Paso Fino
This naturally gaited breed originated from the Spanish Barb, Andalusian and gaited Spanish Jennets brought to the New World by Spanish explorers in the late 1400s and early 1500s. Settlers of the Caribbean islands and Latin America selectively bred horses to have a smooth, comfortable walk, and the Paso Fino flourished in Puerto Rico and Colombia. American servicemen stationed in Puerto Rico during World War II encountered the Paso Fino, and American breeders began importing the horses during the mid-1940s. In the 1960s, Paso Finos were also imported to the U.S. from Colombia. The Paso Fino has its unique gaits from birth and the name literally means “fine walk” in Spanish.
Conformation:
Refined head with straight profile. Large eyes, short alert ears. Medium-length neck with graceful arch. Fairly high head carriage. Sloping withers. Great heart depth. Strong back. Topline shorter than underline. Rounded hips and broad loins. Refined legs with short cannon bones.
Characteristics:
Known for its smooth, lateral, four-beat gaits: “paso fino” (slow and very collected), “paso corto” (moderate speed and collection), and “paso largo” (faster with moderate to full collection). The rider appears almost motionless at these gaits. The breed also walks and canters like other horses. Paso Finos come in any color.
Temperament:
Spirited, but sensible and responsive. Friendly, people-oriented and willing to please.
How tall is it?
13 to 15.2 hands
What can I use it for?
Showing, trail and pleasure riding.
Where does it come from?
Puerto Rico, North America and Colombia, South America
