Meet The Paso Fino Horse:
Fire. Brilliance. And the Smoothest Gait
on Earth.
 The history of this noble animal began in Spain where a chance mix of breeds was combined to become
one of the world's finest riding horses. Invading Moors occupied the Spanish countryside, bringing their
athletic Berber horses, also known as Barbs, an animal that had a strong genetic impact on equine development
throughout Europe, North Africa, and the New World. Interbreeding with native Spanish stock produced the gaited
Spanish Jennet horse. They were subsequently bred with the elegant and powerful Andalusian.
These superior horses might have remained Spain's best-kept secret but for the unquenchable thirst of the Spanish
royalty for territory and treasure. The early fifteen-hundreds saw famous and infamous explorers such as Martin de
Salazar, Diego de Velasquez, and Hernando Cortez transport horses to Puerto Rico and Colombia, as well as Cuba,
the Isthmus of Panama, and Mexico.
These 'conquistadors' sought out mounts with the hardiness of the Barb and the natural presence of the Andalusian.
But most valued was the incredibly even and smooth gait of the now-extinct Spanish Jennet horse, a gait that
made long days in the saddle pass in comfort and style. Remarkably, that gait became the predominant characteristic
of these cross-bred horses, the genetic stamp that identifies the horse that we know today as Caballo de Paso Fino,
'The Horse with the Fine Step'.
 Why Consider a Paso Fino?
Although many owners value their Paso Finos for their intelligence and personable attitudes it is the lateral
four-beat gait that distinguishes the Paso Fino in the equestrian world. The gait is evenly spaced, with
each foot contacting the ground independently, so that the horse appears to glide forward and the ride is incomparably
smooth.
The basic gaits of the Paso Fino in order of speed are the paso fino ('fine step'), paso corto ('short step'), and
paso largo ('large step'). And yes, they also walk, canter and gallop. As with most breeds, natural ability can be
enhanced by training, but Paso Finos gait naturally without aids, special shoes or human instruction and will exhibit
a variety of forward speeds. In the show ring the classic fino is highly prized, whereas trail riders prefer the
looser and more ground-covering largo. Most Paso Finos prefer to move at a corto or largo, the speedy 'large' step.
Indeed, a medium-sized Paso Fino in largo can keep up with a cantering companion.
View the Paso Fino
gait
 Today's Paso Fino
Riders across the United States and Europe are rediscovering this energetic and intelligent breed. Because of the variety of
foundation breeds that make up the Paso Fino riders can select from horses ranging from near-pony sized to a full 15 hands
and with looks that call to mind ancestors from Baroque, with sweeping mane and tail, to Berber, with scopey action and
boundless stamina.
Today Paso Finos are found in nearly every discipline, from driving to team-penning to endurance rides. We invite you to come
visit with us and learn more about this very special breed of Spanish gaited horse!
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