Today, the Paso Fino is famous for its abilities as a pleasure riding and show horse, but few people realize how old the breed is – nor do they know the fascinating history behind it. As one of the first horse breeds truly native to the Americas, the Paso Fino’s story is intertwined with early explorers, farmers, and Conquistadors. Within their lineage, one can even find traces of now-extinct Medieval riding horses, preserved by the Latin American ranchers who prized them. Largely unknown in North America before the 1950s, the Paso Fino was free to follow its own path, developing traits not found in any other modern horse breed.
The story of the Paso Fino begins with the European discovery of the New World over 500 years ago. In 1493, following the successful establishment of a colony on the island of Hispaniola, Christopher Columbus returned on his second voyage with 20 stallions and three mares from Barb, Andalusian, and Spanish Jennet stock. Beautiful, hardy, and intelligent, these horses were meant to serve as mounts for the Conquistadors as they explored the Americas. Over time, however, all three horses interbred and formed the foundation for a whole new type of horse: The Paso Fino.
Paso Fino Origins
Unknowingly, Columbus had imported horses with traits that, when combined, would produce the ideal riding horse. In selecting horses to bring to the New World, Columbus looked for breeds capable of meeting the challenges of settling a new continent. The Conquistadors’ horses would need to be able to travel long distances swiftly while still being strong and courageous enough to carry fully armoured Conquistadors into battle. They would also need to be docile, willing, and hard-working, suitable for use as ranch horses and family companions.
To meet these criteria, Columbus imported several of Europe’s oldest horse breeds: The Andalusian, the Spanish Jennet, and the Barb. Originally bred by Carthusian Monks in the Middle Ages, the Andalusian had become the “mount of kings” thanks to its exceptional bravery, animated gait, strength, and proud, elegant carriage. From the Andalusian, the Paso Fino would inherit a powerful, arched neck, a thick, flowing mane and tail, and a calm, responsive temperament. The Barb, on the other hand, would add incredible endurance and intelligence to the Paso Fino – traits honed by life in the North African desert, the original home of the Barb. A favourite mount of the nomadic Berber tribes, the Barb is a fast, hardy, sure-footed horse.
It was from the Spanish Jennet, however, that the Paso Fino would inherit its most defining trait: A natural four-beat gait, unique in the equine world, that provides a wonderfully smooth, comfortable riding experience. Now extinct, the Spanish Jennet was a small, light saddle horse known for its friendly personality and ambling stride, which lacked the “bounce” of a traditional trot (while still covering ground efficiently). Today, the Paso Fino is widely considered to be the Jennet’s closest living relative.
Development in Puerto Rico and Colombia
As Paso Finos became more popular, two primary strains of the breed emerged: The Puerto Rican Paso Fino and the Colombian Paso Fino (also known as the Paso de Colombiano or Colombian Criollo Horse). Though other regional varieties of Paso Fino would arise in Cuba, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Aruba as trade increased around Latin America, the Puerto Rican and Colombian strains would play a dominant role in shaping the modern breed, particularly after it was introduced to the United States.
Puerto Rico and Colombia contain challenging geography that compelled farmers to choose only the most intelligent, hardy, and sure-footed horses for ranch work. In Puerto Rico, over 60% of which is hilly or mountainous, Paso Finos had to navigate steep slopes that would be impossible for many traditional horse breeds to traverse. In Colombia, on the other hand, they had to contend with diverse and rugged terrain that demanded enhanced endurance. These extremes helped mould the Paso Fino into the versatile breed of today, as farmers selectively bred them for agility and stamina while retaining the four-beat gait that made them so desirable for ranch work.
Puerto Rican History of Paso finos
In addition to their very fine, delicate step, Puerto Rican Paso Finos are the only horse in the world (and the only variety of Paso Fino) to occasionally be born with a striking amber, yellow, or orange “tiger-eye” colouration. This beautiful eye colour, which is the result of a recessive gene, does not impair the horse’s vision in any way, making it a sought-after trait.
Colombian History of Paso Finos
What truly sets the Colombian Paso Fino apart from other varieties, however, is the “brio” of its step: The Colombian Paso Fino performs the Paso Fino’s signature four-beat gait with rapid, piston-like footfalls. This trait doesn’t affect the smoothness of the horse’s gait and gives it a more dramatic, distinct appearance. Some Colombian Paso Finos can also perform two additional gaits, the trocha and the trote y galope, not seen in other Paso Finos.
Characteristics of Paso Fino Horses
The Paso Fino’s gait is special because it lacks the “bounce” (vertical motion) of a conventional trot, allowing the rider to remain steady even when the horse moves quickly. When the Paso Fino moves, each foot contacts the ground independently at precise intervals, so the horse is never without one foot on the ground. This pattern creates an even, unbroken rhythm that offers unmatched comfort in the saddle, allowing riders to cover long distances without becoming fatigued.
The Paso Fino gait is performed at several different speeds:
Classic Fino – An extremely collected walk that pairs a slow forward speed with rapid, precise footfalls. This gait features very short, quick steps with minimal extension and is most commonly used in the show ring.
Paso Corto – The Paso Corto offers more forward speed than the Classic Fino while still being smooth and collected. During the Paso Corto, the horse moves with precise steps executed with medium extension. Popular for trail riding and ranch work, this gait covers ground efficiently without being hurried.
Paso Largo – The fastest speed of the Paso Fino gaits, the Paso Largo is less collected than other gaits and features longer strides. Similar to a canter, this gait allows riders to cover ground quickly, but it nonetheless retains the Paso Fino’s signature even step.
In addition to these gaits, the Paso Fino can walk, lope, and canter like other horses, making them a very versatile breed. Outside of the show ring, the Paso Fino has become a favourite choice for those competing in Western classes, such as trail and endurance riding, barrel racing, cow penning, and driving. Thanks to their elegant appearance and friendly dispositions, Paso Finos are also beloved pleasure-riding horses, family companions, and parade horses. In Latin America, the Paso Fino continues to be used for farm and ranch work, as this agile horse can handle terrain unsuitable for vehicles.
Paso Fino Breed Standards
The Paso Fino’s appearance reflects its Spanish heritage, with a long, thick mane and tail, proud carriage, and elegant but powerful build. The ideal Paso Fino will exhibit the following traits:
Size: The Paso Fino is a small to medium-sized horse, standing 13 to 15.2 hands and weighing 700 to 1000 pounds.
Colour: Every colour can be found in this breed, and white markings are acceptable.
Disposition: The Paso Fino is a friendly, willing, people-oriented horse. It enjoys human companionship and always strives to please its rider. The Paso Fino should be spirited and enthusiastic while still being gentle and easy to handle.
Mane, Tail, and Forelock: The Paso Fino’s mane and tail should be very long and luxurious, and the tail should be carried high when the horse is in motion. Artificial additions or extensions are not permitted in the show ring.
Head: The head should have a straight or slightly convex profile, with a defined jaw and wide- set, large, expressive eyes.
Neck: Like many other breeds of Spanish descent, the Paso Fino has a gracefully arched, strong, medium-length neck with elegant carriage.
Body: The body of the Paso Fino is solid and strong for its size, with deep, sloping shoulders, a sturdy back, broad hips, and strong hocks. The Paso Fino’s legs are straight, with refined bones, and should appear muscular without being exaggerated.
To preserve the unique traits of the Paso Fino, several international breed registries have been established. The Paso Fino Horse Association and the American Paso Fino Horse Association both maintain lists of approved registries in the United States and Latin America, while CONFEPASO maintains and oversees international standards for the Paso Fino breed, preserving its integrity.
Rise in Popularity
Paso Finos remained virtually unknown outside Latin America until the middle of the 20 th century, which allowed them to retain their unique Spanish traits. During World War Two, American military personelle stationed in Puerto Rico discovered the wonderfully smooth ride and friendly personality of the Paso Fino. After the war ended, many of them brought their horses back to the United States, and word of the Paso Fino’s unique capabilities began to spread. The Paso Fino’s expansion into the USA picked up pace in the 1960s, when breeders began importing significant numbers of Colombian Paso Finos to meet the increasing demand for gaited horses.
American breeders frequently crossed Colombian and Puerto Rican Paso Finos, attempting to create a horse that combined the best qualities of both types. As such, most American Paso Finos can trace their lineage back to both nations. Breeding programs have also been established to preserve the original purebred Colombian and Puerto Rican Paso Fino types.
In the 21 st century, Paso Finos have only continued to grow in popularity. Internationally, they have won numerous awards at shows and competitions and have become the preferred choice for many pleasure, trail, and endurance riders. Paso Finos have even earned a place as therapy horses owing to their gentle dispositions and comfortable ride, which is suitable even for individuals with chronic pain or back problems. Within Latin America, the Paso Fino continues to serve as a beloved family companion and farm horse, as well as being a symbol of Latin American culture.
In recent years, Paso Finos have made their way as far as Canada, thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society, which was established in 2008. The CPFHS hosts Paso Fino horse shows and other events dedicated to raising awareness about this beautiful, versatile horse breed in Canada.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a hardy farm horse to its modern status as a prized, elegant show winner, the Paso Fino’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and above all, brio. To learn more about this versatile horse breed and connect with other Paso Fino horse enthusiasts in Canada, consider joining the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society as a member. A CPFHS membership includes discounts on riding lessons, boarding and horse purchases, and free entrance to Paso Fino shows and events. By joining the CPFHS, you’ll also help promote and preserve the Paso Fino for future generations and create a bright future for the breed in Canada.