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More on the Paso Fino |
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More on the Paso Fino |
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The Paso Fino horse enjoyed a long and colorful past and is gaining popularity both in the real horse world and the model horse world. Originally these horses were bred in Spain as a fine ladies horse and are the result of a finely tuned breeding program using top lines from the
Arabian,
Spanish Jennet,
Andalusian, and
Spanish Barb. It can be said that the Paso has retained much of these blended lines: the fire or BRIO from the
Arabian and
Andalusian, the stamina from the
Spanish Barb, and the gait from the
Spanish Jennet.
The first Pasos to the Americas came with Columbus on his second voyage. They were easily transported, as Pasos are extremely easy keepers and could make the transition from noble's horse to war horse simply by adding the armor and weapons required for the day. Due to high bone density, Pasos are able to carry heavier weights for longer periods of time on smaller sized bones than other horses and ponies their size.
Once the Spanish colonized the islands of the Caribbean and the mainland of Central and South America, the Paso began to be developed regionally. The main regions where the Paso was redeveloped were present day Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Each regional horse has its own characteristics, two of which I will [not] address within my article for two reasons: 1) the Peruvian, while still a Paso, has several different confirmational characteristics of which I am not familiar, and 2) while there is an Ecuadorian Paso, I have not seen one.
Colombia is a fairly mountainous land and therefore developed a sturdier looking, more hardy animal. The Colombian Paso is heavier in the neck and shoulders with a more rounded hind quarter often looking like the old time Morgan. They tend to be more fiery and exhibit more of a BRIO of the breed. (A note here on BRIO: When a horse has brio, which just about explains the bold presence of any Spanish-bred horse, it is not only the fire and beauty the horse presents, but the attitude as well. There is no mistaking a Paso when he or she enters the ring at any show. They not only show, they give it their all, with an extra glow and flare not even the Arabian can match.) Because of their heavier body style, Colombian Pasos are seen more frequently in the Classic Fino ring.
The Puerto Rican Paso is the race horse of the Pasos (although you couldn't tell that by my mare). Puerto Rico is a flat island with many plantations and therefore bred their Pasos to cover distances with speed. The Puerto Rican also tends to be the ugly step child of the breed, as well. Because all Pasos tend to grow up and mature until they are at least 5 and often not until 7, they mostly look very young for a long time, which only exacerbates the Puerto Rican tendency of a U-neck and apple rump. They are also the smaller of the breed with many not attaining a height of 13 hands. Because of better nutrition, line bred Puerto Rican Pasos in the U.S. plump up and grow after the second generation.
Arguably, the Paso gait is the most comfortable in the world. It is what makes a Paso Fine a Fino Fino. Ideally, the Pasos can flat walk, Paso Corto, Paso Largo, and Canter or Lope. The Classic Fino or Fino Paso is not attainable by all Pasos. Many performance Pasos cannot flat walk either
The Paso Corto and Paso Largo are the same basic gait with only a definition of speed being the difference. These two gaits are a steady lateral with an even cadence of 1-2-3-4, i.,. Right rear - Right front, Left rear, Left front. All of the shock of the hoof striking the ground is absorbed into the back and loin of the horse giving an exceptionally smooth ride. The Paso Corto speed can be compared to the speed of a nice English trot. The Corto can also be slowed for Western and the Jog and speeded up for the Extended Trot. The Paso Largo speed can be compared to that of a Canter and can also be slowed for a Lope speed or extended to simulate the speed of a Hand Gallop.
The Classic or Fino Fino - this is the ultimate!!! The Classic Fino is the same 1-2-3-4 beat gait with the difference being that the most advancement that should be made per step is not more than six, yes six, inches. The result is a fast sounding action much like a Flamenco dancer makes with his heels. This gait is highly stressful and is not comfortable to ride.
The Lope or Canter - yes folks, it is true, Pasos can Canter. This gait is the same as any other Canter or Lope, although it does tend to be more strung out and must be collected as most Pasos would rather Largo, which is more comfortable to both horse and rider than the Canter.
Pasos are divided even further when it comes to showing. There are three divisions: Pleasure, Performance, and Classic Fino.
Pleasure Division - This division is fairly obvious. The pleasure horse is more of a laid back, not so collected, animal. These are the horses that do it all. They walk (really), Corto Largo, and Canter. These horses are the best of the breed because of their versatility. They can come straight from the trail or baby sitting the rug rats to the show ring and back again the same day.
Performance Division - This division is more of a show horse. They also trail ride and enjoy family life, although they are more animated and collected. They carry their heads higher while still breaking at the poll rather than the crest as most breeds do and tend not to lift their feet as high as the pleasure horse because they are more into the business of gaiting. A good many horses, even Precipatado Sin Par cannot flat walk. (I have seen his National Championship video several times.)
Classic Fino Division - These are the elite horses. Mostly this division is filled with stallions, although there are many mares that Fino. This division is the hardest due to the fact that the horse must be in peak condition to perform up to the grade. The best way to test a Fino horse, or any other Paso for that matter, is on the Fino Board. This board is a ramp lifted and hollowed out underneath making a significant sound as the horse travels the length. When a Paso travels the board, there is absolutely NO slip or hesitation. If your horse sounds like an automatic rifle, he could be a Fino horse. Classic Fino horses also do not walk, nor are they very good at the Canter, which pretty much makes them the least pleasurable although most showy of the Pasos. As a note of interest, many Classic Fino horses will Fino in place when tied to be groomed or trailered.
Look for an update of this article.
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Published February 1998 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (aa/sa)
Disclaimer: While some information in this article may be questionable, it was written and submitted for publication by a club member; NWBHC takes no responsibility for any possible incongruities.
© 1998-2019 NW Breyer Horse Club
& Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/27/2019
