WELCOME TO.........
Willow Wisp ranch, located just north of Kittitas near Ellensburg Wa., started out being just a whim to grow a little hay when we had 6 horses in Maple Valley Wa. on 1 3/4 acres. Maybe a place we thought we'd like to retire eventually. We had in mind that 20 acres would due nicely, but decided that the 45 acre dry creek place would be something we could swing, thus the conception of "Willow Wisp Ranch" 20 years later we can honestly say "We have enjoyed the trip" We have created a fine herd of Limousin cattle, and some mighty fine Quarter horses and more recently (the last l0 years) some very nice Australian Shepherds. We also keep a small herd of Nubian and a few Angora goats, and a few laying hens. John who made our living as a mechanic and truck driver is now retired and we are living what we dreamed of living 20 years ago. So at this web address we will endeavor to show you some of the animals we enjoy and who's offspring may be available in the future. "Will-O-The-Wisp" A thing that deludes or misleads by luring on.........a destination or a dream that is so fascinating and intriguing that one cannot help but be drawn in by it. Our motto "What it all comes down to in the end, Is a matter of Honor and Decency. If a man doesn't have that, He's nothing and will never be anything, No matter how many cows he owns!
LIMOUSIN CATTLE
Fullblood Limousin Cattle are beautiful, red, horned cattle that are endowed with longer loins and more muscling in their hind quarters than some breeds. They also are a lean meat breed, meaning that they do not carry as much fat as some of the other breeds. They calve easily and are very maternal .
Purebred Limousin can be black or any color from cream to red depending on their genetic background,they can be horned or polled,but all Limousin are beautiful cattle with fancy fannies !
The beautiful, athletic, talented, American Quarter Horse, known world wide for it's ability to handle all the various ranch chores such as herding cattle, roping calves or bull dogging, and cutting cattle out of the herd to brand.vaccinate, dehorn and steer them.
The American Quarter Horse is also shown in competition, in halter classes , reining classes, western pleasure and equitation and trail classes and in various other kinds of competition such as cutting and penning
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent , loyal and committed hired hand who is always willing to help you drive cattle,pen cattle, load cattle or put them back in the pasture after they have gotten out. They are a herding breed that also will herd sheep,ducks or other livestock that one might endeavor to move from one place to another.
Australian Shepherds colors are black tri, black bi, blue merle, red
tri, red bi, red merle.
Nubian goats are beautiful milk goats with very long ears and a somewhat roman nose. Of all the milk breeds they are thought to give the richest milk They are spotted, painted, mottled in blacks, browns ,grays, reds with white Goats in general have lovely temperaments and really like attention from people.
Angora's are a mohair breed that have to be shorn in the spring and in the
fall . The kids are so very pretty . Mohair is spun into yarn and made into
garments and upholstery fabric ,it is very durable and warm. Angora's
are smaller than the dairy breeds. Goats are browsers but do eat pasture
too. The kids are very playful.
John and Sharon Harris -Willow Wisp Ranch
Ellensburg,Washington
wilowisp@kvalley.com