Paso Fino Breed Info & Video

Introduction.

As with so many of today’s breeds, the Paso Fino can trace its heritage over several hundred years and several thousand miles in this case, all the way back to Spain in the days of Christopher Columbus.

History.

When Columbus discovered the New World, he discovered a vast horseless region. Although fossil remains clearly indicate that the horse existed in North America in the early phases of equine evolution, for some unknown reason they disappeared from this part of the world approximately 8,000 to 12,000 years ago. Thus, on his second voyage in 1493, Columbus brought the first horses to set foot in the western hemisphere in thousands of years.

Destined to be ridden by the conquistadors as they explored the far reaches of this new land, the horses brought by Columbus were bred in remount stations. In the 1500’s many famous explorers, such as Diego de Velasquez and Hernando Cortez, traveled to the New World in search of conquests and riches, and transported the Spanish-bred horses to widespread and remote areas including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia, among others.

Paso Fino’s were first brought to the United States mainland in the late 1940’s and early 1950s, after being discovered in Puerto Rico by U.S. military personnel stationed there. These early devotees of the breed quickly became aware that Paso’s could also be found in Colombia, and Colombian-bred Paso’s were soon also imported to the United States. In the relatively short period since then, the Paso Fino has won over legions of fans, due both to his incomparably smooth way of going and his willing, kind, gentle disposition.

Foundation.

The horses brought to the New World by Columbus were a mix of three breeds the Spanish Barb, the Spanish Jennet and the Andalusian. Because there was no native stock with which to cross-breed, the unique horses brought from Spain reproduced in relative isolation for generation after generation, thereby deeply embedding many of their original traits and what traits they were! From the Spanish Barb, itself originally descended from the Berber horse brought to Spain by invading Moors from North Africa, these horses inherited tremendous hardiness and stamina. The Andalusian contributed its natural beauty, regal bearing, and innate presence. But perhaps most notable was the Spanish Jennet. Known in its native country as a ladies horse because of its distinctive, comfortable gait, the Jennet provided the unique way of going that is one of the primary distinguishing features of today’s Paso Fino.

Type.

Literally translated, Los Caballos de Paso Fino means the horses with the fine walk. The Paso Fino’s natural way of going is a lateral gait, meaning that the front and hind legs on the same side of the body move together. However, unlike pacing, in which the front and hind legs on the same side move together in a two-beat gait, the Paso’s gait is four-beat, with each hoof hitting the ground separately. The cadence of the four footfalls is very rhythmic, with an equal interval between each hoofbeat. The movement of the horse is absorbed in its’ back and loin, with very little up and down motion in the shoulders and croup. The result is a ride that is unequalled in comfort and smoothness.

While the Paso Fino also performs other, more traditional gaits including the walk, trot, and canter or lope, without a doubt it is the Paso’s inimitable lateral gait that sets it apart from other breeds. The lateral gait is completely natural to the Paso, and is displayed by foals from birth. It is performed at three speeds the classic fino, the paso corto, and the paso largo. Each speed has a corresponding degree of collection and length of stride.

The Paso Fino’s size and temperament make this a very versatile breed. While most commonly thought of as show horses or pleasure-type trail horses, Paso Finos also excel at competitive trail riding, ranch work, and as driving horses, among other uses.

Colors.

Paso Fino’s are found in practically any coat color, including chestnut, bay, black, palomino, gray, roan, and pinto.