PASO FINO

The Paso Fino -- Published in Equestrian, September 2005

The Paso Fino horse is one of the most natural horses one can ever have in a barn. The breed comes from Spanish descendants. His attitude turns the heads of his observers with a natural gait. The gait, which is totally natural, does not have any traits from that of the man made gaits. The Paso Fino’s gaits are smooth, rhythmic, straight and synchronous from the front to the back. Because of the smooth movements of this gait, the rider feels but only a smooth, and balanced ride.

This horse is diversely used and can tolerate every season and climate. The Paso Fino can be seen in the Florida Keys to the Pacific Northwest, and from southern California to the New England states. This horse can also be seen throughout Eastern Canada, Mexico and South America. This horse is used for many purposes. From the show ring, back to the ranch, the Paso Fino demonstrates his versatility to conquer any task.

HISTORY

The Paso Fino is a descendant of the Spanish Conquistadors. When Columbus came to the Americas, he discovered that there were no horses due to the Ice Age 8,000 years ago. Columbus then brought a select group of horses from the Andalusian and Spanish Jennet provinces on his second voyage to America. The mixture of Andalusian and the Spanish Jennet, created the Paso Fino, Los Caballos de Paso Fino (the horse with the fine step). As the Spanish settlers were coming to the Americas, they brought more of these Spanish horses. During the 500 years that the Paso horses have been bred, they have performed a diverse role in their lifestyles.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PASO FINO HORSE

Head
The head should be in proportion to the horses body, neither extremely small nor large with the profile of the horse being straight. The eyes are large, well spaced, alert and should not show excessive white around the edge of the eye. The ears are short, close, and the tip should curve inward. The lips should be firm and the nostrils are large. The jaws are defined and the total impression of the Paso Fino head should be a well-shaped, alert, and show an intelligence face.

Forehand
The shoulders are sloped into the withers with great depth to the heart. The chest is of medium width. The withers are defined and slope smoothly into the back.

Neck
The throat is well defined. The neck is arched and medium in length, set at an angle to allow high carriage.

Midsection
Not too long, just moderate in length and a well rounded rib cage. The topline should be shorter than the underline. The back of the horse is strong and muscled. The midsection, joined with the forehand and the hindquarters, create a very proportioned appearance.

Hindquarters
Croup is slightly sloping with rounded hips, broad loins, and stony hocks. The tail is carried gracefully when the horse is in motion.

Legs
The bones are strong and straight with defined tendons. The thigh and gaskins are strong and muscled but not excessive. Pasterns are sloping and medium in length. The joints are strong, bones are straight and well-defined. The hooves are well rounded and proportionate in size.

Mane, tail and forelock
The mane, tail and forelock are very natural. They are long, full and luxurious, and no artificial additions or alterations are allowed. A bridle path is not to exceed 4".

Size
The size of the horse is typically13 to 15.2 hands with 13.3 to 14.2 being the most common. The weight from700 to 1100 pounds. The full size of the horse may take as long as the 5th year.

Color
Any equine color can be found on the Paso Fino, with or without white markings.

Traditional Uses

Riding
Driving
Ranch Work

THE FAMOUS GAITS

Classic Fino
This gait is demonstrated in the show ring with the horse fully balanced and collected showing a rapid, steady, and unbroken rhythm of the hoofs and slow forward speed with animated action and symmetry motion.

Paso Corto
This gait is performed at a medium speed with the horse moderately collected and with light contact on the bit. The relaxed form of the corto is an ideal trail and pleasure type gait. This gait is shown at the speed that most horse and riders prefer. This gait is very interesting and exciting to watch.

Paso Largo
This gait should be a smooth, balanced and elegant performance. The horse should maintain the even 4-beat cadence willingly. At this speed the rider has to make sure that the horse doesn’t become light or go too fast. If there is any indication that the horse should break into a canter, the rider needs to immediately correct the problem.

The Paso Fino Horse Association