It is with profound sadness that the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) announces the death of the legendary Paso Fino stallion, Capuchino, who passed away on January 23, 2009, in Ocala, FL, at the age of 28 years old. Although Capuchino's unfortunate passing has saddened Paso Fino lovers everywhere, his lifetime achievements and indelible contributions to the breed will live on forever.

Inducted in 1999 into the PFHA Hall of Fame and later crowned PFHA Horse of the Millennium, Capuchino was four-time consecutive USEF Paso Fino Grand National Horse of the Year Champion and is generally recognized as the prototypical standard for the modern Paso Fino. Born a son of Resorte Cuarto in Colombia, Capuchino was consistently a top-producing Fino stallion, siring thousands of offspring worlwide. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of national and international champion offspring and grand offspring. Capuchino was last publicly exhibited at the 2008 Spectrum International in Tampa, FL, where he was honored as the first inductee into the Spectrum International Hall of Fame.

The officers and directors of the PFHA extended their heartfelt condolences to Capuchino's owner, Zarela Olsen, who gratefully acknowleges the many calls of sympathy and support she has received during this difficult period of grief and mourning. On Saturday, January 24, visitors were received at EquiTransfer Farm in Summerfield, FL, where Capuchino has been buried.

A farewell memorial service celebrating the life of Capuchino is also planned for Saturday, January 31, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Valparaiso Farms in Miami, FL, for those wishing to pay their final respects. For more information, contact Tony Rodriguez by phone at (305) 439-1277, or by email at [email protected].