Paso Fino Horse Breed 

Country of Origin: The Paso Fino horse breed comes from Puerto Rico. 

Blood Type: The Paso Fino horse is in the warmblood group. 

History: The Paso Fino horse developed in Puerto Rico after the first horses arrived in 1509. By the 1550’s a selective breeding program was in place. Now gaited horses are found throughout South America. The Paso Fino is thought to have developed form Andalusian, Spanish Jennet – a naturally gaited horse, and possibly some Barb blood. The Paso Fino was bred for endurance.

Height: The Paso Fino horse stands between 14 and 15HH. 

Colors: The Paso Fino horses can be any color. 

Description: The Paso Fino has 3 distinctive gaits which are: the paso fino – a slow moving pace with the feet moving up and down quickly, the paso corto – a faster pace similar to the speed of a trot, and the paso largo – the fastest gait and is the speed of a canter or a even a gallop. They have vigorous action in front and lower their hindquarters. The Paso Fino has a smallish head on a muscular, arched neck; a deep, broad chest and powerful shoulders; deep through the body for good lung capacity; the back is short and the croup is rounded. Their legs are very strong. 

Temperament: The Paso Fino horses have a distinct personality and are known to be biddable and lively. 

Uses: The Paso Fino horse is used in the show ring, for riding, and in displays of the traditional Puerto Rican riding skills.