Luis de la Garza

Captain Luis de la Garza, Mexican Cavalry, Ret., was born in Agujaita, Coahuila, Mexico, Oct. 11, 1920. He died in Willcox, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2017. He was a 1940 graduate of the Mexican Military Academy as an officer of cavalry. Assigned to the 13th Regiment in Vera Cruz, he was soon recalled to Mexico City where he became a member of the staff of the Military School of Equitation under the auspices of the Mexican Equestrian Team. His commanding officer was General Humberto Mariles, Mexico’s Olympic Gold Medal winner in stadium jumping. One of Captain de la Garza’s assignments included teaching riding at the Latin American University in Mexico City. His 14-year military career included training horses for both national and international competitions. He trained the magnificent chestnut gelding Inca who starred in the leading role as the General’s horse in the Walt Disney movie filmed in Mexico, “The Littlest Outlaw.” The captain also appeared in some early scenes in the film. He taught hundreds of students, one of his famous and more memorable riders preparing for a movie role was Christian Martel, Miss Universe. After retiring from the army, he taught at the civilian riding school Escuela Ecuestre in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. Later he owned and operated his own school, Centro de Equitation in that same city, until 1979 when he emigrated to the United States and taught riding in Colorado at Moondrift Farm, Fort Collins, Hillcroft Acres, Golden, and trained Lipizzaner horses at Peaceful Valley Ranch near Estes Park. In 1982 he began teaching for 15 years in Tucson at Miss Frances Woolford’s Old Adobe Riding School. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Morreale de la Garza. His motto was, “The more honorable you behave here, the better you will rest Over There”. Heartfelt appreciation and gratitude is extended to the professional care-givers, nurses and doctors at Northern Cochise Community Hospital, the Charles Wm. Leighton Jr. Hospice and Westlawn Chapel. Many thanks to special friends for help and support these past days, including Fred McLaughlin, Stephany “Sam” Mooney, Irene and Ken Kickbusch, Corinne Lowry and Jarod Farinsky. Thank you, all.

Luis de la Garza

October 11, 1920 - February 26, 2017