A few chapters from the history of Capuchino

Capuchino with Juan 1986

Destined for Greatness

On June 10, 1980 in the city of Angelopolis, Antioquia, Colombia, a chestnut colt was born at La Margarita del 8, farm of Fabio Ochoa. His sire was the internationally renown Resorte Cuarto, Champion of Champions. Little did anyone realize at the time that this young colt had inherited the electrifying charisma of his sire. This colt was destined to forever stamp his mark on the Paso Fino breed. His name was Capuchino! 

An impressive and powerful colt under saddle, Capuchino exhibited the fine qualities of three Fuera de Concurso stallions, who at that time, set the standards for the modern day Paso Fino. These famous stallions were… Contrapunto admired for his sound and rhythm; Resorte Cuarto revered for his powerful and supple rear end; and Bochica renown for his extreme collection. Now there was one magnificent Paso Fino who rose above all the rest, who possessed all these highly sought traits … and because of this, quickly became recognized as the new “prototype” for the Paso Fino horse …it was the one and only Capuchino! 

Though Capuchino was sold and imported to the U. S. before his stellar show career began, he did later return to Colombia where he proved his superior fino talent, defeating the best Colombia had to offer. It was 1989 in Bogota where the national competition took place.  It was here that he made history by winning the national title, defeating all of the champion stallions including Amadeus FC, Castellano, Retorno, and Romancero.  It was truly a momentous occasion.

Capuchino Spectrum 2003
The final U.S. appearance

The Final Exhibition

Another chapter in the history of Capuchino was written in 2003 with a special tribute to "The Living Legend" at the Spectrum show in Tampa, Florida.  This was truly a momentous event as Capuchino had not appeared in the arena since 1999 when he proudly carried the U.S. flag at the Mundial in Tampa. His appearance at Spectrum was to be his last U. S. exhibition and final good-bye to his fans in the United States.   

Capuchino was led into the spotlight by his loving owner Zarela Olsen and handler Jairo Velez . Adorned in a blanket depicting the flags of Colombia and the U.S., Capuchino carefully carried a pair of young children representing both countries including Puerto Rico.   

Zarela Olsen, owner of Casa de Resorte Paso Fino and home of Capuchino, took this opportunity to honor two important men in Capuchino’s life…master trainer, David Castro who rode him to many national and international titles and Jairo Velez , Capuchino’s loyal caretaker of many years. Zarela presented both gentlemen with a beautiful set of antique silver spurs to commemorate the occasion. 

Capuchino’s accomplishments and impact on the Paso Fino breed in the United States have set a standard by which all future champions are to be measured.  He made history with his phenomenal fino performances, winning the Classic Fino Grand National Championship 4 consecutive years, from 1984 thru 1987.  His legacy continues as his many offspring and grand offspring win national and international championship titles proving his strong genetic prepotency. These offspring have also proudly contributed to Capuchino receiving the prestigious title of #1 Top Ten Stallion for 11 consecutive years!  Such strength in a sire has been unparalleled in the breed.  In 1992 Capuchino was declared “#1 Paso Fino Stallion in the U.S.” by the PFHA and in 1999 Capuchino was inducted into the PFHA Hall of Fame.  As the Paso Fino breed headed into the new millennium, Capuchino, soon to turn 20 years old, was honored by the PFHA as “Horse of the Millennium”.  This title was bestowed on him not only for his many achievements but for his impact in redefining the Paso Fino breed.   

So much for one horse to accomplish in a lifetime! Capuchino has indeed earned the  prestigious title of "The Living Legend"! 

 The Last Homecoming

Years later, Capuchino’s native land of Colombia would again beckon his return, but this time it was to pay homage to Capuchino. After all, in the people’s hearts, Capuchino was still their own! So at the end of September 2003, at the age of 23 and only after careful evaluation by his veterinarian, Capuchino was on his way to Colombia for his final homecoming. 

The Ivan de Bedout Coliseum in Medellin was the scene of the 2003 6^th Confepaso World Cup.  The arena was filled with a crowd anticipating the appearance of Capuchino, The Living Legend.  

Amid whirling dancers and Latin music, Capuchino emerged along side his loving owner, Zarela Olsen and faithful caretaker, Jairo Velez.  Spectators rose to their feet and remained standing throughout the entire presentation. They were eager to show their love and admiration for Capuchino, their revered Colombian Paso Fino stallion. 

A parade of Capuchino’s offspring and national flags from around the world represented the far reaching influence attributed to this great sire. Capuchino was recognized as the “Horse of the Millennium”; the sire of sires who transformed the breed to higher standards of measure; the stallion with the genetic prepotency to transmit his outstanding qualities not only to his offspring but also to his grand offspring.  

As the exhibition came to a close, the crowd roared a final cheer and waved a fond good-bye, some with tears streaming down their faces, as their beloved Capuchino disappeared from sight. Though this was the last time for many of them to see the magnificent Capuchino, HE would live on forever in their hearts and always be remembered as “Capuchino The Legend”.

2007 Stud Fee: $3,500

Zarela Olsen, owner
info@capuchinothelegend.com
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