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25 Agustus 2011

The Happy Ranch Horse Farm, a unique ranch in Cambodia

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The appealing Happy Ranch Horse Farm is the brainchild of Sary Pann, a Cambodian who has spent 30 years in the United States of America. Pann spent his childhood years in Siem Reap, Angkor and subsequently worked at the United States Embassy at the capital Phnom Penh for five years.

When civil war erupted in Cambodia in 1975 Pann was given the opportunity to immigrate to the United States by the embassy. Accordingly he began a new life in California where he spent his years in the USA. After retiring from his employment in the United States, Pann returned to Cambodia. Soon afterwards he purchased his first Cambodian horse, which inspired his passion for horses. Eventually he opened The Happy Ranch Horse Farm in Siem Reap in 2002.

Today the ranch is an attractive and tranquil place which accommodates 46 beautiful horses and ponies which includes mares, stallions and foals. Pann has attempted to breed strong, handsome horses, with their size increasing generation by generation. The proprietor allows horses to reach the age of two and a half years before training them to carry riders. All the stables and facilities are maintained to international standards.

The ranch is situated 2 kilometres from the centre of Siem Reap and has the distinction of being the sole western style equestrian ranch in the nation of Cambodia. The establishment extends over a region of 10 hectares in the beautiful Cambodian countryside, and is arranged around a small lake. Facilities at the ranch include a large dressage arena, a circular pen, many clean stable stalls and an area for preparation of horses. The ranch offers many options for the visitor, including trail rides across the countryside, cart rides and riding lessons.

The main breed of horse featured at the ranch is the native Cambodian breed, which is considered to be a relative of the Mongolian or Przewalski’s horse. However many of the horses at the farm have been interbred with Arabian horses to create a more graceful breed.

When selecting amongst Siem Reap hotels, an exceptional choice would be the Alila Hotel Sothea, Siem. This splendid Angkor hotel provides an alluring environment ideal for a romantic holiday.