Paso Fino

Breed Profile by Betsy McHugh

There is a rhythmic dance that started hundreds of years ago. Its melodic consistency has drawn and captured many, never to release their hearts. But these captives remain willingly, hoping always to keep the music a living and passionate affair. The unique artist that has stolen the hearts of horseman for generations, crossing oceans and cultures,surviving wars and storms, is no other than the Paso Fino horse.

In the world of gaited horses there is much discussion regarding quality of gait, origin of breeds and ability to perform. The Paso Fino needs no ambassador - it speaks for itself.

At first glance there is no mistaking their proud Spanish heritage; there is no equal to the sturdy and musical sounding of their hoofbeats; there is no question of the history that lives on in each and every Paso Fino.

More than 500 years ago the Spanish imported from North Africa the basic stock used to create an athlete to serve their queen. Using Andalusians of the day, Spanish Barbs and the smooth gaited Spanish Jennets (now extinct) they developed ``Los Caballos de Paso Fino'' - the horses with the fine walk. Bred for smooth gait, stamina, and beauty, the Paso Fino served the Conquistadors all across the Caribbean and Latin America.

It has been documented that upon arriving in the New World, Christopher Columbus found a land void of horses. On his second voyage Columbus was equipped with his most important tool of exploration - the Paso Fino. The Spanish established re-mount stations among the Caribbean islands that bred and developed sturdy, athletic horses for the Spanish. As a result the Paso Fino is a treasured part of many Latin cultures.

Today the horse we enjoy still possesses the fabulously Latin traits that have set them apart for centuries. When you meet a Paso Fino stallion, fully collected, masculine to his very bone, proud to the end, gaiting with ancient abandon - you meet a legend.

It seems every cell within carries the pride and purpose of every Paso ever born. This is the heritage of a 500-year-old gait that cannot be equaled.

The Paso Fino today is at home in any culture that makes it a celebrated member. Truly gentle at hand, spirited under saddle, highly intelligent, naturally athletic and surefooted, these horses have a wide range of roles in our American Culture. From the show ring to the open range, Paso Finos are proving themselves as America's most stylish using horse.

The gait of the Paso Fino is technically described as a four-beat lateral gait. This extraordinary movement allows the rider to enjoy an extremely smooth ride. The way a horse moves through space is directly transmitted to the rider, therefore, the Paso Fino speaks its own unique language - no interpretation required. Because each foot moves independently, the Paso is known for a sure-footed feeling, while there is also a lightness that is possibly indescribable.

The power and quiet croup required to produce the quick cadence and regular rhythm of the Paso Fino gait is a family treasure passed from parent to offspring - generation to generation.

The American Paso Fino is a blending of mostly uerto Rican and Colombian bloodlines. Over the years the breeders have had the happy responsibility to preserve and maintain the gait and the abilities that have set this breed apart. Paso Fino people also set themselves apart by the obvious appreciation of fine examples of the breed, regardless of country of origin, ownership or gender.

Nobody recognizes more the simple truth that a fine horse is a fine horse.

From highly collected, lightning quick show gaits to consistently smooth trail horses; breeders are providing Paso Finos to suit every family.

The one universal truth about the Paso Fino is; this horse will change your life. These are not horses you buy and put in your barn to use here and there. These horses will steal into your heart. They will become a part of your family. They will insert their Latin heritage into your blood. The beautiful music that is their ancient song will linger in your dreams...

Photo credits:
Bar D Studios, Grand Junction, CO
Darl Weisser, Anaheim, CA