About Paso Fino

The most enduring trait of the Paso Fino is their natural, genetic gait, which is even seen in foals shortly after they are born. The gait is natural; therefore, it does not much effort from the rider. It is extremely comfortable since it has no bounce.

  1. Origin

    • This breed is descended from the Spanish horses of the Conquistadores and believed to be little changed over its 400-year development. It mostly has ties to Puerto Rico, but strains of the breed are also maintained in Peru, Columbia, and Venezuela. The Dons of these countries took great pride in their mounts and rode only the best of these stallions to survey their lands.

    Characteristics

    • A small, quality horse with a willing and intelligent nature, it has an impressive appearance, combining strength with refinement. The head is of Arab type, the back is short and the quarters show obvious strength. Paso Finos can occur in any color (except Appaloosa pattern), shape (Stocky or streamline), and size. Some Paso Finos are tall and streamlined, while others are short and stocky.

    Disciplines

    • This is a specialist riding horse, famous for its unusual action. They are used for pleasure, trail riding, driving, barrel racing, endurance riding, reining, shooting competitions and jumping.

    Gait

    • Paso Finos canter, gait and walk. Their gait is performed in three speeds with varying levels of collection. The speeds include Paso Largo, Paso Corto and Classic Fino. The gait is the same as a natural walk, with the footfall pattern being left hind, left front, right hind and right front. It is a lateral, not diagonal gait. Paso Finos perform the gait in three styles: pleasure, classic fino, and performance. It is named for the slowest of its three gaits, the paso fino, which is a collected, high-stepping, four-beat movement. All the gaits are four-beat and they are an inherited characteristic.

    Registration

    • In the U.S., Paso Finos can be registered with the Paso Fino Horse Association, the American Paso Fino, Paso Largo Association, and Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America. Puerto Rico and Colombia have their own Associations for Paso Finos.