How To Choose a Paso Fino Horse

The Paso Fino Horse, valued for the smoothness of its natural four-beat gait and ride, traces its roots to Spain, which then exported this beautiful breed to the Caribbean Islands. Paso Finos first became popular in the United States in the 1950s when they were imported from Puerto Rico and Colombia, with the Paso Fino Horse Association founded in 1972. The Puerto Rican Paso Fino is characterized for its delicate, fine step and the Colombian Paso Fino is prized for its more rapid, lively gait.

If you are in the market for one of these beautiful horses, there are a number of things to consider as you try to make the best choice.  This breed has a lively, spirited disposition commonly known as "brio".  Balancing this fiery disposition is this breed's easy ability to display affection.

Among the most striking physical characteristics of the Paso Fino breed is a long flowing mane, tail and forelock. Expect a somewhat compact, very strong body, with an average height of 14 hands and a weight falling between 700 and 1,000 pounds.  Because this breed is blessed with very strong hooves, the Paso Fino rarely needs the talents of a blacksmith.

Many prospective Paso Fino owners are drawn to the beautiful, almost athletic body of this breed, which features a powerful neck and long forearms. The Paso Fino carries itself proudly and gracefully.

The pleasure of owning a Paso Fino, whether Puerto Rican or Colombian, is all in the smooth ride. They adapt well to all sorts of terrain and trails and can even carry heavy riders for long distances without missing a beat. When you take a Paso Fino for a test ride, know that there are three major gaits the animal is capable of:  The Classic Fino, a slow pace with a rapid football; the Paso Cordo, an average-paced trot suitable for the trail; and the Paso Largo, the fastest gait, in which the horse takes advantage of full leg extension and stride.

The Paso Fino's quick gait and sure-footedness makes these horses equally at home on the ranch or on the trail. Because each horse has its own distinct personality, it's a very good idea to get know any horse you are considering purchasing over a period of time that includes several visits.

Whether you are selecting a Paso Fino for show, for breeding or for the sheer pleasure of riding, look for a horse with good emotional stability, agreeable spirit and sound, strong legs.  Paso Finos come in a wide range of colors, including black, chestnut, palomino, grey, white and cremello.