Ironhide Alpacas is nestled in Livermore, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, alongside the renowned Red Granite Ranch, Ltd. It is home to the Milligan family—Marc and Sharon—and their granddaughter Cadence, the founder and driving force behind Ironhide Alpacas.
Originally created by Cyle and Jessica Rarden, Ironhide Alpacas was passed on to Cadence in 2022. The name—drawn from her father’s love for the Transformers franchise—was chosen not only for its pop culture roots but also for its deeper meaning: strength, durability, and resiliency. These values are reflected in every aspect of Cadence’s elite program.
Cadence’s journey with alpacas began from birth. Raised in the heart of a nationally recognized breeding operation, she was immersed in the world of elite huacaya genetics from a young age. She spent her childhood assembling herdsire reference books for her grandparents’ world-renowned breeding program, attending shows across the country, and competing in both halter and youth performance rings. Her keen memory and depth of knowledge earned her the nickname “the alpaca library” and later, “the alpaca whisperer,” from industry peers.
At just seventeen, and with the support of her grandparents and parents, Cadence officially launched Ironhide Alpacas, establishing her own foundation herd of elite huacayas and founding a creative business offering photography and graphic design services tailored to agriculture and livestock breeders. Her breeding program quickly flourished. By the Fall of 2024 and Spring of 2025, her first alpaca from a result of her breeding choices, Ironhide Vapor, secured ten championship banners across major shows, earning National High Point honors within the AOA show system—an incredible accomplishment for a young and rising breeder.
The breeding philosophy at Ironhide Alpacas is rooted in improving fiber quality and animal health through responsible and strategic genetic pairing. Cadence focuses on producing alpacas with strong conformation and excellent phenotypes with exceptional fleece characteristics: long-stapling, dense, fine, uniform, bright, and buttery soft to the hand.
Today, Cadence continues to play a vital role at Red Granite Ranch, working alongside her grandparents to manage daily operations, communicate with clients across the U.S. and overseas, and maintain the ranch’s online presence, including keeping website information accurate and up to date. Her ability to bridge generations while embracing modern marketing and customer engagement has made her an invaluable asset to both ranches.
In 2024, Cadence began her studies at Front Range Community College, pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Her long-term goals are ambitious and inspiring. She plans to attend veterinary school (location still undecided) and specialize in large animal and camelid medicine, with a focus in both veterinary surgery and theriogenology (reproductive health). Cadence hopes to eventually travel the world, expanding access to veterinary care in underserved areas and furthering the global understanding of camelid medicine...
Cadence remains deeply involved in the alpaca community, currently serving on the Youth Board of the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA). Whether helping mentor fellow breeders, sharing her knowledge at shows, or promoting excellence in alpaca care and genetics, Cadence is passionate about giving back to the industry that raised her. She can be seen donating at an affiliate auction to give back. With determination, innovation, and heart, Ironhide Alpacas stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven excellence in the future of American alpaca breeding.
Don't be afraid to get to know her!
Originally created by Cyle and Jessica Rarden, Ironhide Alpacas was passed on to Cadence in 2022. The name—drawn from her father’s love for the Transformers franchise—was chosen not only for its pop culture roots but also for its deeper meaning: strength, durability, and resiliency. These values are reflected in every aspect of Cadence’s elite program.
Cadence’s journey with alpacas began from birth. Raised in the heart of a nationally recognized breeding operation, she was immersed in the world of elite huacaya genetics from a young age. She spent her childhood assembling herdsire reference books for her grandparents’ world-renowned breeding program, attending shows across the country, and competing in both halter and youth performance rings. Her keen memory and depth of knowledge earned her the nickname “the alpaca library” and later, “the alpaca whisperer,” from industry peers.
At just seventeen, and with the support of her grandparents and parents, Cadence officially launched Ironhide Alpacas, establishing her own foundation herd of elite huacayas and founding a creative business offering photography and graphic design services tailored to agriculture and livestock breeders. Her breeding program quickly flourished. By the Fall of 2024 and Spring of 2025, her first alpaca from a result of her breeding choices, Ironhide Vapor, secured ten championship banners across major shows, earning National High Point honors within the AOA show system—an incredible accomplishment for a young and rising breeder.
The breeding philosophy at Ironhide Alpacas is rooted in improving fiber quality and animal health through responsible and strategic genetic pairing. Cadence focuses on producing alpacas with strong conformation and excellent phenotypes with exceptional fleece characteristics: long-stapling, dense, fine, uniform, bright, and buttery soft to the hand.
Today, Cadence continues to play a vital role at Red Granite Ranch, working alongside her grandparents to manage daily operations, communicate with clients across the U.S. and overseas, and maintain the ranch’s online presence, including keeping website information accurate and up to date. Her ability to bridge generations while embracing modern marketing and customer engagement has made her an invaluable asset to both ranches.
In 2024, Cadence began her studies at Front Range Community College, pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Her long-term goals are ambitious and inspiring. She plans to attend veterinary school (location still undecided) and specialize in large animal and camelid medicine, with a focus in both veterinary surgery and theriogenology (reproductive health). Cadence hopes to eventually travel the world, expanding access to veterinary care in underserved areas and furthering the global understanding of camelid medicine...
Cadence remains deeply involved in the alpaca community, currently serving on the Youth Board of the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA). Whether helping mentor fellow breeders, sharing her knowledge at shows, or promoting excellence in alpaca care and genetics, Cadence is passionate about giving back to the industry that raised her. She can be seen donating at an affiliate auction to give back. With determination, innovation, and heart, Ironhide Alpacas stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven excellence in the future of American alpaca breeding.
Don't be afraid to get to know her!
Photos of Alpacas & Cadence...
"Cadence Rarden is our [16-year-old] granddaughter who has helped make Red Granite Ranch Alpacas who we are. She is extremely knowledgeable about our alpacas as well as others. She is what we need to promote in our youth to make the industry viable in the future. Marc and I can not take credit for anything she does. Alpacas are her passion; she has a vision for the alpaca business and what needs to be done. We give her the freedom to make mistakes and to promote Red Granite Ranch as a valued member. We love her, trust her, and value her input."
~ Sharon Milligan, Red Granite Ranch, Ltd. (2022)
"Cadence Rarden of Ironhide Alpacas is a young, enthusiastic breeder we selected for her exceptional promise and forward momentum within the alpaca industry. She represents a select group of alpaca stud males for Quechua Enterprises with integrity and vision.”
~ Julie Skinner (2026)
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Cadence, at five years old, walking Rodeo with her mom at the 2011 Alpaca Extravaganza.