Believe it or not, Christopher Columbus is ultimately responsible for the dynamic smooth-gaited versatile breed of horse we know as the Paso Fino.

It was over 500 years ago when Columbus set out on his second voyage from Spain to Latin/ South America carrying with him a select group of the finest horses from three different breeds, the Spanish Barb, Andalusion, and the Spanish Jennet. The cross between these fine horses brought us the Paso Fino; the mount for the Spanish Conquistadors and the foundation stock for all the remount stations of the Conquistadors.

The smooth "pink champagne" ride of a Paso Fino is like no other. They possess a natural and elegant lateral four-beat gait. Amazingly, these gaits are not learned, every Paso Fino is born with this ability. The beat is a continuous, steady, rhythmic and systematic 1,2,3,4 with evenly divided time intervals between footfall regardless of the speed being performed.

The Paso Fino possess the ability not only to walk and canter as traditional horses do but to Corto, Largo, and Fino. The Corto, Largo, and Fino would be defined as the different speeds of the Paso.

The Paso Corto is a four-beat evenly spaced lateral gait with the speed comparable to the typical trot of the American Quarter Horse. This gait is quiet comfortable for both horse and rider.

The Paso Largo, also a four-beat lateral gait, is an extension of the corto with added speed (a classic canter speed) allowing the horse to cover more distance in less time.

The Paso Fino is a very quick four beat lateral gait which only a select few of the breed has the natural ability to perform. In the show ring this typically draws the largest crowd. It is fascinating and exciting to watch as the horses feet are moving very rhythmic yet quiet rapidly with much power and little forward movement or extension.

With all three Paso Fino gaits the rider is very comfortable and experiences only the slightest up and down movement if any. It should be noted that the conformation plays and important factor. The Paso Fino with a well balanced confirmation including sloping shoulder and pastern angles will generally give a smoother ride. However, all pasos act as the shock absorber for the rider as the motion is absorbed in the horses back, shoulders and loins.

The Paso Fino generally range in size from 13.2 hands to 15 hands and come in a wide variety of colors. This spirited, powerful yet gentle intelligent horse will leave you standing in amazement. There is no doubt that all the Paso Fino gaits are a pleasure. The versatility of the Paso Fino through their gait and abilities allows you the opportunity to experience an unforgettable and breathtaking ride.