The History of the Paso Fino Horse

The Paso Fino, the mount of the Spanish conquistadors,

has proud ties to a glorious past. It is the oldest true

native breed of horse in the Western Hemisphere.

A mixture of three European breeds - the Andalusian, the Barb and the

now extinct gaited horse the Spanish Jennet-the-descendants of today's

Paso Finos were transported to the New World on the second voyage of

Christopher Columbus. Over times these horses came to be known as

Los Caballos de Paso Fino, "the horse with the fine step."

Naturally quick, surefooted and athletic, their hooves are extremely

durable. Paso Finos will vary in size from 13.2 to 15.2 hands with the

average being slightly over 14 hands.

The Paso Fino has a noble appearance with beautifully flowing,

luxurious mane and tail, full forelock and athletic balance.

They can be found in every equine color-with or without white

markings-including bay, black, buckskin, palomino, chestnut, grey,

roan, and even pinto. The Paso Fino is a "people-oriented" horse

that enjoys human companionship and always strive to please.


The Paso Fino Gaits

The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited horse. It can walk, canter and gallop

like other horses, but its preferred way of going is its own natural four-beat

lateral gait. The Paso Fino gait will produce a wonderfully smooth ride at the

three primary speeds: Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo. During the

Classic Fino, the horse holds itself fully collected and balanced. Leg motion

is smooth and extravagant and each hoof hits the ground in rapid succession.

The Paso Corto is the average trail gait and is comparable in speed

to a trot. Forward speed is moderate, ground covering but unhurried.

A well-conditioned horse may travel at this gait for hours without tiring.

The Paso Largo is the fastest speed,

executed with a longer extension and stride.

Remember, a naturally smooth Paso Fino gait can let rider

enjoy long hours of riding without tiring. Ask a Paso Fino

breeder for a demonstration and test ride.

You'll be amazed.

HeartLand Ranch LLC