Paso Fino

The Paso Fino horse breed was developed after Spanish conquistadors first brought horses from Spain to Latin America and the Caribbean more than 500 years ago.

These beautiful horses are strong, intelligent, and known for their smooth gait that makes them comfortable to ride—in fact, this is known as the smoothest-riding horse in the world, according to the Paso Fino Horse Association. 

The Paso Fino horse has an unusually natural four-beat gait. This makes them comfortable to ride, even over long distances and on varied terrain. They are a great choice for older riders or those who have pain, such as back pain. 

Trotting is not a natural gait for Paso Finos, but they walk and canter like non-gaited horses. Paso Fino gaits can be divided into the following speeds: 

• Classic fino is the slowest speed, and is great for showing off the gait in competitions.

• Paso corto is a bit faster, similar to a trot, and can be used when pleasure or trail riding.

• Paso largo is the fastest speed.

Paso Fino Snapshot

• Height: 13 to 15.2 hands (52 to 60.8 inches)

• Weight: 700 to 1,000 pounds

• Lifespan: 25 to 40 years

• Colors: A variety of colors; can have white markings. Can have tiger eye (yellow, orange, or amber iris).

Caring for a Paso Fino

Paso Finos are popular for many reasons, including their temperament, smooth gait, and willingness to learn and work. These horses are loyal companions who can be suitable for riders of all experience levels.

Paso Finos are strong and active, and they aren’t difficult to care for when it comes to diet and grooming.

Paso Fino Health Issues

The Paso Fino is a generally healthy breed, but these horses can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Also, if a horse is a performer or athlete, they can be prone to injuries.

In addition to taking great care of your horse on a day-to-day basis, be sure to schedule veterinary exams that include dental care, vaccinations, and other preventive care to keep your horse in the best shape possible. 

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD)

Paso Finos are prone to degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD), which is a painful and progressive condition that might have a genetic component. This condition causes the suspensory ligament in the legs to break down and can affect horses of all ages.

Symptoms of DSLD include:

• Swollen fetlock

• Dropped fetlock

• Increased fetlock angle

• Lameness

• Shifting weight

• Difficulty standing

• Pain

There is no cure for DSLD. A veterinarian can recommend ways to provide support and relief, such as stall rest during flares, reduced exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, therapeutic shoes, and supportive boots.

Lameness

Gaited breeds can be at risk of lameness, especially in the hocks or stifles. Horse hocks are equivalent to human ankles, while the stifle is located higher up and is similar to a human knee. So, even though the Paso Fino horse gait is one of the breed’s best features, it can put them at risk of lameness.

Lameness can be acute (sudden) or chronic, and it can range from mild to severe. It can have a variety of initial causes, such as:

• Injury

• Infection

• Trauma

• Hoof abscess

• Arthritis

Symptoms of lameness may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Toe pointing or dragging of the toe

• Reluctance to move or stand

• Not putting weight on a limb

• Limping

A veterinarian can provide a diagnosis of lameness, along with a treatment plan based on its cause. For example, a horse might need stall rest, anti-inflammatories (Equioxx, phenylbutazone), regenerative therapy, or surgery.

Changes in exercise and lifestyle might also be recommended.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can be compared to diabetes in people because it causes the body to process insulin improperly. Paso Finos are at risk of EMS, but you can take steps to help prevent it, such as keeping your horse at a healthy body condition score.

Symptoms of EMS may include:

• Difficulty losing weight
• Gaining weight easily
• Obesity
• Localized fatty deposits, often in the neck, ribs, and tailhead
• Laminitis 

Changes in diet and exercise can help a horse lose weight and manage EMS, but this condition has no cure.

Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for the safest way to help your horse shed excess weight. For example, you might need to feed a diet that is lower in calories and sugar, use a grazing muzzle or slow feeder, and increase the amount of exercise your Paso Fino gets.

What To Feed a Paso Fino

The Paso Fino horse is an easy keeper who can gain weight quickly. Since the breed is at risk of equine metabolic syndrome, be sure to feed them a diet that won’t lead to unwanted weight gain.

Work with your veterinarian if you aren’t sure about how much food to give your horse to avoid feeding them too many calories. Your vet can also provide guidance if your horse has a health problem that requires a special diet or supplementation.

As a general rule, a horse should be fed 2% of their body weight in forage each day. For example, a Paso Fino horse weighing 800 pounds would eat roughly 16 pounds of forage throughout the day.

In addition to pasture, you can provide legume and grass hays—those that are low in starch and sugar can be good choices for Paso Finos.

Paso Fino horses who are more active will require more calories than those who don’t work or perform, so they might also need concentrates and grains like oats, wheat, and barley that will provide extra energy.

Horses need salt daily, along with fresh water. You might also give them supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, to provide vital nutrients, energy, and support for the joints, especially in horses who perform or compete.

Paso Fino Disciplines

Paso Finos are athletic, sure-footed, energetic, and versatile. They’re great family companions because they are friendly and gentle, and they can also be used for working on ranches and as therapeutic riding horses.

Paso Finos can also compete in various equestrian disciplines, such as:

• Trail riding

• Pleasure riding

• Driving

• Barrel racing

• Endurance

• Dressage

Paso Fino Personality and Temperament

Paso Finos are excellent horses for riders of all experience levels and all ages. They are easy to handle and eager to please, as well as docile, friendly, gentle, and loyal.

Paso Fino horses are also affectionate and bond with their owners, riders, trainers, and caretakers. Their social nature makes them get along with just about everyone, and they thrive when you interact with them.  

Because of their intelligence, stamina, and strength, Paso Finos can be trained for a range of purposes. But even if you aren’t looking for a working horse or a performance horse, they make fantastic companions for individuals and families. 

Paso Fino Training

Thanks to the Paso Fino’s temperament, these horses are not difficult to train or handle. They are ready to learn new things, and once they trust you, they are eager to please you by following your lead.

Once trained, these horses are great for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Start by socializing and training foals. Use consistent, gentle, and positive training techniques on these sensitive and gentle horses. For example, don’t apply a lot of pressure on the rein, which might cause this horse to feel nervous. 

As they learn more complex cues and commands, you can also engage in a variety of activities with the curious and responsive Paso Fino. Vary your training sessions to keep this smart horse interested in learning.  

Paso Fino Grooming Guide

Grooming a Paso Fino is a way to bond with these social horses and give them the attention and interaction they enjoy. Be sure to use the right tools to get the job done and set a schedule for grooming your horse so you can keep their skin and coat clean and healthy. 

Coat Care

Paso Fino horses can be groomed just like any other breed. Use equine grooming tools like a curry comb, dandy brush, finishing brush, and face brush to clean the coat and every part of the body.

If your horse gets very dirty and a regular grooming session isn’t enough to get them clean, you can use a shampoo that’s gentle and made specifically for equines.

You may need to spend more time on the Paso Fino’s mane, forelock, and tail, as these are long and thick. Use a mane and tail brush to remove dirt and tangles, but be gentle to avoid breakage. You can also use a detangler and conditioner to keep these hairs smooth.

Some owners even opt to braid the tail and mane for easier upkeep.  

Hoof Care

Clean your Paso Fino’s hooves daily using a hoof pick that will remove dirt, mud, rocks, and other debris that can get stuck in them. You can use this time to check the hooves for signs of problems like cracks, abscesses, and thrush, which can be treated with the guidance of a veterinarian.  

In addition to scheduling veterinary checkups to have your horse’s hooves examined, work with a farrier on a regular basis. They can recommend the right shoes, as well as trim the hooves and make sure they’re balanced. These important steps can help keep the hooves healthy and prevent injuries.