The popularity of the Paso Finos is continuously growing. They are loved by their proud owners for their super smooth 4-beat lateral gait, their gentleness, attitude, easy handling and riding, their beauty, their friendliness and their noble character. Once you have owned a Paso Fino there is no other horse you want to have.But until you have reached the decision to buy such a horse there are many open questions. Below we have answered the most frequently asked questions about the Paso Fino.

1. Why is the Paso Fino so small?
The Paso Fino varies in size between 1,40 to 1,55 cm. The size in itself is not a problem it is rather a matter of looks. In the countries of origin and the USA Paso Finos are ridden by big and tall men.

2. The Paso Fino has very thin legs and small hooves, will he be able to carry me at all across long distances?
The Paso Fino is an incredibly sturdy and robust horse. His bones are extremely dense and strong. (Clinical study by Dr. Bennett, USA)

3. The Paso Fino looks so hectic.
As long as you have not ridden a Paso Fino you might get this impression. As the legs move twice as fast when a horse is gaiting you perceive twice as much movement compared to a trotting horse. In addition the Paso Fino is particularly “quick”, i.e. his frequency of steps is quite high. But this has a reason. In rough and steep terrain the Paso Fino is extremely sure-footed, for the faster the legs lift off and hit the ground again, the less a horse slips. (try to walk on icy surfaces with long and wide movements. I am sure you will rather make short and quicker steps. Or what about going downhill? Try it and you will see!) 

4. Why is the step of the Paso Fino so short?
To assure that the Paso Fino is as sure-footed as possible in rough terrain. (when taking newcomers to the breed out for a trail ride we often hear them say: “Wow, I couldn’t go down there with my horse“.) In order for the Paso Fino to cover enough ground despite making short strides he moves at a somewhat higher frequency. Pleasure and Performance type horses manage a good medium speed of 12 to 15km/h at Paso Corto. A perfect speed for (long) trail rides.

5. For how long can a Paso Fino gait?
A well trained and conditioned horse can gait for hours. (e.g. in Colombia you hardly ever walk a horse. The preferred speed is the 4-beat gait. In the USA Paso Finos have mastered 160km endurance rides. They were never disqualified and their riders had an extremely comfortable ride.)

6. Isn’t the Paso Fino too fiery?
Of course,  Paso Finos are spirited thoroughbreds. But the Paso Fino is very gentle and friendly and due to his sensitiveness very easy to ride, thus, the horses are always under control if they have the respective training. On the contrary, there is hardly any other breed with so much spirit who can be ridden so easily. And there are also some Paso Finos who have less brio than others. Therefore, there is the right horse for every rider.

7. Is the training and riding very different?
About 80% of all “newcomers” (riders without any experience with gaited horses) have mastered the art of riding a Paso Fino after two to three test rides. The pre-requisites are a well trained horse and the rider’s willingness to accept a slightly different way of riding. Riding a Paso Fino implies riding with impulses. And many aids are similar to Western riding.

8. Should a beginner buy a Fino?
This depends on many different factors. One thing is for sure: The beginner must take lessons and he needs the right horse. Past examples show that it works if the requirements are met.

9. Can a Paso Fino do anything else beside gait?
Since the Paso Fino develops his 4-beat lateral gait from the trot, there are many horses who can be ridden in all 4 gaits if trained to do so. The majority of the Paso Finos have a good and smooth canter, thus if you like to canter you must not do without it on a Paso. On the contrary you will be surprised about the versatility of the breed.

10. They carry their tails in a strange way!
Paso Finos should carry their tail like a flag. They are the only breed with this breeding goal.

Of course you will have many more questions. Please write us, we will answer your questions as best as we can. One more favor: Do not pay attention to the many rumors you hear about the Paso Fino (there are many half-truths about the breed) but come and see for yourself. A test ride on a Paso Fino will get you one of the best riding experiences ever. Give us a call. We are looking forward to meeting you and we will take time for you!

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