An Oasis in the Desert
Forty-five minutes from Las Vegas.
A hundred years of history. A world away from the city.
Historic Kingston Ranch, homesteaded in 1931, provides a safe and happy home to horses, dogs, cats, parrots, sheep, chicken, ducks, turkeys, tortoises, and other animals. Located on the northern edge of the 700,000-acre Mojave Wilderness Area, Kingston Ranch is surrounded by a mesquite forest which is home to coyotes, jackrabbits, ravens, and other wildlife. When embarking by horseback, riders can head any direction and ride as far as they’d like to go.
Al Marquis, a retired Las Vegas attorney, has owned Kingston Ranch since 1995. These days Al devotes his time to children-oriented philanthropic organizations including the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundations and Sure Wave Foundation, which supports orphaned children in Tanzania. The Ranch often hosts “camp” for NCCF, the Boy Scouts and other organizations. Mr. Marquis also volunteers at the Sandy Valley School where he is a guest speaker in science classes.
Silke Ortloff, Al’s partner, is the primary animal caretaker on the Ranch. Silke was born in Germany and enjoyed a career as a dancer, choreographer, musical producer and Artistic Director of Cirque du Soleil. One of Silke’s favorite yearly activities is volunteering as a Pony Express rider in annual reenactments where a satchel of mail (called a mochila) is carried by horseback between St. Joseph, MO and Sacramento, CA.
Natural Horsemanship
Horsemanship is Silke’s passion, and she is available for lessons upon request. If you have ever truly wanted to have a relationship with a horse, not just ride one, this program is for you.
Books written by Al Marquis
Al Marquis has authored four books: Two cowboy poetry books entitled Frivolous Cowboy Poetry and Bucked Bruised & Blackballed– funny, heartfelt, and occasionally not suitable for polite company. The same could be said about Al’s memoir, Dumbass Luck. In addition, Al co-authored Running After Midnight, with ultra-marathon runner and close friend, Molly Sheridan. Although out of print, these books can often be found on Amazon.
Kingston Ranch
Sandy Valley, Nevada