Choosing the correct tack for your Paso Fino horse is essential for their comfort and performance, especially during long summer trail rides. As gaited horses, Paso Finos require tack that complements their unique way of moving – tack that is too heavy or restrictive can inhibit the flow of their four-beat gaits, increasing the risk of strain and reducing the famous smoothness of their step. Likewise, it is crucial to use tack that aligns with your riding style, goals, and the preferences and training of your horse, whether you plan to ride for pleasure or hit the competition circuit.
Read on to learn how to choose the best tack for your Paso Fino horse:
Understanding the Basics of Paso Fino Tack
Paso Finos come in a wide range of sizes, from very small (13 hands high) to average height (15.2 hands). As such, depending on the size of your Paso Fino, you may need to use tack designed for smaller horse breeds or ponies. Aside from that consideration, Paso Finos are similar to other horses in the tack they require: To ride your Paso Fino horse, you will need a saddle, bridle with reins, girth, saddle pad, stirrups, and basic safety gear, such as a helmet.
Saddles for Paso Fino Horses
When outfitting your Paso Fino, look for a lightweight, well-fitted saddle that allows freedom of shoulder movement. Avoid bulky saddles, as these run the risk of restricting your horse’s natural stride. Typically, Paso Fino riders use saddles in either the Western or English class (for trail or pleasure riding), though side saddles and dressage saddles may be used in the show ring.
Because Paso Finos tend to be small in stature, you must pay close attention to how the saddle fits your horse; a loose or oversized saddle will be uncomfortable for your horse and may slip during riding, creating a safety hazard. To fit a saddle, measure the length of your horse’s back, then look for a saddle that sits comfortably behind the shoulders. (The horse’s shoulder blades should not be covered to ensure freedom of movement.) The saddle tree should rest just above the horse’s withers, allowing for no more than three or four fingers-worth of space between the pommel and the withers, and the saddle panels should make continuous contact with the back.
Similarly, the entire saddle should fit within the area of your horse’s rib cage, ending near the last rib. A properly fitted saddle will evenly distribute weight across the ribs, preventing pinched nerves and other issues.
When fitted and girthed, the saddle should be stable but not tight. Check that the saddle does not shift forward, backward, or to the side, then verify that you can slip three fingers under the girth. For your horse’s comfort, the girth should include a padded anti-chafe cushion.
The material and quality of a saddle also factor significantly into the comfort of the riding experience. Saddles consist of either leather or synthetic materials, with synthetic saddles being more affordable, easy to clean and maintain, lightweight, and weatherproof. Leather saddles, on the other hand, offer the advantage of enhanced grip, comfort, and durability with proper care. Regardless of material, however, always purchase a saddle from a respected brand, such as Bates, Dover, or Wintec, to ensure longevity and a balanced seat. If you’re concerned about cost, look for a gently used saddle from a reputable manufacturer before buying an inexpensive generic saddle.
Pair the saddle with a thick, durable, high-quality saddle pad like the SMx Air Ride. The saddle pad protects your horse’s back because it absorbs shock and moisture and reduces chafing, so cushioning is critical, particularly if you enjoy long trail rides.
Bridles and Bits
When choosing a bridle and bit for a Paso Fino horse, always keep this breed’s sensitive, responsive nature in mind. Look for a lightweight, minimalist bridle that is gentle on the horse’s head and mouth and avoid using harsh or corrective bits. If you need to correct your horse’s gaits or behaviour, consult a professional horse trainer instead of using corrective aids.
Your horse’s training and history will also factor into the type of bridle and bit you choose. While some Paso Fino riders prefer bitless bridles (such as the Hackamore) for their gentleness, your horse will not understand how to respond to this type of bridle unless specifically trained to do so. Likewise, some horses dislike the pressure bitless bridles exert on the nose and prefer a conventional bridle with a bit. Talk to your horse’s breeder or previous owner about what type of tack your horse is accustomed to using, and then make your selection accordingly. If you want to train your horse to use another bridle or bit, do so slowly and preferably with guidance from a professional trainer.
Traditionally, Paso Fino riders used a type of bridle known as the jaquima, which consists of a headstall, a browband, a noseband (Bosal), and a curb (Barbada). These bridles often include a long lead line (the Pisador) attached to the bit hanger. In addition to making it easier to lead and lunge the horse safely, the Pisador permits the rider to dismount and tie their horse anywhere, which is ideal for ranch work and trail riding.
Today, snaffle, Western, and English horse bridles are similarly popular for trail and pleasure riding. Double bridles and dressage bridles may be used in the show ring as they allow the rider to communicate with the horse using subtle, complex cues.
If you are using a bit, look for a smooth or latex-wrapped mouthpiece that will be comfortable for your horse and ensure it is between 5/16 to ¾ inch in diameter (measured 1 inch from the shank). O-Ring and Loose Ring snaffle bits with a three-section French link design are typically well-suited to sensitive horse breeds like the Paso Fino (though a light touch is still essential), with flexible Mullen Mouth bits offering an even milder option.
The curb chain and leather straps on your horse’s bridle should also be soft and gentle; they must lie flat and not contain rawhide or metal elements. (For a detailed list of allowed and disallowed Paso Fino tack, refer to this guide.)
Proper fit is as vital to your horse’s comfort as selecting the correct bridle and bit. When fitting the bridle, centre the bit in the horse’s mouth. Then, adjust the cheek pieces so the bit rests comfortably on the toothless part of the mandible (leaving 1-2 inches of space on each side of the mouth), with the cheek pieces sitting evenly on the cheekbones. Place the browband so it sits just behind the horse’s eyes (it should not obstruct vision), and do not over-tighten the throatlatch. The throatlatch should be loose enough to allow the horse to swallow and move its head freely, but not so loose that the bridle could slip off. When finished fitting the bridle, you should be able to slide two fingers under the browband, two under the noseband, and four under the throatlatch.
Additional Tack and Equipment
Additional pieces of tack for Paso Fino horses include breastplates and stirrups. Spurs and crops may also be considered, but they are not required or preferred by many riders for routine riding. If using spurs, ensure they have blunt tips that will not hurt your horse and never apply more than light pressure to your horse’s sides. If you plan on entering competitions, familiarize yourself with the rules about spurs and crops beforehand; misusing spurs may result in disqualification, and not all divisions allow crops and spurs.
Breastplates are a set of straps that attach to the saddle D-rings and run across the horse’s chest. Breastplates prevent the saddle from slipping during jumps, making them a valuable addition when trail riding. Stirrups, on the other hand, are almost always used during riding because they anchor the feet of the rider to the saddle, providing balance and control. Look for stirrups that fit your feet, with just enough space to fit one finger on each side of your foot (with riding boots on).
Safety and Comfort Considerations
Tack made with high-quality materials and appropriately maintained will be safer and more comfortable for you and your horse. Before riding, always inspect your tack for any signs of wear, cracks, tears, or damage. Problems to look for include worn or cracked leather, frayed webbing, broken or bent buckles, and adjustment holes that are overly worn or elongated. It is also worthwhile to perform occasional fit checks, as your horse may change in size or shape as they age or change their activity level, requiring adjustments in their tack.
To keep your tack in good working order, clean it thoroughly at least once a week to remove any dirt, sweat, or debris. After cleaning, condition the leather with a quality leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
Safety gear is also strongly recommended, particularly if you plan to trail ride with your Paso Fino. Wear a properly fitted, ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet, and replace your helmet if it sustains any significant impact (or every five years, even if no damage is visible). A padded equestrian safety vest, which can help absorb the impact of a fall, is another good choice when trail riding and jumping. Ideally, your helmet and vest will have reflectors to ensure you will always be visible to other riders and vehicles, even in low-light conditions.
Finally, remember that choosing the correct riding boots is critical to maintain control of your horse and prevent leg injuries. Riding boots with a small heel and a sturdy sole provide ankle support and prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup. Your riding boots should also have a smooth sole to prevent your foot from getting caught in the stirrup.
Conclusion
Investing in high-quality, well-fitted tack will enhance your Paso Fino’s performance while keeping you and your horse comfortable, safe, and happy throughout your rides. Using the correct tack will also allow you to experience the Paso Fino’s famously smooth gait at its best, maximizing the time you can spend in the saddle, whether you plan to compete with your horse or enjoy long, leisurely trail rides.
If you are unsure where to find the best tack and equipment for your Paso Fino horse, joining a breed-specific equine community can help. In Canada, the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society is an excellent source of information on outfitting and riding this majestic breed. Likewise, becoming a member ensures access to professional horse trainers, Paso Fino horse breeders, other Paso Fino enthusiasts, riding lessons, and much more.
Join our growing community today to discover the joy of riding the world’s premier gaited horse.