How We Started
After two years of researching and visiting farms, the Arriba Linea herd began in 2005…with 2 alpacas.
It didn’t stay that way for long. One visit is all it takes to fall in love with alpacas. Soon Lori’s Sister Janet, Brother in Law Brad and Tom’s Mother, Beverley, were involved. The family’s “Go Big or Go Home” attitude certainly got the best of them this time. Arriba Linea has now grown to approximately 60 Top Line Huacaya Alpacas with a custom-built 4200 square foot Alpaca Barn designed by Qolmesa Alpaca. Yes as crazy as it sounds...we bought, took down and relocated the Qolmesa Barn to our property!
 
Why do such a thing you ask? For so many reasons...It was a once in a lifetime experience, environmentally friendly, cost effective, it was custom built specifically for alpacas and most of all because we loved the barn!
It was well worth it!
The members of Arriba Linea were fortunate to spend a year in training with one of the top breeders in Ontario, Qolmesa Alpaca, whose owners retired in 2006. The knowledge and experience gained were invaluable and gave them the confidence for success.
Arriba Linea’s carefully planned layout is designed solely with the alpacas in mind to minimize their stress and create a healthy environment.
Arriba Linea is a very hands-on farm. They personally deal with all areas of husbandry, from halter training to birthing and shearing. Since most things do seem to come naturally for them, perhaps it was just meant to be.
Lori retired in summer of 2006 after 18 years in the mortgage business, now spending her days caring for the alpacas.
Tom runs his Sheet Metal Company from home which allows him plenty of time to spend with the alpacas.
You can’t tear Janet away from the farm - they just might have to put a cot in the barn for her. You'll see her in many pics on this website :)
Bev and Brad also enjoy training and showing the alpacas.
The special bond they’ve created is evident in their alpacas’ calm behavior. Kisses from a cria are really something not to be missed.
 
Arriba Linea’s breeding choices are made from bloodlines which exhibit “Top Line” traits in fleece, conformation and temperament. Since their first show entry in October of 2005, Arriba alpacas have won over 100 ribbons in Halter, Fleece and Spin Off Shows across Canada and the USA. These include Best In Show, Supreme Champions, Colour Championships and numerous first and second places.
Since the health and welfare of their alpacas is of utmost importance, the Arriba Family purposely takes every education opportunity presented. They believe that the most current knowledge is the single best tool they can pass on to newcomers to the industry. For this reason, all Arriba Linea alpacas are sold with a Top Line Training and Service Guarantee so that their customers can purchase with confidence from a breeder with integrity.
As I write this we are adding 5 more acres of pastures for them. The alpacas just love to run and graze.
Our foundation herd has been established and we have added several award-winning Herdsires from well known bloodlines.
P.S. That first purchase...a cute little weanling named NANIMO has now become our top herdsire! He is a multiple award winner. In 2007 his first 9 offspring were born. All are doing incredibly well in the show ring - one of them winning Best in Show at the last show entered!
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