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Dedication and Love ... the Key to Success Edgar Ortiz |
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Edgar
began working with Paso Finos in Colombia at the young age of
twelve. He inherited the art of being able to train a horse from his
father. At fourteen years old he was already undergoing
competition. He worked for three or four large farms in Colombia
until January of 1984, at which time he moved to the USA and continued
training. His first job was with Agustin La Torre, then part owner
of Intercontinental Paso Fino Farm in Summerfield, Florida. Later
Edgar went to work for Mrs. Dee Torcise of Tijodee Farms in Homestead,
Florida. This is where he was able to train such horses as Plebeyo
and La Classica, sire and dam of Classico de Plebeyo.
Eventually Edgar went on his own at which time he rented a farm in Homestead where he continued to train and breed. It was at this time that he had the opportunity to train the past Grand National Champion Classic Fino Stallion, Tito Libio. Edgar recalls that when the stallion arrived from the Dominican Republic, he was very sick with serious stomach problems. He spent many a night in the barn keeping the horse company. Edgar remembers his mother helping him cure the horse with her home made remedies. There were times when he thought they were going to lose the stallion, but after four long months he became healthy again and Edgar was able to train him He says Tito Libio had a great big heart accompanied by quickness and exaggerated hocks. Edgar says that this stallion is one of the greatest horses he has ever ridden. Later, Edgar also had the opportunity to work with Capuchino two weeks prior to a big show in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Being able to work with this legendary stallion was a special part of his life that he will always remember. Around 1988, Edgar moved up north to Anthony, Florida to work with Dee Torcise again, who was now living in the Ocala area. They worked together for a few more years. Edgar will always be very grateful to Dee for giving him the opportunity to work for her, for the trust she placed in him, and for her friendship. During all of this time, Edgar continued to acquire more horses for his breeding program. By 1990, Edgar owned his first farm located in Anthony, Florida. It was actually the first Paso Fino farm in that area. By 1991 he incorporated United Paso Fino Show Horses, Inc. In 1995, Edgar also had the opportunity to train Profeta de Besilu. He says that Profeta is one of the noblest horses he ever rode. He also strongly believes that the movements of this stallion make him one of the greatest in the world. By the end of 1995, Edgar owned approximately seventy Paso Fino horses and every now and then took a few outside horse in for training. Then came Alei ......
Edgar on World Champion Insolito de La Luisa |
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