Top Shelf Ink

In 1972, under the cover of darkness, Jose Antonio Dapelo V. and six other men crept along the Peruvian coastline to a neighboring ranch where, night after night, they stole a total sixty head of horses and a large number of dairy cattle and premier fighting bulls. Was this a cutthroat band of Peruvian rustlers? Hardly. Prior to 1968, Jose was heralded as one of the wealthiest, most powerful property barons in Peru, owning numerous brick factories, ranches and department stores. He raised the best fighting bulls, at times hosting competitions in his own arena. He owned over 200 head of the most beautiful Peruvian Horses and was a legend in the show arena, performing for dignitaries and heads of state. But in 1968, with the Agrarian Reform in full swing, the government began confiscating property from the wealthy, and in a socialistic attempt to spread the wealth, redistributed it to the poor. By 1972, Jose and his family were left with a mere 15 acres. His two sons, the family chauffeur, their two horse trainers and the ranch manager helped him steal their own herds back…