PASO FINO - The Original Conquistador endurance horses?
When Colombus took horses from the gene pool in Spain to the New World, his aim was to conquer a vast area of the Americas. By breeding a mix of Spanish horses the result was the Paso Fino Horse.
Not to be confused with the Peruvian Paso, which moves with a sideways swing of the front legs, The Colombian, Puerto Rican and American Paso Fino's gait is a straight movement up and down.
The Paso Fino's can canter, gallop, jump, carriage drive all with energy and a natural high head carriage.
These remarkable horses now number over 35,000 in the US and 100's in the U.K., which Paso's were from Stoney Fork Paso Fino Farms located in Ernul, North Carolina. The Paso Finos have spread from Colombia, Puerto Rico, New York, Deleware, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, etc., and have spread to all areas of the world where they are prized for their silk smooth gait, spirit or "brios", exceptional execution of gait.
The additional attraction is their stamina and ability to carry weight over long distances and different terrain.
Although the Paso Finos can (an do) trot, canter and even jump, their natural gait is a four time walk. This they can do at speed without any hint of breaking. In fact, the aids to move them into gait - corto or largo - are special and reflect the relaxed style of riding.
The ride is incredibly smooth. Their American tag line is "ride the glide" and I understand why. In demonstrations seen at the Paso Fino Horse Shows, a full glass of is not spilled as the rider goes around the arena.
The Fino gait is very even and is demonstrated at the Paso Fino Horse Association shows by passing over a strip (know as the Fino Board) of boards. The effect, which I tried, is like the Riverdance.
The Paso Finos are used for encouraging nervous riders and are a favorite for the US equivalent of the RDA. However, the sheer power and brio of the Paso Fino ensures a stimulating ride.
The Pasos work powerfully underneath the rider, yet remain light in the hand and are responsive as a sports car. Once in the turbo mode, the Paso Finos prove their heritage as ideal long distance mounts using their natural gait. What it truly amazing is the comfort, at walking speed of 22mph. I've ridden slower in many breeds!
We have put together pages of important useful information for you located on the left hand side of this page. Just click the link to be directed to that page.
Take the opportunity to get to know this unique and adapable breed better. Perhaps you'll discover as many have that the Paso Fino would be a "natural" in your Barn!
