Who We Are

About Us:

Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery consists of Russell Ratti, Karen Ball and their kids, Joshua, Joseph, Michaela, Benjamin and Samuel.  They are a family owned and operated business and Alpacas are all they do.
 

Background:

Russell & Susan Ratti and their daughter Michaela successfully owned and operated Affaire de Coeur Alpacas in Oakdale, California from 2002 to 2009. They were known in the industry for raising show quality Suri & Huacaya alpacas and Russell for his professional shearing and transporting business. Susan tragically passed away in 2009.

Karen Ball a former successful hunter/jumper equestrian rider was looking for a way to teach her children responsibility through animal husbandry. Alpacas were the perfect fit! In 2005 Karen and her boys purchased their first 5 females and started Treasure State Alpacas in Montana. They moved to California in 2008 and since Montana is known as the Treasure State, and thinking of their future, they renamed their ranch 4-Sight Farms. Focusing on grey and black huacayas, 4-Sight Farms is often seen taking top honors in the show ring.

“God Bless the Broken Road”

In 2010 Russell and Karen combined their families and individual alpaca ranches to become Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery. They also purchased a fiber mill which makes them the only real “full service” alpaca breeder out there. They raise champion, show quality Suri and Huacaya alpacas, offer professional shearing, mentorship for new breeders and run a full service fiber mill specializing in alpaca fiber. If they can’t help you in this industry they will gladly direct you to someone who can.

Update:

With the blessings of their children, Karen and Russell were happily married on July 16, 2011!