A Little Paso Fino History

The history of the Paso Fino horse began in Spain where the chance mix of breeds (Barb, Andalusian and Spanish Jennet) sparked the seed that became one of the world's finest riding horses. This unique horse has been called "America's 500 year old new breed." The Paso Fino horse was virtually unknown in the United States until the late 1940's but it has been bred in Latin America since the days of the Conquistadors. On Columbus' second voyage to the New World, he transported the ancestors of the first Paso Fino horses to Santo Domingo - now the Dominican Republic. Future voyagers would soon add their numbers in Mexico and South America. Used as the foundations stock for remount stations of the Conquistadors, these horses came to be know as Los Caballos de Paso Fino, "the horse with the fine step."


Paso Working Horse in Colombia

The Paso Fino horse reflects his Spanish heritage through his proud carriage, grace and elegance. He is born with a gait unique to the breed; the gait, being totally natural, is smooth, rhythmic, purposeful, straight, balanced in flexion and synchronous front to rear resulting in unequaled comfort and smoothness for the rider. It is the lateral four-beat gait that distinguishes the Paso Fino in the equestrian world. Rather than the trot which is uncomfortable for both the horse and rider, the Paso Fino's gait assures the rider of a pleasant, thrilling ride.

The unique gait of the Paso Fino is performed at three speeds. The Classic Fino is characterized by rapid footfall and slow forward motion. It is the classic show ring gait, performed with the horse fully balanced and collected. The Paso Corto is the medium speed of the gait. This is performed with the horse moderately collected and with light contact on the bit. In its relaxed form, the corto is an ideal trail and pleasure-type gait. A well conditioned Paso Fino can travel at the corto for hours. The Paso Largo is an even more extended version of the same footfall. It is the speed form of the gait, and is performed with minimal collection. A horse at the largo can cover ground at a breath-taking speed while still providing a secure and balanced seat for the rider. These gaits are natural to the horse from the moment of its birth. Artificial training aids are not necessary to bring about this genetically inherent gait. Each gait is evenly spaced with each foot contacting the ground independently. Therefore the rider does not experience the jarring impact normally associated with the trot or jog common to other horses.

Elegant and with a brilliant style, the Paso Fino horse generally ranges in size from 13 to 15.2 hands. Colors run the spectrum from chestnut, bay, palomino, black, gray, roan and pinto. It is a spirited yet gentle horse, intelligent and manageable. The ideal show horse is dramatic, regal, restrained and generates an aura of presence. One of the smoothest riding horses in the world, the Paso Fino is a versatile and responsive athlete who has proven himself as a competitor, working horse, and pleasure horse. Without a doubt, the Paso Fino is the single most exciting breed in America today.
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