Paso Fino - Horse Breed Info and Interesting Facts | by Pets Planet...

The Paso Fino is said to be a direct ancestor of the imported Spanish horses of the 16th century with the only variations being those that helped suit the horse to the new climate. The horse is known primarily for its unique step for which it is named. In addition to the paso fino, the horse also exhibits two other natural four-beat gaits: the paso corto and the paso largo. The paso fino is a slow and collected gait, the paso corto covers long distances at a steady gait, and the paso largo is a faster four beat.

 

History and Background

It is believed the horses used on Columbus’ second voyage to the "New World" over 500 years ago were Andalusians, Spanish Barbs from North Africa, and the smooth-gaited Spanish Jennets (a now extinct breed). Centuries of selective breeding by those who colonized the Caribbean and Latin America produced a variety of horse breeds known for their stamina, smooth gait, and beauty; among these breeds is the Paso Fino. Initially popular in Puerto Rico and Colombia, the Paso Fino was later brought to many other Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Venezuela.

The Paso Fino developed in Puerto Rico was a classy show horse, which very much resembled the Spanish Jennet. After they were brought to the United States from Puerto Rico in the mid-1940s, horse fanciers seeking to enhance the Paso Fino imported other similar versions from Latin America for crossbreeding, thus resulting in the modern American Paso Fino.

 

ORIGIN

It is said that the Paso Fino descends directly from horses brought to the Caribbean Islands in the early 1500s. The islands' hilly and rocky terrain negated the use of fast horses. Over time this Spanish stock, mainly Jennet, was selected for a slow, steady, collected gait. Existing in such isolated environments some inbreeding took place and the horses declined in size and naturally passed on the unique gaits required to traverse the island terrain. After time, mainly to increase size, these horses were crossed by breeders with Arabian, American Saddle Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse and Morgan. Only the Morgan seemed to improve the breed without nullifying the gaits of the native horses. The horse is now becoming popular in the U.S.; strains that were developed separately in Puerto Rico, Peru, and Colombia are now being merged into a single strain.

 

Characteristics and Temperament

This beautiful, delicate breed is a medium sized horse with a dainty head and wide-spaced eyes. They are very kind and gentle in temperament, as well as typically being very loyal and loving toward their masters.

With their smooth gait, these horses make excellent riding horses on the trail and outstanding competitors in the show ring. They have great endurance and can carry a large adult for miles without tiring. Paso Finos are also known for brio, which means fire, sometimes also known as brio condido, which means hidden fire. The horses should be very gentle in hand but show great spirit under saddle. They are easy keepers and said to have great individual personality and to be quite fond of and affectionate with their owners.

 

Uses

The Paso Fino is used in many disciplines, including showing. It is especially popular for trail riding.

 

How Much does Paso Fino Horse Cost?

Paso Fino’s are unique and desirable horse breed. They’re not common in my area, so I was curious about how much one cost, so I decided to do some research to find out.

Paso Fino’s are reasonably priced, they go from $1,500 and up. The price is dependent on the horses pedigree, age, training, health, geographic area, and the motivation of the seller. Well-trained Paso Finos from desired bloodlines are sold for significantly more than $1,500

Price is only one consideration when buying a Pason Fino, you should also be familiar with the breeds characteristics, especially conformation standards and bloodlines. Ride the horse before you make a decision to buy him, take your saddle and saddle the horse yourself and sit on his back. Make sure he moves well and shows no sign of lameness. Of course, check his feet and teeth. I wrote an article you can read about what we learn from a horse’s teeth that may be helpful. Be cautious of horses being sold too cheap. Often they have bad habits or health problems. It is strongly advised that you have any animal you consider buying checked by a veterinarian.

 

Interesting facts

After many years of careless breeding and little attention, the Paso Fino found favor in Puerto Rico as a unique breed. In 1943, the Federacion del Deporte de Caballos de Silla de Puerto Rico was formed in an effort to improve the horse. The improvements manifested quickly, making an elegant and calm-natured horse.

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Reference

https://breed-horse.com/paso-fino-horse/

https://www.thehorseguide.com/horse-breed-information/warmblood-breeds/paso-fino/

https://www.petmd.com/horse/breeds/c_hr_paso_fino

http://cowboyfrank.net/fortvalley/breeds/PasoFino.htm

https://horseracingsense.com/what-are-the-gaits-of-a-paso-fino-horse/

https://horseyhooves.com/paso-fino-horse-breed/