| When Christopher Columbus landed in the New | | | | allows one to cover a good distance in |
| World in 1492, he found a continent without | | | | leisurely fashion. Because of the smoothness |
| horses. After returning to Spain, upon his | | | | of the stride, both horse and riders can go |
| return to the Americas, he brought back mares | | | | for hours tirelessly.Paso Largo - this is a |
| and stallions from Andalusia and Cordela. | | | | faster speed with a longer stride. The |
| These horses were a mixture of Andalusian, | | | | actual speed is different for each horse |
| Barb, and the now-extinct Spanish Jennet. | | | | because it will reach its top speed in |
| The resulting offspring of this mixture was a | | | | natural coordination with its tempo and |
| horse with a very smooth and comfortable gait | | | | stride.Description and ConformationThe Paso |
| suitable for the varied terrains of the New | | | | Fino's colors run the gamut of the equine |
| World. Because of a trait contributed by the | | | | color range. There is no one defining color |
| Jennet, of passing the most desirable | | | | assigned to this breed as being necessary for |
| characteristics along to its offspring, the | | | | it being registered as a purebred horse and |
| horse quickly became favored by the | | | | they can be with, or without, white |
| Conquistadors. This was the founding stock | | | | markings.This breed ranges in height from 13 |
| of the Paso Fino breed. The breed | | | | to 15.2 hands (52 to 60.8 in,. or 132 to 154 |
| established a place in the history of Western | | | | cm.), with the most typical being 13.3 to |
| Civilization, being cited as instrumental in | | | | 14.2 hands (53.2 to 56.8 in., or 135 to 144.2 |
| the conquest, exploration, and development of | | | | cm.), which is considered small to average |
| the Americas.Over the 500 years since the | | | | height for a horse. The weight ranges from |
| introduction of the founding stock in the | | | | 700 to 1100 pounds (49.7 to 78.1 stones). |
| Western Hemisphere, the Paso Fino has been | | | | The full size of the Paso Fino may not be |
| selectively bred and refined. And although | | | | reached until it is five years of age.The |
| they can be found elsewhere Peru, in South | | | | Paso Fino is often described as being of |
| America, claims the most famous and purest | | | | noble appearance. The immediate impression |
| bloodlines of this breed.The most outstanding | | | | that one has is that of power, grace, and |
| characteristic which makes the Paso Fino | | | | overall athletic balance in this horse. Its |
| unique is the pattern and even cadence of its | | | | mane and tail are luxurious and flowing. The |
| instinctual 1-2-3-4 gait. The hoofbeats are | | | | neck is sinuous, arched, and muscular. The |
| individually and distinctly heard as the | | | | shoulders are well-defined, but not |
| horse moves. The movement is smooth and | | | | prominent. The back is short and connects |
| lateral, rather than diagonal. The rider | | | | with slightly sloped hindquarters. The legs |
| feels very little, if any, up-and-down | | | | appear short, but powerful. The breed is |
| movement when the horse is in motion. This | | | | naturally sure-footed with extremely durable |
| most unusual gait is performed at three | | | | hooves. Unless the horse is habitually used |
| speeds:Classic Fino - Used for show purposes | | | | on rock or hard surfaces, it is rarely |
| only, this is the same forward speed as a | | | | shod.This beautiful breed of horse possesses |
| slow walk. The horse is collected and | | | | a natural affection, is very intelligent, and |
| balanced. Watching the leg motion is | | | | is built for hard work. It performs well in |
| fascinating.Paso Corto - this is similar in | | | | gaited events, for showing, trail riding, and |
| speed to a trot. It's a moderate speed, yet | | | | for pleasure riding. |