How to Build a Sounding Board for a Paso Fino

A sounding board is a long, wooden platform that Paso Fino horses are ridden down during competitions. The purpose of the sounding board is to allow judges and spectators to hear the smooth, even sound of the horse's gait. Paso Fino owners who plan on competing may want to construct their own sounding board at home to allow their horse to practice. If your horse has never been on a sounding board before, it may balk or become frightened by the noise during competition.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-foot by 4-foot wooden pallets
  • Metal fasteners
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • 4-foot by 6-foot sheets of plywood
  • Saw
  • Paint (optional)
  • Level
  • Tractor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect enough wooden pallets to construct a 4-foot-wide by 64-foot-long wooden walkway. Arrange the pallets into a straight line and use your level to ascertain that both the pallets and the ground beneath the pallets are working together to create a smooth, even surface. If the ground underneath your sounding board is not level, use a tractor to level it. .

    • 2

      Fit the pallets snugly together. Place the metal fasteners on either side of each pallet and use your drill to screw the fasteners into the wood to attach the pallets to one another. Each pallet should be fastened to both sides of the pallet in front of it and the one behind it.

    • 3

      Place sheets of plywood over the pallets to make a smooth surface for your horse to walk on. Screw plywood sheets into place and then use a saw to remove any excess or overhang.

    • 4

      Paint the sound board if desired.