Forever with Us
Remembering those we've lost throughout the years that were influential to the breed and the Federation.
Eduardo Figueroa Conde
Born in Vieques, Puerto Rico, Eduardo was the son of the late Cunda Figueroa. Continuing his father's legacy, horse training was his passion, and he was a long standing member of the Federation. Eduardo was not only a renowned horse trainer, he also rightfully earned his place in the PFHA Hall of Fame-Riders. He worked as head trainer for many years at the Palmetto Pride Paso Fino Farm, and his legacy will live on in the horses that he bred and trained throughout the years. Eduardo was always eager to share his knowledge of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed, and was a great mentor to many. His Presence will be greatly missed by all.
Gail & James Brown
Gail and James Brown dedicated over 30 years of their lives to conserving the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino. They were the original owners of Palmetto Pride Paso Fino Farm. Gail Brown was also a founding member of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America. She originally served as the treasurer, but was most well known for being the President for many years. Both Gail and James never hesitated to help those in need and were deeply loved by everyone they came in contact with. They're both deeply missed, especially at horse shows, but their legacy lives on through the Palmetto Pride farm.
Hector Hernandez
Hector was born in Puerto Rico and developed his love of Paso Finos on his Grandfathers farm. When he was young, his family moved to New York City, but he deeply missed his Grandfather and the horses and would purposefully get into enough trouble that his Mother would send him back to Puerto Rico. He met his wife Tracy at a horse show, and together they would travel to events all over. Hector never missed an oppurtunity to educate and show people about the breed. His passion for the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino was boundless. Many people considered him a great mentor, but even more people considered him a wonderful friend.
Creighton Shull
Creighton was an avid horseman and owner of Creighton Shull Paso Fino Farm. He was a member and co-founder of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation serving as a past president and past treasurer. He worked diligently promoting the breed throughout the state and loved seeing the "Paso Fino grin" on the faces of people he introduced to the breed as they rode a Paso Fino for the first time.
Pedro Burgos Sr.
Barb Nichols
Barb Nichols may have stumbled into the Puerto Rican Paso Fino world, but once she met her faithful stallion Bayamo she was hooked! Barb was a critical thinker, with a go getter attitude. She never backed down from a challenge, and was always generous with the facilities at her farm. Barb loved to travel to shows, exhibitions, and parades. She never missed an opportunity to talk about the breed, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a wonderful friend to many, and is truly missed.
Zona Butler
Zona was the owner, operator of Rocky Top Paso Fino Stables and Horse Farm. She was a fountain of knowledge when it came to the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed, and was the original Registrar for the Federation. Zona dedicated her life to preserving the history and bloodlines of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino, and was always willing to help out anyone in need. Even after she stepped down from being the Registrar, she still helped out the Federation as much as possible and even judged quite a few events for us.
Samuel Cerezo, Sr
Samuel Cerezo Sr was born in Isabella, PR but lived much of his life in Camden, SC. After an extensive military career, he retired from the US Airforce as a Captain. Sam was the President of the Federation at the time of it's Incorporation in 1992. He, and his late wife Glenda, were Lifetime Members of the Federation and pioneers of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed in the United States.
