Horse
Pronunciation:
pah'-sew Fee'-noe
Breed Description:
The Paso Fino breed of horse is a small Puerto Rican riding horse breed that originated in Spain. It is characterized bu unique, natural gaits. As well as the walk and canter, the Paso Fino performs the paso fino, paso corto, and paso largo gaits. These are not trained movements, but are natural to the horse from the moment of its birth. These are 'single footing' gaits, where each foot hits the ground separately, resulting in a fast, smooth pace, and differ mainly in speed. The paso gaits are all very efficient paces which the Paso Fino can do for hours. The Paso Fino comes in chestnut, bay, palomino, black, grey and roan, and even pinto.
Temperament:
The Paso Fino breed of horse has an excellent temperament and is easily handled and trained.
Height:
The Paso Fino breed of horse stands 14 to 15 hands.
Weight:
The Paso Fino breed of horse weighs around 800 to 1000 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Paso Fino breed of horse has no significant health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Paso Fino breed of horse is a light horse breed and although it is fairly hardy and easy to keep, it appreciates stabling in harsh weather.
Exercise:
The Paso Fino breed of horse enjoys work and has exceptional stamina and appreciates regular exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Paso Fino breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Paso Fino breed of horse is always kept with a well groomed but natural appearance. It has a very thick and long mane and tail that requires regular care.
Origin:
The Paso Fino traces its ancestry back to the 16th century from Spanish horses brought to South America by the Conquistadors. The Paso Fino is a blend of the Barb, Spanish Jennet, and Andalusian horse and was bred by Spanish land owners in Puerto Rico and Colombia to be used in the plantations because of their endurance and the comfortable ride they provided. All Paso Finos share their heritage with the Peruvian Paso, the American Mustangs, and other descendants of Colonial Spanish Horses. On the island of Puerto Rico the Paso Fino was able to develop without the influences of many other breeds, and is likely to be very similar to the original horses of the conquistadores, although more recently blending with Peruvian Pasos and Argentine Criollos is incresingly common.
