The Paso Fino Horse: It's a Sweet Ride

The Paso Fino (which means, "fine step" in Spanish) is one of several gaited horse breeds which have been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly for trail riding and to accommodate riders with knee, leg or back problems. This is because the so-called gaited horses have particular styles of movement which are very smooth, and eliminate much of the bumping and bouncing which normally accompanies horseback riding.

I had my first experience riding Paso Finos about 14 years ago, and I fell in love. The ride was smooth and comfortable, my movement in the saddle barely perceptible, and at the end of an hour long ride, I felt as fresh as I had when we started. No wonder they've become so popular!

I have found a few differing accounts on how and where the Paso Fino breed originated, but most agree that it is a combination of Spanish Barb, Andalusian, and Spanish Jennet, bred as mounts of the Conquistadors and land owners in Puerto Rico and Columbia. Some of the first of the breed were brought to the U.S. by returning servicemen, who had served in Puerto Rico in the 1950's.

The breed comes in many colors, sizes and builds, although most of the ones I've observed seemed to run about 14 - 15 hands, with a solid muscular body, fine head, and alert, intelligent expression. They are also known for their brio, or spirit. They are willing and energetic, and have tremendous footing and stamina, which make them an excellent mount in rough terrain.

What distinguishes the Paso Fino breed is it's unique four-beat gait, which can be performed at three different speeds; the classic or paso fino, the paso corto, and the paso largo.

The classic fino is a slower, collected gait, but with rapid footfalls, which accentuates the beautifully smooth motion of the legs and feet. It almost looks to me like the horse is running in place, and yet the overall movement of the horse is slow, smooth, and controlled. Watching them in competition is liking watching a ballet featuring horses.

The paso corto is a more extended, medium pace, and is the most used gait. In speed, it is similar to a slow/medium trot, and this is where you truly appreciate the smoothness and comfort of the gait, especially on a long trail ride.

The paso largo is a faster, more extended movement which can really eat up ground. I found it wonderfully exhilarating to be moving almost at a gallop, and yet feeling comfortable and secure in my seat.

The Paso Fino is a versatile, energetic, willing, and beautiful breed, and has been gaining more and more attention, both in competition, and as trail mounts and pleasure horses. There are many breeding farms and sellers specializing in Paso Finos, both the Columbian and Puerto Rican strains. As with any horse purchase, do your research carefully, evaluate each horse individually, and make sure that you understand the particulars of the breed. Then sit back, enjoy the ride.