Today, with the Paso Fino’s popularity increasing in Canada and around the world, many people are curious about this horse’s unique attributes. When purchasing a Paso Fino, it’s important to know what characteristics to look for, especially if you plan to show your horse. In the following guide, we’ll discuss this remarkable breed’s signature traits and clarify what sets champion Paso Finos apart from other horses.
Common Characteristics of the Paso Fino Horse
Traditionally, the Paso Fino was bred throughout Latin America, with prominent lines emerging in Colombia and Puerto Rico. Today, however, this gaited horse has achieved popularity throughout North America, for trail and endurance riding, and established a global presence in the show ring.
Size and Conformation: The Paso Fino is a well-proportioned, compact horse ranging in height from 13 to 15.2 hands and a healthy weight of 700 to 1000 pounds. These horses are powerful and muscular while still being finely built, with sloping shoulders, a strong back, rounded loins, and wide but not exaggerated hips. They have straight, graceful legs with short canons and a refined but broad head, with wide-set eyes, a defined jaw, and a straight or convex profile. The head is naturally held high on a proudly arched neck, and the mane and tail should be full and luxurious. These features all come together for an elegant appearance
Gaits: The Paso Fino’s classic smooth gait is not found in any other horse in the world. Instead of trotting, these horses have an even, four-beat lateral gait wherein each foot contacts the ground at precise intervals, creating a perfectly smooth ride that lacks the “bounce” of a trot. This comfortable gait, which is natural and not trained, is ideally suited to trail riding and ranch work. It also allows those with neck and back pain to engage in equestrian pursuits without discomfort, making the Paso Fino a popular therapy horse.
Paso Finos perform their signature four-beat gait at three distinct speeds:
Classic Paso Fino: A slow, fully-collected gait with short steps, commonly used in the show ring.
Paso Corto: A moderately-paced gait with slightly more extension, ideal for trail riding.
Paso Largo: The fastest four-beat gait, utilizing longer extension and strides without losing collection.
In addition to performing these gaits, the Paso Fino can walk and canter like other horses.
Temperament: Paso Finos have a gentle, intelligent, and willing nature defined by the quality of “brio” (spirit). Brio refers to this horse breed’s ability to balance its natural fire and enthusiasm with friendliness and trainability. As Paso Finos are typically easy to handle, they’re suitable for riders of various skill levels, from novice to advanced. However, beginner riders may initially need guidance to help manage this breed’s high energy level.
Key Features of the Best Paso Fino Horses
Before viewing a horse, discuss the qualities you’re looking for with your veterinarian and Paso Fino breeder, so they can help you find the best horse to fit your needs. Refer to the guidelines below to understand which traits are most prominent in a champion Paso Fino:
Perfect gait: The Paso Fino’s four-beat gait is a natural attribute, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same in every horse. Champion Paso Finos display an exceptionally controlled, precise gait refined by careful training. When performing the Classic Fino gait, a champion Paso Fino will exhibit a collected body, channelling restrained energy into even, rapid footfalls executed with a flawless staccato rhythm. The horse’s hind legs drive the gait while the forelegs delicately match their pace at regular intervals, moving forward with very little extension so the rider remains motionless and balanced in the saddle. Though all Paso Finos have a four-beat gait, only 30% of them can perform the Classic Fino correctly.
To see the Classic Fino gait in action, refer to this video of Hacienda Santa Maria’s prize-winning Paso Fino stallion, El Manto de Santa Maria. El Manto de Santa Maria has received numerous accolades for his standout gait, including Reserved Grand Champion of the 2023 Grand National Show, second place at the 2021 World Cup Paso Fino competition, and first place in his class at the 2022 Extravaganza International.
In addition to performing the Classic Fino, show-quality Paso Fino horses will be able to execute the Paso Corto gait perfectly and perform the Paso Largo without losing collection.
Natural Elegance: Along with demonstrating mastery of the Classic Fino gait, champion Paso Finos should display elegant carriage and an innate beauty and presence. The ideal Paso Fino will have a balanced form that conveys strength without showing exaggerated musculature on any part of the horse. They will have a well-proportioned, refined head, preferably with a straight profile, expressive eyes, a proudly arched neck, and a naturally long, luxurious mane and tail (extensions of any kind are not permissible in the show ring.)
Paso Finos come in all equine colours, and all colours are allowed in the show ring, with or without white markings.
Brio and Spirit: Exceptional Paso Fino horses display the unique quality of “brio” at its best. They will be energetic and enthusiastic, with an alert expression, while still being friendly and eager to please their rider.
Training and Versatility: Another aspect of the Paso Fino that sets it apart from many horse breeds is its versatility and trainability. The Paso Fino has the potential to excel in multiple disciplines, including dressage, driving, team penning, and competitive endurance and trail riding. Champion Paso Finos will, therefore, possess considerable stamina and agility.
Championship Titles and Lineage: One of the most crucial details to consider when selecting a champion Paso Fino is the horse’s lineage. The best Paso Finos typically have a heritage that can be traced back to current and former prize-winning champions who received numerous accolades in shows, competitions, and exhibitions. Some of the most famous Paso Finos in history include Dulce Sueño, the most influential sire, Batalla, Guamani, and Kofresi, which heavily influenced the modern Puerto Rican Paso Fino. Among Colombian Paso Finos, standout horses include Monarca, Resorte III, Contrapunto, Capuchino, Plebeyo, Castellano, and Nevado, among others.
Today, El Manto de Santa Maria, Vivaldi de Besilu, El Classico de Plebeyo, and Dulce Sueno de Lusitania are among the world’s leading Paso Fino Champions.
Breed registries are maintained by the American Paso Fino Horse Association, the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society, and the Paso Fino Horse Association to help promote and refine the Paso Fino horse.
Meticulous Care and Maintenance: Meticulous care and training create the foundation for lifelong health and excellence in champion Paso Finos. The best Paso Fino horses will receive a balanced diet, regular exercise, expert training, and grooming to maintain their health and appearance. Artificial training aids should never be used to enhance the Paso Fino’s natural gait.
Conclusion
As a breed, the Paso Fino is a gentle horse known for being incredibly adaptable and willing. As such, most Paso Finos make wonderful family companions, trail horses, and partners in ranch work. However, champion Paso Finos set the standard for this unique breed, revealing what the Paso Fino horse is capable of and spreading awareness of its best qualities.