MAYOR
from the
Rugged Lark: A Horse to Remember BY MAYOR KENT GUINN
R
ugged Lark was a Quarter Horse of legendary stature in the horse industry and is part of the great equine history that Ocala enjoys. One of two bronze statues of the great horse stands at the American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo, Texas; the other at Carol Harris’ Bo-Bett Farm in Reddick. The gorgeous statue is not just a fine piece of art, but is also a means of keeping alive the memory of Rugged Lark. Soon, the statue will be re-located for permanent public viewing thanks to the wishes of Harris, a local legend of the equine industry in her own right. I recently visited with Harris, who said it is important that Rugged Lark not be forgotten and one way to make sure he is remembered is through this statue. As such, we are searching for the right home to place this bronze horse. So who was Rugged Lark and why was he so important? For starters, he was a two-time AQHA World Show Superhorse and three-time AQHA World Champion and currently resides in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. In addition to his lengthy list of awards that includes the Silver Spur, Rugged Lark is one of only two stallions to sire other offspring to win superhorse titles. What is so special about Rugged Lark is that he represents why Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” When the layperson thinks of horses, he thinks mainly of Thoroughbreds, but Ocala has earned that special moniker because of all the different breeds we have here: Arabians, Paso Finos, Quarters and others. Although Ocala has produced many great champions on the racing circuit, it has played a large role in other disciplines and Rugged Lark is testimony to that in a big way. Harris herself is a local treasure whose name belongs in the pantheon of Ocala horse industry giants such as Carl Rose and Bonnie Heath. Her spot in the AQHA Hall of Fame as a horsewoman is well earned. Now it is time to find a home for the beautiful bronze Rugged Lark statue. There will be much discussion on this topic and Laura Walker, the head of the city’s Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, is taking the lead on finding just the right spot. As for me, I suggest placing Rugged Lark between the two magnolia trees on Citizens Circle. I think for maximum traffic this spot would be optimal as opposed to placing the statue in front of the courthouse or Tuscawilla Park – but that’s just my two cents. Rugged Lark means so much to Carol Harris and it is her firm desire that this horse not be forgotten, nor shall it be with this statue to soon be on display. The horse meant so much to so many people besides Harris and helped to continue the great legacy that makes Ocala the “Horse Capital of the World.” I’m looking forward to the day we dedicate this statue and honor Rugged Lark and Carol Harris in a most-deserved manner.
Mayor Kent Guinn 12
| MAR 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
