| The Paso Fino |
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| The Paso Fino Gait |
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| The ideal Paso Fino is at once dramatic, regal restrained and generates an aura of presences - a combination of energy and spirit that the Spanish call "brio". The Paso reflects it Spanish heritage through its proud carriage, grace, and elegance. The journey of the Paso Fino to the Americas began with the Spanish Conquistadors. Bred for their stamina, smooth gait and beauty, "Los Caballos de Paso Fino" - the horse with the fine walk - served as the foundation stock for remount stations. Awarness of the Paso Fino didn't spread to America until after WWII, when American servicemen came into contact with the stunnig Paso Fino while stationed in Puerto Rico. They have since become a fast growing breedi the U.S since especially for the "older" horseperson. The Paso Fino is willing and spirited, but very gentle at hand and easily managed. He is born with a natural unique gait, smooth, rythmic purposeful, straight, and balanced resulting in unequeled compfort. He is seldom shod unless traveling on rocky surfaces. Size varies between 13.2 hands and 15.2 hands with an average of 14 hands and weigh between 700 to 1100 pounds. Paso Finos can be found inevery equine color; bay, black, chestnut, palomino, cremello, roan, gray, and even pinto. |
| The Paso Gait |
| History and Characteristics |
| The gait of the Paso Fino is totally natural and normally exhibited from birth. It is an evenly spaced four beat lateral gait with each foot contacting the ground independently in a regular sequence at precise intervals creating a rapid, unbroken rhythm . Executed perfectly, the four hoof beats are absolutley even in both candence and impact. The rider does not experience the jarring impact normally associated with the trot or jog common to the other horses While the Paso can walk, trot,canter and gallop like other horse their preferred going is their own natural gait. The Paso Fino gait is performed in three forward speeds and with varying degrees of collection: Classic Fino: The horse holds itself fully collected and balanced. Used for show purposes, it is equal to the slow walk with rapid footfall, the steps and extensions are exceedingly short. Paso Corto: Comparable to the trot, the Corto is the average trail gait. The steps are ground covering but unhurried., executed with medium extension and stride. A well-conditioned horse may travel at the Corto for hourd on end without tiring. Paso Largo: The fastest speed of the gait, with a longer extension and stride, and moderate to miminalc collection. Speed varies with each horse, since each horse should attain its top speed in harmony with its own natural stride. |
| The gait of a non Paso Fino |
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