The Paso Fino horse is a result of crossbreeding Spanish Jennet, Barb, and Andalusian horses, and it has many distinctive qualities. The Paso Fino is renowned for its magnificent presence, smooth gait, and beautiful appearance. These horses are very popular in the show ring and are known for their endurance and ease of riding. The Paso Fino is a favorite among riders who suffer from back pain, thanks to its comfortable gait.
In this article in TekeTrek Website, we will introduce you to the most important information related to this object. Follow along with us.
Physical Characteristics of the Paso Fino Horse
The Paso Fino is an attractive, medium-sized horse with a small head and widely spaced eyes, standing about 150 cm tall. Its shoulders slope downwards, and it has a clean, varying-length neck. The Paso Fino has strong, elegant legs adorned with small hooves, and sometimes it has a large mane and tail.
The height of the Paso Fino typically ranges from 130 to 140 cm, and its length is also 130 cm. It takes time for Paso Finos to mature, and some horses may not reach their full height until they are five years old. The weight of a Paso Fino horse ranges between 300 to 450 kilograms. Paso Fino horses vary in coat colors and can appear in different colors. These horses tend to have distinctive long and flowing manes and tails.
History and Origins of the Paso Fino Horse
- The history of the Paso Fino extends over 500 years. Christopher Columbus brought horses and stallions to the Dominican Republic during his explorations, which included Barb, Spanish Jennet, and Andalusian breeds.
- These horses bred and produced new generations with great endurance, elegance, ease of riding and taming, becoming the Paso Fino breed.
- After American soldiers arrived in the Dominican Republic after World War II, they discovered the Paso Fino breed and its desirable smooth gait. They purchased and shipped them from Latin America to North America. Since then, selective breeding of modern-day Paso Finos has helped maintain the breed’s robustness, endurance, and versatility.
Primary Uses of the Paso Fino Horse
Today, the Paso Fino is a versatile carrier. Paso Fino horses excel in many disciplines and activities, including competitive horseback riding, endurance riding, horseback archery, show riding, as well as team penning competitions, working cattle, and much more. The Paso Fino is suitable for road and endurance riding, characterized by intelligence and people-orientation, and can be trained in many different specialties. Because Paso Finos are largely bred in the show ring, they tend to be lively, progressive, and elegant.
Unique Characteristics of the Paso Fino Horse
- One of the most distinctive features of the Paso Fino is its four-beat gait. This gait is incredibly smooth for the rider, as the horse keeps one foot on the ground at all times, unlike the trot, which creates a lot of vertical movement.
- The Paso Fino has shoulders that move minimally vertically, allowing the horse’s back to absorb most of the movement. It walks in a rhythmic manner that is comfortable for those sitting for long distances.
- The Paso Fino performs this gait at three speeds:
- Classic Fino: A collected gait, where the horse steps quickly but seems to dance in place.
- Paso Corto: A medium gait with the speed of a trot, ideal for long distances.
- Paso Largo: The fastest gait, allowing the horse to cover a large area quickly.
Diet of the Paso Fino Horse
Generally, the Paso Fino horse does not have any special dietary needs. Paso Fino horses often thrive on a diet where they consume between 2 and 2.5 percent of their body weight in feed daily. A mix of hay and pasture is often suitable.
If a Paso Fino horse is performing strenuous work, it will need concentrated feed to provide additional calories, but this need will vary from horse to horse.
Is the Paso Fino Horse Right for You?
- Paso Fino horses are versatile carriers and perfectly suitable for many different riders. These walking horses can make wonderful horses for competitive or recreational riding purposes, as well as excellent show tools that attract attention in parades, show rings, and other settings.
- Because their gait is very smooth, they are very popular among riders who suffer from back pain or other injuries that make riding non-gaited breeds difficult or uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Paso Fino Horse
- How tall is the Paso Fino horse?
Paso Fino horses are between 130 to 140 cm tall.
- What are Paso Fino horses good for?
Paso Finos used in competitive and show riding, long distance riding, horseback shooting and training team competitions.
- Are Paso Finos strong?
Yes, Paso Fino is strong.
In conclusion, if you are planning to buy a Paso Fino horse, it is best to find a reputable breeder or trainer who specializes in this breed. Paso Fino horse prices are generally affordable, with prices for younger riding horses starting from $3,000.
