The Ultimate Show And Pleasure Horse

During the last two decades, besides all forms of alternative styles and classical dressage, riding Gaited horses of different breeds has become quite popular in Germany. Many unknown and "exotic" horses with their respective gaits found their way to Europe and into the hearts (and barns) of many horse lovers and riders. One of the most fascinating and versatile Gaited horse breeds is the Paso Fino horse. "Paso Fino" means literally translated "fine step" and that's how these horses became famous: "los caballos con el paso fino" - the horses with the fine step.

What You Always Wanted To Know

The Paso Finos are outstanding, elegant and spirited horses with a natural 4-beat lateral gait. Besides being extremely comfortable to ride, the Paso Fino is very agile, sure-footed and is easy to handle. Paso Finos are noble, impulsive, gentle and radiate an unbelievable presence under saddle. These characteristics are called “brios” in South America. Besides sensitivity and temperament this term also combines energy, the will to perform as well as the desire to please its rider.

Strikingly beautiful or beautifully striking?

Most Paso Finos reach about 140 to 155 cm. The head is refined and noble with a straight or slightly convex profile, large nostrils and expressive eyes. The neck is well muscled and nicely arched. Defined withers, a harmonious rather short back and rounded croup characterize the Paso Fino’s splendid exterior. The low tail should be lavish. A broad, deep chest, a well defined shoulder and solid, strong legs with small and hard hooves round off the Paso Fino’s appearance. A delicate but robust and solid exterior is desirable. Paso Finos may vary in type.

Most important - The lateral Four-Beat gait

Most Paso Finos prefer to use their natural 4-beat gait when moving. The footfall of the Paso Fino’s unique 4-beat lateral gait is identical to the walk (rear left, rear front, rear right, front right). When perfectly executed the Paso Fino moves evenly and fluently giving the rider an incredibly soft and comfortable ride. In contrast to other gaited breeds, excessive forehand action is undesirable for the Paso Fino, instead, the Paso Fino should carry itself proudly at natural collection.

Trote, Trocha - Even More Gaits

Besides those Paso Finos preferring the natural four-beat gait, they are other varieties who have established themselves particularly in Colombia: The Trochador (trotty four-beat gait), the Trochador Galopero (trotty four-beat gait and collected canter) and the Troton Galopero (collected trot without suspension phase and collected canter).

TROCHA. The Trocha is a trotty four-beat gait, i.e. the pure four-beat lateral gait is shifted to the diagonal trot movement. A good Trochador offers the rider the same comfort as a gaited horse. Since the trocha is less exhausting for the horse than the pure-4-beat lateral gait, many Paso Finos prefer the trocha when being very relaxed or tired. Also young and untrained horses often show trocha under saddle but easily switch to the pure 4-beat lateral gait when more advanced in training.

Elegant And Versatile

Whether the ultra-short Classic Fino or a flying Paso Largo, the Paso Fino horse always is an outstanding experience for both rider and onlooker. He demonstrates his unbelievable versatility not only in the showring and the arena, but also every day through trail and endurance riding, western riding and in general as a willing, sure-footed, well-sized and easy to ride Pleasure horse. Not only in the U.S. are Paso Finos often used as mounts for riders with back problems and therapeutical riding. They vary in talend and temperament are quite big so everyone will find his perfect match.