"What do I look for in a Paso Fino?"

The most common categories for all horses including a Paso Fino for pleasure or trail are:

1. Sex
2. Age
3. Manners
4. Conformation/Size
5. Color
6. Health
7. Use
8. Personal Preference

If you are looking for a Paso Fino for the show ring and/or future breeding purposes you would also add the following:

9. Brio (spirit)
10. Smoothness and diversity of gaits
11. Bloodlines
12. Training
13. Breeding ability/record
14. Show Ring ability/record

*when considering price please note that items 9-14 will begin to increase the pricing dramatically

As you can see, there are a number of considerations when choosing the perfect horse for yourself. And trust me, you will have to compromise at some point in your decision unless money is of no concern. As you add on the show/breeding items prices begin to increase rapidly.

Decide what are the most important features to you before you begin your search. Quality Costs. If you are a first time buyer, you might go into shock if you aren't prepared. You must decide what you must have and what you can live without. For example, if you are looking for:

A trail/pleasure horse: consider an older well rounded horse possibly even a gelding. Older horses are generally more settled and relaxed. This type of horse usually begin around $1,500.00 and go up from there.

A show horse: age, training, bloodlines and show record play a very important role here. Prices generally begin around $5,000.00 and the sky is the limit. Younger horses not under saddle will be a good investment for the patient person who does not have a huge budget to work with, yet wants good quality bloodlines. These horses have not had the additional money spent on up keep, training, showing etc. The advantage here is you have time on your side to save the money to invest in training, showing and breeding.

A breeding program: If you are looking to produce your own babies, the bloodlines, age, breeding ability/record should play an important role in your decision process. Typically you are able to find excellent (unable to ride) broodmares at very reasonable prices starting around $6,000.00 and up. And when I say unable to ride it could be for many reasons; a past injury, show ring burn out, mistreated in training, too much brio etc. These type mares can be excellent producers when breed to the right stallion.

Regardless of what horse you decides best fits your needs also consider having a veterinarian perform an evaluation to be sure the horse is physically able to satisfy your purpose. A little extra cost up front but it could save you headaches and heartaches in the future.

Whatever type horse you are looking for we wish you Good Luck on your journey in finding the perfect horse for you. We are aware that quiet often purchasers have questions, need a little advice and direction and/or need help finding the horse they are looking for. We will be happy to assist you in all cases. Please feel free to contact Juan Carlos or Lauren regarding any information you need. Unless long distance traveling is involved there is no charge.