Passo Fino Horses
Ht. 13 - 16 hh
Color: All colors are found except for Appaloosa patterns.
The Paso Fino evolved in the "New World" more than 500 years ago when the Spanish Conquistadors bred their imported Andalusians and Spanish Barbs from North Africa to the smooth-gaited Spanish Jennets (now extinct as a breed). Bred for their stamina, smooth gait and beauty, "Los Caballos de Paso Fino" - the horses with the fine walk - served as the foundation stock for remount stations of the Conquistadors. Centuries of selective breeding by those who colonized the Caribbean and Latin America produced variations of the "Caballo de Criollo," among them the Paso Fino that flourished initially in Puerto Rico and Colombia.
Because of the shared word Paso, there is a lot of confusion and misconceptions about the Paso Fino and the Peruvian Paso being related. "Paso" simply means, "step," in Spanish, and does not imply a common breed or origin. Although the two breeds share ancestors in the Old World, and have some similarities, they were developed independently for different purposes.
Awareness of the Paso Fino didn't spread outside Latin America until after WWII, when American servicemen came into contact with the Paso Fino horse while stationed in Puerto Rico. Americans began importing Paso Finos from Puerto Rico in the mid-1940s. Two decades later, a U. S. rancher visited Colombia and purchased quite a number of Paso Fino horses to work his cattle. This brought the second strain into the country. For a while, there was some contention as to which country produced the "true" Paso Fino. Though there are still some self-professed "purists" who advocate for one or the other country, the American Paso Fino - true to our "melting pot" tradition - is often a blend of the best of Puerto Rican and Colombian bloodlines.
The Paso Fino has several different body types from quite small and refined to very large and powerful. The action of the two strains is somewhat different. The Puerto Rican Paso Fino is prized for its fine or delicate step while the Colombian Paso Fino tends to have more of a rapid, piston-like action.
THE UNIQUE GAIT OF THE PASO FINO HORSE
The Paso Fino executes a natural evenly spaced four beat lateral ambling gait, similar to many gaited horses. The gait is smooth, rhythmic and purposeful, perfectly balanced and synchronous front to rear. Executed perfectly, the four hoof beats are absolutely even in both cadence and impact, resulting in unequaled smoothness and comfort for the rider.
The Paso Fino gait is performed at three forward speeds with varying degrees of collection. In all speeds of the gait, the rider should appear virtually motionless in the saddle. All four hooves travel close to the ground and there should be no perceptible up and down motion of the horse's croup.
Classic Fino (or paso fino) - Very collected with rapid footfalls that covers as little ground as possible. This is show gait reserved for competition. Any detected break from the rapid evenly spaced sequence of steps is grounds for disqualification during a fino event. Very few Paso Finos can perform a true classic fino.
Paso Corto - Slightly more extended, and used during trail rides. Steps are ground covering but unhurried, executed with medium extension and stride. The speed of this gait is comparable to the speed of a trot but is much smoother.
Paso Largo - The fastest speed of the gait, it is executed with a longer extension and stride with moderate to minimal collection in which the horse can reach speeds up to 25-30 mph, equivalent to a canter or slow gallop.
The Paso Fino is capable of executing other gaits that are natural to horses, including the relaxed walk and lope or canter. Known for its versatility, Paso Finos compete in a variety of Western classes as well as costume and Pleasure Driving. Paso Finos also successfully compete in team penning, gymkhana and endurance rides. They are popular trail horses, able to easily carry even a large rider comfortably for an extended period of time. An 800 lb Paso can easily carry a rider who is over 6' tall and weighing 250 lbs over the worst trails, up and down hills, without a problem.
Today the Paso Fino horse still reflects its Spanish heritage through its proud carriage or "brios", grace and elegance. Modern care and selective breeding have enhanced its beauty, refinement and well-proportioned conformation that convey strength and power without extreme muscling. The Paso has a natural willingness, intelligence and good disposition that make it very easy to train. With its lively but controlled spirit, natural gait and presence, and responsive attitude, the Paso Fino is indeed, a rare equine partner.
