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The Paso Fino
There is no secret so close
as that between a rider and his horse.
-Robert Smith Surtees
More than 500 years ago, the importation of Andalusians, Spanish Barbs, and
the now-extinct, smooth-gaited Spanish Jennets, to the New World sparked the
fire that would eventually become the Paso Fino. Possessing of both grace
and elegance, the Paso Fino has been refined to a spectacular breed of
beauty and well-proportioned confirmation without any extreme muscling to
take away from its delicacy. Bred for stamina and a smooth gait, they earned
the Spanish name “los Caballos de Paso Fino” which translates into “the
horses with the fine walk.”
The original goal in breeding Andalusians, Spanish Barbs, and Spanish
Jennets was to create a breed suitable for serving at remount stations of
the Conquistadors. In both the Caribbean and Latin America, selective
breeding over a long period produced several variations of the “Caballo de
Criollo,” including the Paso Fino. Soon the Paso Fino was flourishing in
Puerto Rico and Columbia, and later in Cuba, Aruba, Venezuela, and the
Dominican Republic.
When the Spanish soldiers entered North America, so did the Paso Fino. These
horses were also crossbred with wild horses to enhance the modern-day
mustang, and with Appaloosa’s to create the famous spotted horses of the Nez
Perce Indian Tribe in Oregon. Then, after World War Two, American servicemen
came into contact with the Paso Fino in Puerto Rico and were so impressed
with their amazing, yet tamable spirit, that they began to import them to
America. In the 1960’s, further importing from Columbia led to contention
regarding which country was the true producer of the pure Paso Fino. Later
the American Paso Fino became a superb mix of the best bloodlines from each
country.
The unique gait of the Paso Fino is exclusive to the breed, and admirers
have pointed out that each horse seems to transmit to the observer a special
pride in the knowledge that the gait is so unique. The gait is natural and
apparent at birth. It is an evenly-spaced four-beat lateral gait with each
foot contacting the ground independently to create a rapid rhythm. When
executed properly, the rider should be motionless in the saddle, with no
visible up and down movement of the croupe. The gait is performed at three
speeds.
In Classic Fino, the feet fall rapidly with exceedingly short steps and
extension. This is a very slow forward gait,
and is demonstrated in full collection. This particular gait is the most
difficult, and breathtaking, to watch. It requires amazing stamina and
strength. Paso Corto is performed at a more moderate speed, with full to
moderate collection. Steps are unhurried, cover a lot of ground, and are
executed with medium extension and stride. The fastest speed, if the gait is
executed with longer extension and stride, and moderate to minimum
collection, is the Paso Largo. Paso Largo is variable in different horses,
though the goal is to attain the top speed while maintaining harmony with
its natural stride and cadence. At this gait the Paso Fino has been known to
reach speeds of up to 22 miles per hour- about the equivalent of a fast
canter.
While the Paso Fino exhibits three very unique gaits, it is also capable of
the relaxed walk, and lope or canter, making it one of the most versatile
horses in America.
Paso Fino’s can come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Generally they range
from a broad 13 to 16 hands, and their body styles vary from stocky to quite
streamlined. They can be any color with the exception of the Appaloosa
pattern. Temperament is favorable, and the breed is noted for intelligence,
agility, versatility, and hardiness.
Today, Paso Fino’s compete in various shows including Western classes such
as Trail and Versatility, Costume, Pleasure Driving, Cow Penning, Trail
Riding, Endurance Competitions, etc. Their willingness to try anything asked
of them endears them to many horse enthusiasts, and they are currently one
of the most popular and sought-after gaited breeds in the world.
-By Kelly Denine
Photos by Heather Stauffer, Kentucky Horse Park
