- Paso Fino -

The Paso Fino developed in Puerto Rico, South America, during the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought their Spanish horses to America. The first horses to arrive in Puerto Rico were taken there in 1509 by Martin de Salazar. More Spanish horses arrived in South America in 1511, including eight stallions. Then again in 1512, 1517, and 1524 even more horses arrived. By the mid-1550s, selective breeding had begun, and there are now gaited horses throughout South America that exhibit marginal differences and generally have their own breed name. It is generally considered that the Paso Fino evolved through a cross between the now extinct Spanish Jennet and the Andalusian, possibly with some Barb blood. The Spanish Jennet was a natural pacer and gaited animal, and the Paso Fino is born with its natural gaits.

In those early days, it was necessary for long distances to be covered, and the Paso Fino was specifically developed due to its comfortable stride and its endurance. They have three gaits: the paso fino, the paso corto, and the paso largo. The paso fino is a slow-moving pace where the feet move up and down very quickly, and this is the pace which is now used most often in the show ring. The paso corto is equivalent in speed to the trot and is a very comfortable gait for traveling long distances. The paso largo is the fastest of the three, and is somewhere between a canter and a gallop in speed. Typically, the Paso Fino has a vigorous action in front, supported by powerful use of the hind legs, while keeping hte quarters low. This is very comfortable to sit to and can be maintained over long periods of time, with the concussion absorbed through the horse's back and quarters, making the ride very smooth.

Generally biddable but lively, the Paso Fino is exceptionally tough and is known for its distinct personality. They have neat heads set onto a muscular and well-formed neck. The shoulders are very powerful, and the chest broad and deep. They have great depth through the body, allowing room for large lungs; the back is usually short, the croup rounded, and the legs very strong. They can be of any color, and stand between 14 and 15 hands high.

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