The Paso Fino, the mount of the Spanish conquistadors, has proud ties to a glorious past. It is the oldest true native breed of horse in the Western Hemisphere.

A mixture of three European breeds - the Andalu-sian, the Barb and the now extinct gaited horse the Spanish Jennet - the descendants of today's Paso Fino were transported to the New WorId on the second voyage of Christopher Columbus. Over times these horses came to be known as Los Caballos de Paso Fino, "the horse with the fine step."

Naturally quick, surefooted and athletic, their hooves are extremely durable. Paso Finos will vary in size from 13.2 to 15.2 hands with the average being slightly over 14 hands.

They can be found in every equine color-with or without white markings-including bay, black, buckskin, palomino, chestnut, grey, roan and even pinto. The Paso Fino is a "people oriented" horse that enjoys human companion and always strive to please.

The traits that people cherish in the Paso Fino horse today have been a part of its heritage for over 500 years. Used as foundation stock for remount stations of the Conquistador, the Paso Fino carried riders for days over mountains, open ranges, and dense jungles, paving the way for exploration and conquest.

The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited horse. It can walk, canter and gallop like other horses, but its preferred way of going is its own natural four-beat lateral gait. The Paso Fino gait will produce a wonderfully smooth ride at the three primary speeds: Classic Fino, Paso Corto and Paso Largo.

During the Classic Fino, the horse holds itself fully collected and balanced. Leg motion is smooth and extravagant and each hoof hits the ground in rapid succession.

The Paso Corto is the average trail gait and is comparable in speed to a trot. Forward speed is moderate, ground covering but unhurried. A well-conditioned horse may travel at this gait for hours without tiring.

The Paso Largo is the fastest speed, executed with a longer extension and stride.  

Remember, a naturally smooth Paso Fino gait can let the rider enjoy long hours of riding without tiring.

COME VISIT US FOR A DEMONSTRATION.