The tally is in! Out of 10 foals born, 7 are
white. 4 fillies and three colts. A very successful
year! This high has been punctuated with a very sad low. On
July19th, long time caretaker of the white horses and outstanding
horseman, Meliton Ortiz, passed away with his family at his side.
He was 91 years young. "Mellie", as he was called, spent most
of his life involved with the Camarillo White Horses. First
working for Adolfo Camarillo on his ranch and becoming the ranch
foreman, then later continuing on in that position under Adolfo's
daughter, Carmen Camarillo Jones, until her death in 1987. Her
will specified the horses be dispersed at auction so an era came to
an end. That did not stop Mellie's involvement with the
horses, however, as the new owners continued to seek his advice
regarding the care and breeding of the horses. Mellie will be
sorely missed and all the members of the CWHA extend our condolences
and best wishes to his family in this difficult time.
We would like to give special thanks to Humphrey, Giacopuzzi
Veterinary Hospital for providing such wonderful care of the
Camarillo White Horses all these years, especially most recently for
collecting and preserving our stallions to guarantee the longevity
of the breed and for all their work and assistance in our breeding
program. They have been providing care for the Camarillo White
Horses since the days when they were on the Camarillo Ranch.
Last updated 7/25/10
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