Origins | Gaits | Standards
The Paso Fino has its origins in Spain and in three distinct breeds; Barb, Andalusian, and the now extinct Spanish Jennet (which is thought to have been the breed that possessed the gait). The Paso Fino has been bred in Latin America since Columbus's second voyage to the New World where he left the Paso's ancestors at Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic). More voyagers added their numbers to Mexico and South America which explains the existence of the Puerto Rican Paso Finos (PR) and Columbian Pasos (COL). These foundation horses were used at remount stations for the Conquistadors, and came to be known as "Los Caballos de Paso Finos" - which translates to "the horse with the fine step".
The Paso Fino breed was virtually unknown in the United States until the late 1940's and even now is not a very well known breed, especially when compared to the Quarter Horse, Arabian, Tennessee Walkers, and other popular breeds. The Paso Fino shows its Spanish ancestry through its looks although there is variance in how the Paso heads look. Some are more Arabian in appearance while others are more Andalusian. We have the PR Paso, COL Paso, and now the "American Paso", which has been called "the best of both worlds". It is a combination of the PR blood and traits and the COL blood and traits, but is not a fully recognized variance of the breed, like the PR and the COL Pasos.
The Paso in today's horse world is a tremendous addition - People with back injuries, neck injuries, or such can once again enjoy horses - or can enjoy them for the first time! They can be used for anything from jumping, team penning, the PFHA's organized shows, local or schooling shows, or simply trail riding. This breed is very highly adaptable and willing to please!
Paso Fino Gait
The Paso temperment and looks set them apart, and the Paso Fino's gaits further set these wonderful horses apart from other breeds. The Paso gaits are natural and not man-made or taught. Often newborn foals will be seen in gait shortly after birth. It has been said that the Paso Fino's rider can carry a glass of water while riding and never spill a single drop. Many people compare the Paso gaits to "riding on air", or "smooth as silk".
The foot fall is a four-beat lateral gait: Right Hind foot, Right Front foot, Left Hind foot, Left Fore foot - as compared to other breeds - Right Fore, Left Hind, Left Fore, Right Hind. The gait is rhythmic and even sounding, and in shows a horse is often taken over a "sounding board", which echoes and amplifies the sound of their hooves hitting the ground so the audience, and more importantly the judges can hear it. Many people have said the sound of a Paso over the sounding board is like nothing ever heard before!
The Paso gaits are the Classic Fino , Paso Corto , and Paso Largo .
The Fino is the most collected gait, with the most action. This is the one they normally use when going over the sounding boards. However this is also the slower gait. Most horses when Fino'ing move about two mph.
The Corto is the gait used by trail and pleasure riders. The horse is moderately collected and relaxed. The Corto is the speed most often preferred by rider and horse alike and is, at its most elegant, a nice "show" to watch.
The Largo is the fastest gait, as can be told from the "Largo Races" of Paso Fino horses. The Largo should be smooth and even, very elegant, and keep the 4-beat rhythm.
This is NOT to say that a Paso Fino can ONLY gait - they are well known for their natural gait, but they can also trot, gallop, and canter like any other horse.
Paso Fino Breed Standards
Head : The head should be refined and in good proportion to the body of the horse, neither extremely small, nor large, with the preferred profile being straight. Eyes are large and well spaced and should not show excessive white around the edges. Ears are comparatively short, set close, and curved inward at the tips. The lips should be firm and the nostrils large and dilatable. Jaws are defined but not extreme. The impression should be of a well-shaped, alert, and intelligent face.
Neck : Gracefully arched, medium in length, and set at an angle to allow high carriage, breaking at the poll. Throat latch should be refined.
Forehand : Shoulders are sloping into the withers with great depth through the heart. Chest is moderate in width. Withers are defined but not pronounced and slope smoothly into the back.
Midsection : Moderate in length with a well sprung rib cage. Topline should be proportionately shorter than the underline. The back should be strong and muscled. The midsection should join the forehand and the hindquarters so as to give the horse a pleasing, proportioned appearance.
Hindquarters : Croup is slightly sloping with round hips, broad loins, and strong hocks. Tail is carried gracefully when the horse is in motion.
Legs : Straight with refined bones and strong, well defined tendons. Broad, long forearms with shorter cannons. Thigh and gaskins are strong and muscled, but not exaggerated. Standing slightly under the rear is typical. Pasterns are sloping and medium in length. Bones are straight, sound, and flat, and joints are strong and well defined. Hooves are well rounded, proportionate in size and do not show excessive heel.
Mane, Tail, and Forelock : As long, full, and luxurious as nature can provide. No artificial tendons or alterations are allowed. A bridle path not exceeding four inches is acceptable.
Size : 13 to 15.2 hands high, with 13.3 to 14.2 being the most typical. Weight from 700 lbs. to 1100 lbs. Full size may not be attained until the fifth year.
Color : Every single color can be found, with or without white markings.
Disposition : An extremely willing horse that truly seems to enjoy human companionship and strives to please. Spirited and responsive under tack, sensible and gentle at hand.
Come see what all the commotion is about. Ride a Paso... the smoothest ride! |
