The Paso Fino horse was largely unknown outside of Latin America until the early 1940's. In Latin America the Paso Fino became the standard of excellence with its endurance, smooth gait, and relaxing ride making it an ideal horse to cover long distances without tiring out either the horse or the rider. Originally developed from the Andalusians, Barbs, and the Spanish Jennet breeds brought over to South America by Christopher Columbus, the Paso Fino was enhanced by crossing with other horses until the wonderful horse now known as the Paso Fino was developed. There are actually two different strains or general types of Paso Finos, the Columbian and the Puerto Rican, but both have the same outstanding characteristics.
The Paso Fino breed quickly became popular with the wealthy plantation owners and ranchers of the areas of Puerto Rico and Columbia. These wealthy Spanish land owners had time and money to spend in developing the best possible specimens if the Paso Fino breed, a task that they took very seriously. Owners attempted to develop horses that were naturally gaited without the exaggerated movements of some of the gaited horses that would take away from the ability of these horses to perform the gaits for hours at a time while carrying the plantation owners around their lands. Emphasis was placed on the natural beauty and intelligence of the horse as well as temperament and reliability. The result is a tradition that is still evident in the breed today. Many breeders consider the Paso Fino to be an excellent horse for new riders, children and even those riders with back or muscle problems that would prevent them from being able to ride a traditionally gaited or high strung type of horse.
The Paso Fino is not without fire and spirit. Much like the Arabian, the Paso is fiercely loyal and definitively does have a competitive edge. Since they were bred as a working horse they are not just a show animal. Paso Finos are used as stock horses, rodeo horses, gymkhana horses, and even endurance and competitive trail riding horses. Historically the Paso Fino was really an all rounder, being required to do whatever the owner needed.
In the United States the Paso Fino was originally brought in by individuals as either pleasure riding horses or as stock horses. Many of the horses were first important by service men that were in Puerto Rico training for military maneuvers in the 1950 and shipped horses back to the United States. These horses created a great deal of interest in local horse clubs and at shows, and there was quickly a great demand for this smoothly gaited, beautifully elegant horses.
In the United Kingdom the first registered Paso Fino was imported in the 1990's and are becoming increasingly popular. Since there are several naturally gaited horses in Europe the Paso Fino has been much more appreciated for its amazing gait than in many other countries. Paso Finos can be used for dressage as well as pleasure classes, making them popular in countries that tend to use English riding style rather than western.
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