Mastering the Different Paso Fino Gaits

Naturally gaited horses are a true rarity in the equine world: Out of the 350 horse breeds that exist today, only about 30 are naturally gaited. Naturally gaited horses, such as the Paso Fino, possess a unique and smooth way of moving that sets them apart from other breeds. These horses are born with a fine, rhythmic step that reduces vertical movement in the saddle, creating a more comfortable riding experience. 

Even among gaited breeds, the Paso Fino gaits stand out as exceptional. This small, hardly Latin-American breed has been called the “smoothest riding horse in the world” thanks to its three distinct gaits: The Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo. These four-beat lateral gaits allow riders to cover ground at varying speeds while remaining virtually motionless in the saddle; in fact, the feeling of riding a Paso Fino horse has been likened to “floating on air.”

In this article, we will explain how four-beat gaits work and discuss each of the Paso Fino horse’s unique paces. We will also provide some riding tips to help you get the best out of this majestic breed.

In a four-beat gait, each hoof strikes the ground separately and in a specific sequence to create four distinct beats. This type of gait results in a balanced, even rhythm wherein one foot meets the ground as soon as another lifts, reducing vertical motion. By contrast, when a non-gaited horse trots, diagonal pairs of hooves hit the ground simultaneously with longer intervals between footfalls. This two-beat gait creates a bouncing sensation for the rider, which can become jarring and tiring over long distances.

The Paso Fino, like many other gaited horses, was originally bred for ranch and trail riding because its naturally smooth gait allows riders to spend many hours in the saddle without discomfort. Today, the Paso Fino is still used for these purposes, but it’s also emerged as the perfect pleasure riding horse and a favourite in the show ring thanks to its style and precision when in motion. 

The Classic Fino gait is the slowest and most collected gait of the Paso Fino horse. It is a four-beat lateral gait that is extremely graceful, rhythmic, and controlled. When performing the Classic Fino, the horse exhibits a high level of collection and balance, with short, rapid steps that create a distinctive footfall pattern. Though the horse’s feet move quickly, forward motion is very minimal. The Classic Fino gait is often showcased in show rings and competitions for its elegance and precision.

Note that while all Paso Fino horses have a natural four-beat gait, the ability to perform the Classic Fino correctly is limited to show-quality Paso Finos. However, the majority of Paso Finos can perform the two faster gaits below with ease. 

The Paso Corto, also known simply as the Corto, is a medium-speed gait (similar in pace to a trot) that offers a balance between speed and collection. It is a four-beat lateral gait that is faster than the Classic Fino but slower than the Paso Largo, making it ideal for trail and pleasure riding. The Paso Corto is characterized by smooth, even footfalls and a moderate stride length that provides a comfortable and efficient ride for both horse and rider.

If you have never ridden a gaited horse before, it may take some practice to adjust to the additional gaits these horses possess and their posture. (Many gaited horses naturally carry their head higher than non-gaited breeds, for example, while still remaining light and responsive under the bridle.) As such, it is a good idea to work with an experienced Paso Fino horse rider or trainer while you learn to ride this breed. We also recommend consulting Hacienda Santa Maria’s in-depth guide to Paso Fino riding and training.

As a general rule, however, the best practices below are a helpful place to start when learning how to ride a Paso Fino horse:

Developing a balanced seat when riding a Paso Fino horse is essential for maintaining stability, harmony, and effective communication with your horse. To stay balanced in the saddle, start by ensuring you have a correct riding position. Your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel should be aligned, forming a straight line. Keep your weight evenly distributed in the saddle and avoid leaning forward or backward.

Note that when riding a gaited horse, you may need to bend your elbows and position your hands slightly higher to maintain proper rein contact due to the horse’s higher head carriage.

If you have difficulty maintaining a balanced seat, core-strengthening exercises, such as crunches and leg presses, can help (the core muscles play an essential role in maintaining posture). You may also try riding without stirrups, which can help improve your balance and strengthen your leg muscles. Start by riding at a walk and gradually progress to faster gaits as you feel more secure. 

Practicing smooth transitions between gaits can also improve your balance and coordination, especially when riding a gaited horse. Focus on maintaining correct posture and stability while your Paso Fino alternates between the Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo gaits.

Paso Fino horses are known for their sensitivity to leg aids. As such, riders often use light leg pressure to ask for transitions, turns, lateral movements, collection, and extension. Gentle adjustments in leg pressure can convey specific cues to the horse without excessive force, which is perfect for guiding this responsive, willing breed.

Riders can also communicate with Paso Fino horses through subtle shifts in their seat and weight. By adjusting their weight distribution (altering the position of the seat bones while remaining balanced in the saddle), riders can influence the horse’s balance, speed, and direction. Small shifts in weight can cue the horse to move laterally, turn, or halt, for example.

Finally, remember that maintaining soft, steady contact with the reins is essential when riding a Paso Fino horse. Use a gentle touch on the rein to signal the horse for transitions, frame adjustments, and collection. Light and consistent rein contact allows for clear communication without causing discomfort to the horse.

Half-halts and leg-yielding exercises are often useful for refining a horse’s responsiveness to subtle cues. Half-halts are brief, subtle aids used to rebalance the horse by shifting its weight from the front to the back, which engages the hindquarters and encourages collection and self-carriage. Half-halts can be beneficial to prepare for transitions or adjust the horse’s frame.

Leg yielding, on the other hand, is a lateral movement where the horse moves sideways in response to the rider’s leg aids. To perform a leg yield, riders use subtle leg cues to ask the horse to move laterally while maintaining forward momentum. Leg yielding helps improve the horse’s suppleness, balance, and responsiveness.

Developing rhythm and harmony is crucial to ensuring comfort and performance when riding any gaited horse. Establishing a consistent rhythm where your movements synchronize with your horse’s gait will help you convey cues and aids effectively and build a stronger, more trusting connection with your horse.  

If you have never ridden a Paso Fino horse before, it’s important to know that the transition between their gaits can be subtle. Pay close attention to your horse to identify when their pace changes and practice seamless transitions to improve your timing, balance, and communication with the horse. Focus on maintaining a consistent connection with the horse throughout each transition to enhance rhythm and harmony.

Riding a Paso Fino for the first time is a magical experience, especially for those unfamiliar with gaited horses. These horses’ smooth, gliding gaits make them ideal for novice and older riders, while their exceptional agility and endurance set them apart as performance horses.

By practicing a balanced position in the saddle and using leg aids and other cues, you can enhance your riding performance and communication with your horse, allowing you to enjoy the Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo to their fullest potential. Once you master these gaits, you will understand why many pleasure and trail riders strongly prefer the Paso Fino over other horse breeds for their comfort, consistency, and ease of handling. 

If you would like to try Paso Fino horse riding – or refine your gaited horse riding skills – consider joining the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society as a member. We can help you explore the rich history of this unique breed and connect you with other Paso Fino horse enthusiasts in your area. CPFHS members also receive a discount on Paso Fino horse riding lessons at Hacienda Santa Maria, Ontario’s premiere farm for the training, breeding, and showing of champion Paso Fino horses.  

We look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journeys with the “smoothest riding horse in the world.”