May 2024
WRITTEN BY DANIELÉ BAUBLYTÉ
The Puerto Rican Paso Fino
Breed
The Paso Fino is a breed known for and named after its smooth, natural four-beat lateral gait which provides an exceptionally comfortable ride. It is a Spanish term that translates to "fine step". This horse breed traces its roots back to the Spanish horses brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century. Specifically, these horses are descendants of the Spanish Jennet, Barb, and Andalusian horses.
The Paso Fino
The Paso Fino gait might seem unusual to the human eye and look unnatural, uncomfortable for the horse. In fact, the gait is a genetic trait that is passed on and is naturally performed by Paso Fino purebred foals since birth. While training is involved to refine and enhance the gait, the horses are not trained to perform the Paso Fino gait in a forced or unnatural manner.
Myth or Fact
The Paso Fino breed’s most celebrated characteristics are a well-proportioned and muscular build, with a flowing mane and tail, a refined head, and, of course, the unique gait which can be classified into three different categories:
Classic Fino: The horse moves at an extremely slow speed but with very rapid footwork.
Paso Corto: A moderate, ground-covering gait ideal for trail riding.
Paso Largo: A faster-paced gait, similar to the speed of a trot.
Horses of the Paso Fino breed typically stand between 13.2 and 15.2 hands high (from 52.8 to 60.8 inches, or 134 to 154.4 centimetres). A variety of coat colors are accepted for the breed while bay, chestnut, and black coats are the most common.
Paso Fino characteristics
As of today, Paso Finos can be rarely seen outside of North and South Americas. Due to multiple factors of breeding and maintenance expenses, fading traditions and mechanization, the numbers of the breed’s population are decreasing. Horses of the Paso Fino breed can still be seen competing in pleasure riding classes or Paso Fino Classic shows where the horses are judged on their gait, manners, and overall presence. Beyond show rings, the smooth gaits and intelligence of the breed makes it a perfect family horse for trail riding, carriage driving, and equine therapy.
Paso Fino today
The history of the breed dates back to 1493, when Christopher Columbus introduced the Paso Fino to Latin America. The breed was mostly used as a working horse for the plantations, where their smooth gait was highly valued for long hours of riding. As the horses were scattered over different countries and cultures, the history varies as well. In Puerto Rico, Paso Finos were developed primarily for their smooth gait which made it an ideal horse for plantation landowners traveling long distances over rough terrain to perform daily tasks. Whereas in Colombia, the breed was further refined, and different types of Paso Finos were developed, including the Colombian Paso Fino, which is known for its high energy and rapid gait. Also, due to their endurance and willing temperament, the breed would be seen in military or exploration missions, providing their riders with comfortable travels through difficult landscapes.
Paso Fino History
Various organizations are dedicated to preserving the Paso Fino breed through carefully managed breeding programs. Associations like the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) in the United States work to maintain breed standards and support breeders and owners. Each stud farm has a different vision for the breed.
It can be said that the Paso Fino horses are a big part of history and are facing challenges similar to those of many heritage horse breeds worldwide. Conservation efforts and public awareness are crucial to maintaining the Paso Fino horse breed and continuing the legacy of this remarkable breed.
Preserving their legacy
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