Cesar Loya, who was first introduced to Purebred as a child when his father worked for Dr. Pug and Susie Hart, will be offering his first shipment at the Training Sale. for the Ocala Breeding Company’s March 2-year-olds next week and it looks like being the star of his pony army could also be a Mitole dirty trick (hip 738) that Loya and his wife Danielle Jones-Loya raised on behalf of the Harts at their Ocala ranch.
“My dad worked for Dr. Pug and Susie Hart. I grew up on their farm since I was 7 years old,” says Loya. “I have known Dr. Hart for 30 years. I got this horse for them and they gave me the chance to go out on my own. So it all came to full circle.
Despite her early integration into the Purebred world, Loya initially had other career plans.
Loya, who was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, explained: “I had a stint in the military. “I did four years in the military.”
After four years, Loya decided it was time for a new direction.
“When I got out of prison, I went to work for [Ocala horseman] Steve Venosa,” Loya said. “He protected me a lot. He gave me a chance. That’s when I knew I loved horses.”
In addition to Venosa, Loya said he gained valuable experience from his late mother-in-law, Brenda Jones, who passed away in 2018.
Loya said: “Brenda Jones is a great horse buyer and pickpocket. “Being with her taught me a lot.”
Loya spent 16 years working for Venosa before deciding to leave on her own last year.
When asked what prompted the decision, Loya giggled and said: “I just had a baby.”
He continued, “We have a farm in Ocala. So we can train and run our own business. My wife also sells goods, so now I can travel with her. And I can spend more time with my family.”
When she walked into the audition last week, Loya admitted to being a little nervous.
“I think there is always tension when you do whatever you love and are passionate about,” says Loya. “But it was more excitement, I would say. Especially about this little one.”
“This one,” was the daughter of Mitole of Olive Branch (Sightstown), a mare and a half-sister with the winner classified Moonlight d’Oro (Medaglia d’Oro). Loya had to wait until the fourth and final part of her performance under her command to free the filth, who had worked so long in the series. :9 4/5 Last Friday.
“We raised her,” Loya said of the dirty girl. “I have high hopes for her since the farm and my expectations [for her Friday] very high. She has a great disposition. She is very light on her feet and she is a smart, athletic girl.
Of the little girl’s work, Loya said, “She proved me right. With myself.”
Loya’s connection to Harts and their faith in him makes this little girl’s outstanding work all the more meaningful.
“When I decided to go on my own, they were the first to say, ‘We’ll give you a horse,’” says Loya. “And they gave her to me.”
The sales scene is nothing new for Loya. But how does it feel to have horses working in your own name?
“I did it for 16 years for Steve – and he had a lot of fast horses – and you can expect what happens. But to hear your name? It is definitely different.”
Looking back on her first lackluster performance as a consignor, Loya said: “I think I put on a very good performance. They all showed up and did what I thought they would. And I think their gallop is brilliant.”
For its first season of sales, Loya is expected to focus on the upcoming OBS sale.
“We own our own horses and we take customers outside,” he said. “I will end up traveling, but this is my first year, I will have horses in April and a few in June.”
With only two days left until the sale, Loya is satisfied with the operation at the OBS sales warehouses.
“I think it’s very exciting,” he said. “Every top person you can think of is here on a sales basis. There’s just a really good feeling in the air.
OBS March sale starts Monday and continues through Wednesday with bidding starting every day at 11am
