Paso Fino - horses for sale

The Paso Fino is one of the most extraordinary breeds of horse in the world. They are named for their very unusual four-beat gait, which can’t be trained, as only these beautiful horses perform it naturally. Paso Fino literally means “fine step” and the best Paso Finos are noted for their tiny, active steps, sometimes produced so rapidly that the eye cannot follow them. They have been bred for the comfort of the rider and today many equestrians buy a Paso Fino for riding and showing. They are especially popular in the Americas where specialist breeders usually sell a Paso Fino of one of the two main types, with either Colombian or Puerto Rican ancestry.

Origin and history of breeding Paso Fino horses

All Paso Finos can trace their ancestry back to the earliest colonial days of both North and South America. They are said to descend from horses that Christopher Columbus took with him to the Caribbean on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. Soon other horses were arriving from Spain, including some that Juan Ponce de León took from La Española (better known today as Hispaniola) to Puerto Rico. For centuries, Spain had been a major centre of selective horse breeding having been influenced by the movements of many people and horses, from northern Europe to North Africa. By the time Columbus reached America, Spain was a leading European source for several types of horse including the famous Spanish jennet, a gaited riding horse, and the larger horses of Andalusian type that trotted. Horses with comfortable gaits such as the jennet were the choice for everyday riding. While this tradition was later lost in parts of Europe, it survived, thrived and developed further in the Americas. True Paso Fino horses, with their fast, tiny steps in which the hooves hardly lifted from the ground, became the choice of wealthy landowners in the Caribbean and South America. Several different national types had emerged by the nineteenth century and the two best-known today are the Puerto Rico Paso Fino and the Colombian Paso Fino. The Colombian Paso Fino has a very rapid quick-fire step and some related Colombian horses have another gait, the Trocha.

Use and characteristics of the Paso Fino

Paso Finos are between 13 hands (52 inches/132 cm) and 15.2 hands (62 inches/157 cm) high. They are extremely elegant and lively horses with hidden strength and power. Their legs are delicate and fine, yet extremely strong with excellent tendons, which is another good reason for deciding to buy a Paso Fino. Since not all Paso horses perform the true Paso Fino gait, which is now mainly restricted to showing and displays, it is important to know what is being described when people sell a Paso Fino.

Paso Fino horses in equestrianism

The true Paso Fino gait may cover very little ground, but it is so smooth and comfortable that the rider does not appear to move at all in the saddle. This highly collected gait is now mainly for the show ring, and Paso horses will have ground-covering versions of their gait, the paso corto and the paso largo, which are ideal for endurance and distance riding. Historically, they were also used for racing. The Puerto Rican Paso Fino is unusual in that it is the only horse breed known to sometimes have amber or yellow “tiger eyes”. Whatever their country of origin, Paso Finos always possess “brio condido”, a secret fire, that combined with their natural gait is the epitome of controlled power.

Interior of Paso Fino horses

Paso Fino horses are renowned for their smooth, four-beat gait that earns them the title “The Horse with the Heavenly Footsteps”. But what lies beneath this heavenly façade? Standing between 14 and 15 hands tall and generally around 900 pounds, Paso Finos have kind eyes set in a broad forehead; short ears; a straight profile; long, arched neck; sturdy withers; deep chest; sloping back and hindquarters with well-rounded musculature; strong shoulders and thighs which allow for ample movement of the forelimbs; wide yet fine-boned in their build. The typical Paso Fino coat is bay or black but many shades of Sorrel (light to dark brown), Chestnut, Palomino, Buckskin, Cremello, Gray and Roan can occur due to various color genetics. Other small but distinct features of this breed include their open nostrils which enable increased airflow while they move; large knees and hocks which act as shock absorbers when galloping over rough terrain; solid hooves equipped with concave soles – ideal for added grip on slippery surfaces! An even temperament is another trademark of these horses which makes them an ideal choice for intermediate riders looking for a reliable equine partner. Paso Finos may also possess superior intelligence that is apparent in their ability to learn new tasks quickly – especially when it comes to responding to subtle cues from its rider. They are also known for being gentle giants who prefer taking cues from humans instead of forced training methods. Whether used as leisure riding companions or sport partners at the highest level of competition, Paso Finos have one common trait: they both look beautiful and are sure to turn heads wherever they go – as well as put a big smile on the face of anyone lucky enough to ride them!

Interior of Paso Fino horses

Paso Fino horses are known for their unmistakable beauty, combining a mix of looks that range from robust to delicate and graceful. It’s no wonder why Paso Finos are such sought after horses: not only are they beautiful but they possess even temperaments that make them reliable riding partners - especially when it comes to responding to subtle cues from its rider. Whether used in competition or as leisure companions, these stunning creatures will always make an impression everywhere they go!

Interior of Paso Fino horses

Paso Fino horses have a long and distinguished history. This breed of horse was initially developed in the Caribbean Islands in the 16th century, with elegant bloodlines stemming from various Spanish breeds that were imported to the region. In the mid-1800s, some of these horses made their way across the Atlantic Ocean to Colombia's coffee plantations, where they were valued for their smooth gaits and willingness to work hard – earning them the nickname “The Horse of Heaven” or “Caballos de Cielo”. Over time, Paso Finos would travel further northwards into Central America and then eventually to South Florida in the United States - where enthusiasts of this breed would form what became known as The Paso Fino Horse Association in 1972. Throughout its history, the Paso Fino has evolved into a well-built equine that is beloved by many – especially those looking for an even-tempered partner who enjoys gently following cues from its rider. Not only this but due to their incredible stamina, strength and balance - these breeds are more than capable of conquering mountainous terrain as well as competing at certain levels in dressage and show jumping! Today, Paso Finos are still renowned for their exquisite looks and smooth gaits across many parts of Latin America and around the world. As such, it is no surprise why they remain one of the most popular breeds among both amateur riders and professional trainers alike.