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Tribute To
Mar de Plata
LaCE
8-21-1960 to 5-22-1987
Oil Painting
by Edward Bierly, Featured in the lobby of the world famous
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky.
“Intense” is the keyword in describing
Mar de Plata LaCE. Everything about this magnificent Paso Fino
stallion was intensified—his spirit, his style, his carriage, the
purity of his gait and his ability to pass these qualities on to his
immediate offspring and successive generations. From the tip of his
delicate inwardly curved ears to the end of his naturally flowing tail, Mar
de Plata LaCE epitomized concentrated energy and alertness.
His name translates as Sea of Silver.
However in Mar de Plata LaCE’s case, the sea would not have been a peaceful
pool, but a stormy tempest. He only tolerated people; mares being his
true love. Mar de Plata LaCE respected only one man, George LaHood,
who showed him to his many national honors and had affection for only one
man, Michael Minter, who loved the stallion from childhood and cared for
him in his last years.
Mar de Plata LaCE was imported from Colombia
in 1968. Although his pedigree has proven to be impeccable, he was
not shown until his training was completed in the United States.. His
destiny was to become a major influence on the American Paso Fino Breed.
Ridden by Mr. LaHood, Mar de
Plata LaCE became the First Grand National Champion Paso Fino in the United
States. The word “LaCE” stands for LaHood’s Champion Equines and is a
part of the names of many famous American Paso Finos.
Although this lovely white stallion earned many
awards, the most prestigious came when he was designated as a Foundation
American Paso Fino Sire for his individual excellence and influence on the
breed. Mar de Plata LaCE is number 1 in the Paso Horse Registry Stud
Book.
In 1982 Mar de Plata LaCE was purchased by Rancho
Paso Bravo in Agua Dulce, California to continue his
breeding tradition on the west coast.
In April 1988, a large gathering of admires met to
dedicate a memorial at the grave site of this unforgettable horse. The
wording of the Plaque, as shown below, expresses the outward regard of
those present. No words can express what he meant to the privileged
few. The Minters brought back to North Carolina the plaque honoring
Mar de Plata which will be placed in honor alongside Bochica Tres.
Mar de Plata LaCE
August 21, 1960 - May 22, 1987
Champion of Champions and Foundation Sire
of the American Paso Fino Breed
“May
the intensity of his spirit continue
to be bestowed on the legacy he left us.”
In loving Memory, this Plaque is dedicated by
his United States Owners.
George J. LaHood, Jr.
Herbert W. Sutton
Charles D. Minter, Sr.
PASO FINO HORSES
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