Most people start reading about Paso Finos for one reason: they want a horse that stays comfortable over distance. A smooth, even gait can mean the difference between a long, relaxed ride and a sore back—especially if you’re trail riding, returning to the saddle, or managing old injuries.
The Paso Fino is built around that comfort. It’s a naturally gaited breed from the Caribbean and Latin America, shaped by centuries of selection for an unbroken four-beat rhythm and an easy way of going.1, 2
Height: 14–15.2hh3
Colours: Seen in a wide range of coat colours (colour is not a defining feature of the breed)3
Movement: Naturally gaited, with an evenly spaced four-beat lateral gait performed at different speeds (Classic Fino / Paso Corto / Paso Largo)4
What makes a Paso Fino different
Some horses are taught a smoother “manufactured” way of going. The Paso Fino doesn’t need that. Its signature gait is innate and typically appears from a young age, then gets refined with correct riding and conditioning.4, 5
The footfalls are evenly spaced, with each hoof landing independently in a steady 1–2–3–4 rhythm. Because there’s minimal up-and-down bounce through the back and croup, riders often describe the feel as more like gliding than sitting a trot.4
Origins and history (Caribbean roots, Latin American development)
The modern Paso Fino developed from horses brought to the Caribbean during Spanish colonisation, then shaped in places such as Puerto Rico and Colombia into a compact, hardworking riding horse that could cover ground smoothly for hours.1
Over time, breeders selected strongly for the breed’s comfortable lateral gait and its ability to maintain cadence without rushing. That selection pressure is one reason the gait is so consistently present in the breed today.1
Gaits: the three speeds you’ll hear named
Within the Paso Fino’s natural four-beat gait, there are recognised speed variations. In plain terms, the horse keeps the same steady rhythm while changing how much ground it covers with each step.4, 2
- Classic Fino: Very slow forward movement, highly collected, with rapid footfall—mostly a show-ring gait.4
- Paso Corto: Moderate, ground-covering speed often used for general riding and trail work.4
- Paso Largo: The fastest expression of the gait, with longer stride and more forward reach while keeping the same even beat.4
Like other horses, Paso Finos also walk and canter/lope, and a well-trained horse should be able to transition cleanly between gaits without tension.4
Temperament and suitability
A Paso Fino is often described as alert, responsive, and people-oriented. Under saddle, many are forward-moving and sensitive to light aids—excellent qualities when they’re paired with a calm rider and clear handling.3
As with any breed, the individual horse matters more than the brochure. If you’re shopping, pay attention to:
- how the horse behaves at the mounting block and on a loose rein
- whether the gait stays even when the horse is relaxed (not being “held” together)
- soundness, feet quality, and the horse’s history of work and management
Training and riding: keeping the gait clean and the horse comfortable
Good Paso Fino riding looks quiet. The rider sits balanced, uses light rein contact, and asks for changes with subtle seat and leg aids rather than constant pressure.4
Training sessions tend to work best when they’re consistent and not overly long. Many Paso Finos respond well to clear timing and release: ask, get the try, then soften.
If the gait becomes uneven, pacey, or rushed, it’s often a sign of tension, fatigue, discomfort, or confusion rather than “attitude”. Check the basics first: tack fit, feet, teeth, and workload.
Common uses in Australia (and anywhere with long trails)
The Paso Fino’s steady, low-bounce gait makes it a natural fit for riders who want comfort over distance. You’ll often see them used for:
- Trail and pleasure riding (their bread-and-butter role)
- Breed and open showing, including gait classes
- Driving and general pleasure work, depending on the individual horse’s training and temperament4
Breeding and genetics: why the gait is so consistent
In Paso Finos, the characteristic lateral gait is strongly heritable. That doesn’t remove the need for training, but it explains why a well-bred Paso Fino can show the basic rhythm early, then develop strength and balance with correct work.1
If you’re buying a young horse, look for a calm, regular 1–2–3–4 beat at an easy forward pace. Flashy movement is less important than purity of rhythm and comfort to ride.
Health and care: practical essentials
Paso Finos don’t require exotic management, but they benefit from the same steady care that keeps any riding horse sound: forage-first feeding, consistent hoof care, dental checks, and a vaccination plan suited to your region and risk profile.
Hooves and shoeing
Regular trimming is not optional, even for unshod horses. As a general guide, unshod horses may need trims around every 6–8 weeks, depending on growth, terrain, and workload.6
Teeth
Dental checks matter because discomfort in the mouth can quietly unravel training and way of going. NSW DPI guidance suggests:
- ages 2–5: dental examination before starting work or at around 6-monthly intervals
- from 5 years: at least annually6
Vaccination (Australian context)
Talk to your vet about what’s appropriate where you live and how your horse mixes with others. In Australia, many veterinary services commonly recommend vaccination against tetanus and strangles as routine, with Hendra virus vaccination considered in risk areas and situations.7
Famous Paso Finos (a quick note)
Specific “most famous” Paso Finos vary by country and show circuit, and the details are easy to muddle without official registry records. If you’re researching bloodlines, start with the horse’s registration papers and the relevant breed association’s results archives rather than relying on repeating lists online.8
Final thoughts
A good Paso Fino moves like a metronome—quiet, even, and remarkably easy to sit. When the basics are right (feet, teeth, tack, and calm training), the breed’s natural gait does most of the work, and long rides stop feeling like something you have to brace for.
References
- Paso Fino (history and development overview) — Wikipedia
- Ambling gait (Paso Fino gait variations) — Wikipedia
- Breed Standard — Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA)
- The Gaits — Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA)
- The PasoFino Horse (gait described as natural; general breed notes) — EquiSearch
- Caring for horses (teeth checks and hoof-trimming guidance) — NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Equine vaccinations (tetanus/strangles/Hendra overview) — Tropical Vets (Australia)
- Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) — Official site
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom