The Paso Fino is one of the most exciting equine breeds in North America today. Known for its loyalty, athleticism, spirit, graceful carriage, and exceptionally smooth ride, the Paso Fino is the ideal horse for the entire family. Learn more about why the Paso Fino has been called the “Rolls Royce” of horses.

America’s 500 Year Old Breed

The traits that people cherish in the Paso Fino have been a part of its heritage for over 500 years. Although the Paso Fino has been bred in Latin America since the days of the Conquistadors, this unique horse was virtually unknown in the United States until the late 1940's. A mixture of three European breeds, the Andalusian, the Barb, and the now extinct Spanish Jennet, the ancestors of today's Paso Fino were transported to the New World on the second voyage of Christopher Columbus. Used as a foundation stock for remount stations of the Conquistador, they carried their riders for days over mountains, open ranges, and dense jungles, paving the way for exploration and conquest. Over time, these horses came to be known as Los Caballos de Paso Fino, "the horse with the fine step".

Getting to Know Paso Finos

The Paso Fino horse reflects its Spanish heritage through its proud carriage, elegance, and natural four-beat gait. Its noble appearance captures and impresses the eye with its beautifully flowing and luxurious mane and tail, full forelock, and athletic balance. The Paso Fino is powerful as well as graceful. They are not just beautiful, they are intelligent, affectionate, and built for fun and hard work.

Unlike many other breeds, the Paso Fino is seldom shod unless traveling on rocky surfaces. 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 ideal Paso Fino has a powerful neck with a graceful arch. While the chest is moderate in width, the mid-section is moderate in length with a well sprung rib cage. The legs of a Paso Fino show well defined tendons and refined bones with longer forearms and shorter cannons than some of the larger breeds. If you like variety, Paso Fino horses 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 Gaits

While appearance is an important consideration, any horse you buy should be conformationally correct and sound. The gait is paramount for a Paso Fino. Paso Finos can walk, canter, and gallop like other horses, but their preferred way of going is their 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.

The horse holds itself fully collected and balanced in the Classic Fino gait. Leg motion is smooth and extravagant and each hoof hits the ground in rapid succession. Used for show purposes only, the Classic Fino gait is performed with the same forward impulsion as a slow walk, yet it has a rapid footfall.

The Paso Corto is the average trail gait and is comparable in speed to a trot. Forward speed is moderate, ground covering, but unhurried and executed with a medium extension and stride. A well-conditioned horse and its rider may travel with the Paso Corto gait for hours without tiring.

The Paso Largo is the fastest speed, executed with a longer extension, stride, and varying degrees of collection. Forward speed varies, since each horse should attain a top speed in harmony with its own natural stride and cadence.

The better the gait, the better the ride.

For the Experience of a Lifetime

While you and your Paso Fino may be perfectly happy on a quiet trail ride, there are a host of other activities you can enjoy together. Paso Fino owners can compete in the show ring, on a competitive trail and endurance ride, at barrel racing and gymkhana events, in team penning and ropin’ as well as back at the ranch working cattle. You can also enjoy the company of other Paso Fino owners at local, regional, and national shows or by joining the Paso Fino Horse Association and one of its regions. Show your Paso Fino off to the community…they make ideal parade horses. Whatever you want out of your horse owning experience, the Paso Fino will make sure it is an experience that will last a lifetime for you and your entire family.

(Content taken from Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc., 2006-2007 Farm Directory)