BarnBiz n’ Bits

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey habitat will travel back in time to explore the ancestor of animals that roamed California over 10,000 years ago.

Opening May 23rd, the new $45-million pachyderm playground brings together the zoo’s three elephants, and six from the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, to form a single herd. The elephants’ new home features a 2.5-acre yard, a 120,000-gallon pond, and a medical facility where visitors can watch zookeepers and veterinarians feed and care for these 10,000 pound creatures!

In the adjacent 4.5-acre area of the Odyssey, a series of secondary habitats showcase lions, jaguars, wild horses, and camels in a naturalistic environment. Smaller exhibits are home to pond turtles, rattlesnakes, tree sloths, and dung beetles!

The new exhibit also marks the return of the California condor to the zoo for the first time since the 1980s. Once on the brink of extinction, this magnificent bird has recovered, thanks to the efforts of conservationists. Successful breeding programs are now seeing the release of hundreds of condors back into their native habitat in California, Arizona, and Mexico.

Replacing the 50-year-old Horn and Hoof Mesa exhibits to create the Elephant Odyssey was no ordinary undertaking for Rudolph & Sluetten General Contractors. The Odyssey began in September 2007. The site at times resembled orchestrated chaos as 200 craftsmen from all over the world combined their talents to create this most impressive venue.

FCP involvement began when architects presented a most challenging project–custom barns to house condors, wild horses, and camels! These unique structures required a maze of stalls, intricate door hardware with rope pulley systems, and push walls to herd animals into outdoor pens.

With design and build capabilities, the innovative staff at FCP took on the project with ingenious thought. Our dedicated manufacturing team fabricated the complex components required to house these distinctive tenants! Field supervisor Stuart Heilscher took the challenge to heart as his meticulous work ethic directed crew members to undertake each barn’s construction.

All those who participated in this grand venture took with them a sense of great pride and accomplishment in their achievement.  The legacy of Harry and Grace Steele’s Elephant Odyssey will forever impress the millions of visitors who come to the zoo each year. With education and conservation efforts, mankind can protect God’s gift of wildlife.

Want to own the “cutest” barn on the block? Call FCP now to purchase the barn that was on display at the 2009 Equine Affaire.

1-800-807-2276

For Sale: FCP's Display Barn from Equine Affaire

English Road in Chino Hills is a hidden horse haven with a new boarding and training facility in the “neigh-borhood.”

As the name implies, Rancho de Felicidad is a “ranch of happiness,” say owners Suzanne & Mike Vlietstra. “Our ‘horse parents’ come here for the best part of their day . . . an escape from life’s pressures to just relax, ride and unwind.”

A long-time equestrian, Suzanne and her family purchased the property two years ago and immediately began renovations. “When I was a kid, my mom and I would drive down English Road and admire the farms . . . but we always liked this place the best. I’ve been dreaming about living here since I was twelve years old,” she says with a smile. “Be careful what you wish for!”

Every part of this five-acre horse ranch has been refreshed and improved. The ranch’s original barns were given extensive remodels creating a perfect sanctuary not often found in commercial facilities.

Comforts for both horse and owner were the foremost concern when construction planning began. With hot water wash racks, fly systems, and thick mats in every stall, the horses contentment, safety and well-being were given scrutinizing priority.

Grooming areas with adjacent tack rooms were given innovative detail with specially designed saddle and bridle racks creating space for any boarder’s inventory of equipment!

“We’ve learned from my lifetime of horsin’ around,” explains Suzanne. “We live here – this is our home too, so we want to keep things tidy, attractive and functional.”

With its bubbling fountain and meticulously maintained landscape, the “Courtyard Barn” was designed with the professional trainer and clientele in mind. With its private ambience, this facility is extremely attractive to those seeking a palatial training and boarding experience.

Distinctive amenities include 12’ and 16’ stalls, a private trainer’s office, tack room and grooming areas. Triple crown footing makes the dressage court and large jumping arena - complete with four courses of jumps - the perfect setting for the most serious of competitors. Lounging pen, hot walker and tree-shaded turn-outs provide added convenience for both horse and rider.

Currently the “Courtyard Barn” is available for a reputable trainer desiring a clean, safe, quiet and professional facility for their existing business.

Interested parties may learn more about this unique opportunity by visiting the Rancho de Felicidad website at www.rdefinc.com, or call 951-316-0063.

“When our family bought the ranch in 2006, I immediately contacted FCP to start getting ideas on how to refurbish and remodel the horse facilities.  Although we were on a very tight budget, FCP was able to provide the barns and equipment we needed to upgrade and improve the property.

“FCP used patience and expertise in matching new barn pieces to replace damaged panels in the original barns that were more than 30 years old. FCP’s experience and ingenuity made our ranch of today a possibility – I don’t think any other barn builder could have provided the quality, design, know-how, and construction of all the odd things we needed.

“Two years later, our improvements are already proving they were a sound investment because our barns are strong and look great with minimal wear-and-tear. There are cheaper barns and there are companies that will promise more for less, but FCP truly delivered for Rancho de Felicidad.”

~  Suzanne & Mike Vlietstra

“I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man than a fire engine”
~ Kurt Vonnegut ~

The August edition of the Barn-Biz-n-Bits newsletter is a compilation of history, lore, education and appreciation for the courageous men and women of the Fire Department.

With the wild land fire fights raging in Northern California, we at FCP wanted to present an informative view point to our readers regarding fire prevention and how you can take pro-active measures to ensure the safety of your livestock and property.

The history of organized fire brigades dates back to Ancient Egypt and Biblical times. The late 1800’s brought a period of great advancement in firefighting. Sophisticated steam engines far too heavy for human hand to pull, gave way to the era of horse drawn apparatus. For some 50 years horse and hound, mans most benevolent companions raced to the scene with speed and accuracy unsurpassed.

As modernization developed, the fate of the fire horse and Dalmatian faded with the use of motorized fire vehicles. Coal had been replaced by gasoline. Dramatic changes have taken place in the industry. Today there’s an art, not to mention a science, to fighting fires.

The adrenaline charged atmosphere of a fire scene could best be described as a battleground in which there is little time to develop a plan. Action must be immediate and precise as precious minutes lost could spell imminent disaster in defeating the opponent.

As average “Joe’s” it’s virtually impossible to imagine much less comprehend the crucial life and death decisions a firefighter must make each time an alarm sounds the call, all at the extreme risk of his or her very own life.

In a profession steeped with a historical sense of tradition we pay homage to those heroic individuals who have taken an oath to serve and protect as today’s firefighters. Your contributions to humanity will forever be marked on the hearts of mankind.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we have had in its presentation.

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With great pride FCP would like to introduce our customer and friend Greg Boothe, Fire Captain for Orange County Fire Authority and member of the Clydesdale Breeders of the United States.

Captain Boothe had a dream and FCP was selected in making it a reality. “Looking at it in draft form is one thing, seeing it built is quite another,” said Greg about the beautiful twelve-stall raised center aisle barn which now stands where he once had only a vision.

Gavilan Springs, a small community nestled in the hills south of Lake Matthews is home to many an FCP barn. It was with neighbors recommendations Greg confidently based his decision to hire FCP for the job at hand. Likened to the teamwork required for leading a firefighting crew, Greg was impressed and praised the FCP team as “friendly, respectful, knowledgeable and professional.”

During the months between concept and completion, FCP team members had a unique opportunity to become friends with Greg. As he eagerly answered our incessant questions about the fire department he shared a few narratives of his own from a career now spanning thirty-one years in the public’s service.

From dog rescues to tales of cats in the tree tops, Greg’s love for animals was evident as he relayed the story of “Buckwheat” a poor horse who found herself down a steep embankment after rolling under a fence. While taking command of the scene Captain Boothe knew the struggling 21 year old mare needed more than the firefighters could provide. A newly commissioned helicopter waited on the tarmac while Captain Boothe moved heaven and earth for authorizations needed to air lift Buckwheat to safety. There was only one small problem… the helicopter was not intended for animal rescues and had no harness on board! Captain Boothe made provisions to cargo nets securing Buckwheat’s fate. On a wing and prayer she gently floated across the canyons of Santiago, landing in a nearby Tustin field. With the help of animal control officers and her veterinarian, Buckwheat was coaxed to stand. While Firefighters from Station 43 praised her heroism she gladly accepted their treats of carrots and apples!

In a most heartfelt letter Greg expressed, “The barn you built for me exceeded my expectations and came out better than I had imagined. I am quite proud of it and “thank you” for all your efforts.”

Captain Boothe, we at FCP extend our gratitude for the opportunity to have been your barn builder of choice. For not only are you considered a valued customer, you are a wonderful friend. Thank you for the hours of conversation and fire department education. And lastly, for the laughter shared in your incredible stories, for they will be remembered always.

“HAPPY TRAILS”

To You, Tuff and Sister Christian

Best Wishes
The FCP Team

Knights Tale Farm

Not far from the Pacific Ocean the picturesque community of DeLuz lies within the greater Fallbrook area. Gently rolling hills, lush groves, ancient oak trees and equestrian properties are a among this landscapes highlights.

It was here that Dottie & Werner Holzer relocated from Colorado to build their retirement ranch.

Their historic property was settled by the Stoner family in the 1870’s. The original dwelling was lost to fire in 1949. However, the rock fireplace remains as a reminder of the land they share today.

The barn and pastures are separated by a seasonal creek which lends to the ranch’s natural ambience. Satin the family donkey along with her 23 year old companion Cisco spend their leisure hours grazing along the waters edge.

It was Dottie’s love and concerns for her animals which brought them to FCP. With unique challenges in mind, the barns design was met with great enthusiasm. Custom “critter” pens were manufactured to keep her beloved goats and sheep safe from neighboring wildlife. From the wagging tails welcoming committee to the wide eyed and curious sheep named Rosie… the serenity Dottie & Werner have created for their animal family is evident.

We at FCP would like to thank you for this incredible opportunity to be a part of such wonderment. Our best wishes to you always!

Proudly Owned by Bill and Nan Bensyl

FCP congratulates Bill and Nan Bensyl on their new farm and custom FCP barn! Having just been completed, the barn is home to a full stable of Arabian mares and their foals.

Blue Star Farm is located on five acres in the beautiful equestrian community of La Cresta in Murrieta, California. Blue Star Farm is named to honor Bill’s dad and his five brothers, all of whom served in the military during World War II. During this time, his Grandmother had six blue stars in her living room window as recognition of her sacrifice as a mother and wife to the war effort. What is especially wonderful is the fact that all six went to war and all six returned safely home.

Having recently retired, Bill and Nan are fulfilling their dream of owning and riding the beautiful Arabians that grace their farm.

With a Tuscan influence, Blue Star Farm boasts a magnificent setting. The enchanting stable with custom tile roof and heavy wood beam arbors provides an inviting ambience to its old world charm. The European architecture continues inside with nine elegant stalls. A lavish tack room complete with laundry, bathroom, and office space is located between the foaling stalls with peek windows for watching the foals as they miraculously come into the world. Utility areas and an apartment compliment the myriad of details found in this spectacular barn.

Bill’s relationship with FCP is evident in his review: “FCP was very helpful on the design, and extremely effective in adjusting to changes as they came up. They maintained a high sense of quality from start to finish and remained true to the overall vision of our project. With the mares settled in their new home, we are delighted that everything works so well. The addition of three new foals confirmed our new barn’s potential.”

FCP is proud and honored to have been a partner in the development of Blue Star Farm. Our staff wishes Bill and Nan continued success and happiness with their Arabian horse farm!

To create the barn of your dreams, contact the professionals at FCP to design your facility, from concept to completion.