Peter Benchley JV

As many know, one of our primary missions at Jalama Valley Ranch is to continue the mission of our dear friend and mentor, Larry Jerome.

​

One of Larry's goals was to test the cross between Verdict J+ and Puccini daughters. In an Arabian Horse Times article before he passed, Larry was quoted as saying:

​

"Whereas Khadraj and Giovanni have made their marks, and Khaja and Kola are now making theirs, I think Puccini is going to be the next horse coming up. And Verdict is the horse coming up right behind him."

​

One of the horses we purchased from Jerland was Madame Butterfly J (Puccini J x Starina PGA, by Starof Fame V+), and we intended to see Larry's dream through.

​

Madame Butterfly delivered a beautiful baby boy on the same day that Violet Sage Walker flew out to receive the Excellence in Action Award at the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards in recognition of her unwavering commitment to protecting the newly designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and her impactful conservation work focused on uplifting indigenous communities.

​

And so, with the blessing of Peter's wife, Wendy, we'd like to introduce the newest member of Jalama Valley Ranch AND the culmination of Larry's dream to cross Verdict J with a Puccini daughter...

​

Please join us in welcoming this beautiful colt whom we've aptly named Peter Benchley!