was riding with the same halter but there were reins attached to the knots on the side of it.  The fact that this mare was so easy for the young lady to control in nothing more than a rope halter with improvised reins was astonishing.  While she was demonstrating the progress of the mare, her father told me that this was only the 20th ride.  

It was quite satisfying for me to witness this because I've spent the better part of 40 years breeding Peruvian Paso horses that have good genetics, conformation, gaits, and minds.  To see an inexperienced rider accomplish this with a green horse from the Curry Ranch was very rewarding.

~ Henry Curry

Aurora.jpg

14 year old girl who trained a Curry Ranch mare.



A few years ago we moved to Oregon and were fortunate enough to meet a very nice man by the name of Dr. Henry F. Curry. He is the owner of the Curry Ranch in Bonanza Oregon where they breed and train some of the finest peruvian pasos to be found. 

At the time we had a few horses of our own and had a growing interest in gaited breeds. While looking for a place to buy hay, we stumbled upon the Curry Ranch. While visiting with Dr. Curry, he inquired about the breed of horses that we currently own. I informed him that we had two Percherons, a Spanish Mustang, and an Arabian. We visited briefly about the Mustang and I told him about how smooth she was to ride. I explained that I thought she was doing some kind of intermediate gait. I also told him that we were very interested in smooth gaited horses but didn't really have any experience with them. I should note that thus far I was not aware that they raised Peruvian horses at his ranch. He was pleased to hear that we had an interest in gaited horses and promptly began telling me about his animals. We had an enjoyable conversation for some time about this magnificent breed. Upon completion of our conversation he cordially invited us to come visit his ranch for a test ride.

When we arrived, I was initially taken back by their size. After all, we currently owned two Percherons so we were used to being around very large horses. His horses tended to average around 14.2 hands. Their bone structure was finer and the horses were leaner than I was used to as well. Initially I wasn't very impressed with the Peruvian Paso breed. That however, quickly changed when I saw them move. I watched Dr. Curry's head trainer Jaime put a strange looking saddle on the first horse. I was informed that it was a Peruvian work saddle. I also intently watched as they put what is called a bosal (a tightly wrapped leather strap that was tied around the nose) on the horse instead of a bridle and bit. When I asked about this strange piece of tack they explained that it is the traditional tack used to start Peruvian horses under saddle.

Jaime led the strangely dressed horse to the indoor riding arena and mounted up. He began in a slow walk to warm the horse up and after a few minutes he gradually increased the speed. As I watched the horse move, I was dumbfounded. It wasn't like anything I had ever seen. The horses legs were moving so fast and yet Jaime looked like he was riding on a magic carpet. The horses front legs sort of swung to the side as they moved forward. I learned that this is called "termino" and it indicates that the horse has very loose shoulders which promotes smooth forward movement. It was quite a site for someone who had grown up bouncing on trotting horses.

I couldn't wait for my turn to climb into the saddle. As I stepped into the stirrup and swung a leg over, I eagerly awaited my first ride. I noticed that the horse was very well mannered. He stood patiently after I mounted and waited for me to ask him to walk forward. Boy was I surprised when he did! The horse felt very strange at first. He walked with his head held high but not like an upset horse. His head carriage was high and he carried himself in a nicely collected frame. As he slowly increased his speed, the experience just got better and better. Unlike the trotting horses that I was accustomed to riding, this ride actually became smoother as he sped up. Riding this horse was a magnificent treat and unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I rode several more horses that day. Each one was well behaved and pleasurable beyond words. My experience at the Curry Ranch was relaxed and exceptionally enjoyable. I would encourage anyone who has the chance to visit the ranch to do so. Dr. Curry is a soft spoken man who is quite easy to talk to and his ranch hands are polite and very helpful.

--- Jeff Hahne


Talk about the whole package when it comes to buying a horse. We started our search for the perfect Peruvian Paso horse by emailing Henry Curry at the Curry Ranch. I asked him about his experience with the breed and why I should be interested in purchasing a Peruvian Paso from him. Henry shared valuable information with me and then invited our whole family to Klamath Falls to spend the week-end at his ranch trail riding. Prior to our visit Henry inquired about our riding skills and the type of horses we enjoyed. Right from the beginning of our week-end Henry was very gracious, friendly and best of all had four horses saddled and ready to ride. We had a wonderful experience on the trail ride and finished the day with a fantastic barbecued meal cooked by Chef Henry.

I continued my research on the Peruvian Paso horse and even went and to look at a couple other Peruvian Paso horses that were in the vicinity. During this time I continued to ask Henry questions about the breed and what I should be looking for in a Peruvian Paso horse. His vast knowledge and quiet unassuming demeanor made it easy for me to quickly come up to speed on the Peruvian Paso bred. Weeks went by and Henry and I continued to converse by email. Henry again invited the family down to take another look at his beautiful horses. I had taken an interest in a 4 year old gelding named Maximus CR. So back to the ranch we went to spend more time with Henry and his wonderful Trainer Jaime. This time I spent time riding only Maximus and spent additional time at the barn feeding, grooming and getting to know the horse that I had grown to love. One of the many things I appreciated about Henry was that he never pressured me to buy from him.

After thinking about it for another two weeks I decided that Maximus was the perfect horse that I was looking for so I called Henry and told him that I wanted to buy Maximus. The best part of the story is that when we brought Maximus home he was exactly as advertised and better. His gait is extremely smooth with wonderful termino. He is very sound and I have put many trail miles on him. His brio (courage, willingness to work and willingness to obey) are unmatched by any other horse I have ever owned. I have enjoyed Maximus so much that I am now a repeat customer! Ferro CR joined Maximus at our ranch in Bend. I am and will always be grateful to Henry for sharing his love for the Peruvian Paso.
 
Always your friends,

The Mills Family



These mares from Curry Ranch were purchased earlier this year by a delightful couple who own a well designed personal horse facility near Redmond, Oregon. Nancy and Glen Cox are experienced riders and have been extremely pleased with the performance of both mares. Nancy has sent me several videos and digital photos of both mares. I was recently pleased to receive this professional photo of La Mejor CR and Chromatic CR, sent by Nancy with permission to publish on this website with credit to the photographer. 



Peruvian Paso Horse, Primero CR

Photo by Fields


I had seen Dr. Henry Curry win many ribbons at horse shows in the Pacific Northwest, so when I was looking for a new riding partner I started my search by going to his website. The show quality of his horses is great, but I was really interested in a trail horse. Henry’s horses are not only trained for the show ring, but also on the trail and even work the ranch. I liked several finished horses on the website but one five year old gelding was of particular interest, so I made arrangements for the 10 hour drive to visit Curry Ranch with two friends who came along for company and additional input.

Although I was going to specifically look at one horse, I did not want to limit my options, especially since it was a long drive. I discussed with Henry several things I wanted in a new partner and, indicated that, although I had my own horses for several years, I would not consider myself an extremely experienced rider. Based on that information, when we arrived he had several other horses in mind for me to try.

Henry introduced us to his trainer, Jaime Aguirre, who took fabulous care of us. I was very nervous the first couple of rides. After all, here I was an inexperienced rider having a top-notch breeder and trainer watching me ride! Would they think I wasn’t good enough to own one of their well-breed horses? I stopped worrying about it after the first couple of rides. Jaime would explain all about each horse I rode. He was so patient and answered all my questions honestly. Even after hours of going back and forth among horses and deciding on several that I wanted to ride a second time, he was always very gracious. He is an excellent judge of riding ability and matching the right horse with rider.

I rode 7 horses while I was there, multiple times, and when I had narrowed the field down we went on a very nice trail ride to see how each one responded outside of the arena. I had not made a decision by the time I left. Actually, I was trying to decide if I could take two of them instead of having to choose, but that was not practical for me at the time. It took me about ten days to make a final decision. I was never pressured into buying, which I really appreciated. I contacted Henry several times during the week to ask additional questions about each horse. Occasionally he would consult with Jaime and get back to me. He was very patient. As an interesting point, my final choice was not the horse I originally went to ride, but his dam. When I announced my choice to one of my friends who had accompanied me on the trip, she told me that after the very first time around the arena, Jaime had said to her, “that’s the horse”. Jaime knew the best one for me, but I had to come to that conclusion myself.

When I had asked Henry for a recommendation of a place to stay overnight, he said his guest house happened to be empty that weekend and we were welcome to stay there. He even put some hamburgers on the BBQ and we had a wonderful dinner. Henry showed us pictures and told us stories of some of the famous Peruvians he has owned. It was a great visit.

I have continued to stay in touch with Henry and have occasionally tapped into his many years of experience with the Peruvian breed with a question on performance. Purchasing a horse from him and Jaime was a delightful experience from start to finish and I am very pleased with my choice. Historia and I have had many wonderful adventures together, and I anticipate many more for years to come.


-- MG

Duvall, WA






In the spring of 2010, I began looking for a Peruvian Paso for myself.  (My wife currently owns a nine year old gelding.)  I had visited the breeders in my area and had test ridden several nice horses, but none made the connection I was looking for.

Out of curiosity, I emailed Henry Curry at Curry Ranch to make an inquiry. The ranch was well out of geographic search area, so realistically I had little hope of actually travelling to the ranch.  Henry asked about my general horse experience and what I thought the most important qualities in a horse would be.   After exchanging several emails Henry told me that he thought a young gelding named Lindero CR would be a good fit. With my interest piqued, I told Henry that I would like to visit the ranch to meet Lindero and the other horses he had for sale. It was a great excuse to use the air-miles.

Henry offered me accommodation at his “humble abode” and I readily accepted. I arrived early evening and Henry quickly lit the barbeque and prepared a delicious meal.  (At Curry Ranch, I was treated as an old friend.)  We spent the evening, (and early morning) talking Peruvian Paso.  I peppered Henry with every question I could think of and he happily obliged my curiosity. (We may have also solved most of the world’s problems.)

The next morning, I met Jaime, the ranch trainer who offered his complete time and attention.  He introduced me to Lindero.  I rode Lindero twice that day and was very impressed with his energy, responsiveness and gait.  His special qualities though, were patience, kindness and curiosity. I didn’t need to consider any other horse.

During my stay at Curry ranch, it became apparent that while I was looking for the right horse, Henry was looking for the right client.  I know that if Henry felt Lindero was a poor match, he would not have sold him to me.

There are some logistical issues importing a horse to Canada. Henry went above and beyond all expectations and took care of all the details at his end.  Lindero is now enjoying his new “forever home” and impressing everyone he meets with his good looks and willing attitude.  The trip to Curry Ranch was the best money I ever spent...  I highly recommend the experience. Thank you Henry.

-- Dave

Britsh Columbia, Canada

Note: Dave was kind enough to volunteer permission for prospective buyers to contact him for questions or confirmation by e-mail. His e-mail address will be provided upon request by contacting Henry Curry at www.curryranch@centurytel.net. or calling me at (541) 545-6488. I will be pleased to respond to any calls with a caller I.D.




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