| IEdgar 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 today's 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 1994, Edgar was able
to acquire a second farm from his brother, Jairo. This farm
was located in Summerfield, Florida and eventually became his
permanent home and main place of work, keeping the Anthony farm to
house his broodmares and foals.
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.
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