Frequently Asked Questions About the Paso Fino
How tall are Paso Fino horses?
Paso Finos stand an average of 14 hands high, making them fairly small horses. However, Paso Finos can range anywhere from 13 to 15.5 hands in height; as such, many Paso Finos are suitable for taller riders.
How long do Paso Finos live?
Paso Fino horses have an average lifespan of 25-30 years, though in rare cases, they can live as long as 40 years.
How old is the Paso Fino horse breed?
The Paso Fino breed is approximately 500 years old, having descended from Spanish horses brought to the New World by early explorers and Conquistadors.
What does the name “Paso Fino” mean?
The full name for the Paso Fino is “Los Caballos de Paso Fino,” which in English means “horses with the fine walk.”
Where do Paso Fino horses come from?
The Paso Fino horse arose approximately 500 years ago from the cross-breeding of several popular Spanish horses, including Andalusians, Barbs, and the now-extinct Spanish Jennet. The Paso Fino’s unique gait was likely inherited from the Spanish Jennet, which was known for having a very smooth ride. Over time, the Paso Fino’s gait was further refined and enhanced via selective breeding.
What is the Paso Fino horse’s temperament like?
Paso Fino horses are spirited but gentle and intelligent. They’re known for being very eager to please their riders, which makes them highly responsive and easy to handle. Their docile nature makes them a favourite in the show ring, as well as being ideally suited to riders of all ages and skill levels.
What are the characteristics of the Paso Fino?
Paso Finos are small to medium-sized horses with fine, elegant heads, large expressive eyes, arched necks, sloping shoulders and quarters, strong, deep chests, straight legs with short cannon bones, and long, luxurious manes and tails that reveal their Spanish heritage.
What makes the Paso Fino’s gait unique?
Unlike most other horse breeds, the Paso Fino has an even four-beat lateral gait, which completely removes the “bounce” felt when riding at a trot or canter on other horses. This smooth gait makes the Paso Fino very comfortable to ride, even over long distances or at higher speeds. The Paso Fino’s gait is typically categorized into three speeds: From slowest to fastest, they are the paso fino, paso corto, and paso largo.
It’s important to note that the Paso Fino’s way of moving is entirely natural – Paso Finos are born with a smooth, even four-beat gait, which is then refined through training.
What are Paso Finos good at?
Paso Finos are famous for being the best pleasure riding horses in the world, but their skills don’t end there. They excel in trail and endurance riding, barrel racing, parade riding, therapeutic riding, and ranch work, among other sports. Paso Finos are also very popular show-ring competitors, where they demonstrate their unique gait, good manners, and ease of handling.
Can you jump a Paso Fino?
As small horses, Paso Finos are not suited to competitive jumping, but they can handle small jumps (e.g., logs and other low obstacles) well.
How much weight can a Paso Fino carry?
How much weight a Paso Fino can carry varies with the size of the individual horse; however, most Paso Finos can carry a rider weighing up to 220 pounds.
Is a Paso Fino a good trail horse?
Paso Finos are some of the best trail horses owing to their docile, responsive natures, smooth, comfortable ride, and endurance. They’re also intelligent and alert, which helps them navigate difficult terrain.
What colour is the Paso Fino horse?
Paso Finos come in all colours, from black to albino and pinto.
