OK...come clean Paso Fino folks... [Archive]

Sakura

Dec. 30, 2008, 03:43 PM

How in God's name do you teach a horse to do this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tJARMFTVqk&NR=1

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

What do you mean... your horse doesn't do that naturally? ;)

My guy is NO WHERE near that fancy, but their gaits are completely natural (born with them)... they get fine tuned like those in the video with conditioning.

I am by no means a PF know it all, we inherited ours from my MIL... I will say that I feel like I use my aids in revers when I ride him... little or no leg and hanging on his face (we use a big, super padded hackmore, and like the horses shown on the video, there is a measure of "contact" that is kept when the horse is gaiting (not even sure that is correct terminology)... just feels like I'm hanging on him compared to what I'm used to).

HydroPHILE

Dec. 30, 2008, 03:49 PM

Their gaits are natural. However, there is one particular gait that a Paso Fino has that not ALL Pasos can master: the classic fino. They have two other gaits as well: the corto and largo.

They don't "teach" their horses to gait like that. It's natural for them to be "gaited," but in order for them to look that good doing it...takes some conditioning and balance.

Barnfairy

Dec. 30, 2008, 03:53 PM

I don't know how that comes about, but....

I once worked with a lovely little Paso who had a show background. He could move just like that under saddle. If "brio" means a whole lot of effort to get nowhere, then he had it. I don't know if it was hardwired from birth or something that was forced upon him, but I do know that I didn't find it comfortable at all. Oh, he was plenty smooth alright, but the stress was palpable -- he felt like he was going to fret himself into heart failure. Zero relaxation. I hope that is not typical or correct for the breed.

The thing was, he *only* moved this way when ridden (regardless of rider.) On the lunge, he had the most beautiful trot! Plus he was an absolute peach to handle on the ground, dead calm and the complete opposite of how he behaved under saddle.

Go Fish

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:00 PM

I think it looks very cool...

texang73

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:32 PM

Sakura

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:40 PM

what purpose do the Paso Fino gaits serve? :confused:

I believe they were developed to be mounts for South American plantation owners... they needed sturdy horses that were comfortable for all day riding, and had the ability to travel faster while expending less energy than traditional gaits do.

There are several gaited breeds, each moving differently than the next... It is just a characteristic that some horses have (there have been naturally gaited Arabians!)... breed enough generations of them it becomes dominant and voila a breed.

Silence

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:41 PM

OK, I understand the gaits like that are natural for that breed, but WHY? I mean, walk, trot, canter are all basic means of locomotion, with some of the more advanced dressage moves coming from the battlefield of long ago, so, what purpose do the Paso Fino gaits serve? :confused:

Not trying to start an argument or anything, just very curious. :) Thanks. ETA, I do think it's really neat however!

Some Paso's can't move any other way, so in that case, it serves to get them somewhere. XD

There's a little mare here on the property (all the horses but one are Fino's) that is very very hot and will fino in hand right next to me when she reaaaaallly wants to explode but knows she should behave.

A few of the horses on the property will trot, but for the most part, they gait.

The stallion for instance, I've never once seen trot in the 6 months I've been here.

Melissa.Hare.Jones

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:53 PM

A very small percentage of Paso Finos are capable of correctly performing the paso fino ("fine walk") as seen in the video. It's judged on clarity of rhythm as well as speed of footfall, which is why the horses move along the sounding board. Those who can't fino perform at the corto (about the same speed as a working trot, but a broken lateral 4 beat gait) and the largo (also broken lateral, but more extended and faster than the corto).

The gait is natural, the refinement comes from practice and conditioning for strength and balance.

Why? Well, why the slow gait, the rack, the tolt, the flying pace, the running walk, the foxtrot, etc.? Because the horses can, and it's fun! Although as in every other horse sport there are some bad apple trainers, most Pasos are carefully brought along to perform in the aspect of the discipline they are most suited for (bella forma, performance, fino, etc.) or simply to be good trail and working horses.

Tiempo

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:59 PM

Some Paso's can't move any other way, so in that case, it serves to get them somewhere. XD

There's a little mare here on the property (all the horses but one are Fino's) that is very very hot and will fino in hand right next to me when she reaaaaallly wants to explode but knows she should behave.

A few of the horses on the property will trot, but for the most part, they gait.

The stallion for instance, I've never once seen trot in the 6 months I've been here.

:yes:

I have never, ever seen Tiempo trot.

His canter is dreeeeaaamy though :)

joiedevie99

Dec. 30, 2008, 06:21 PM

That's really cool. I've never seen that gait before. I noticed all the horses had the same style tail carriage. Is that natural as well?

Deuce

Dec. 30, 2008, 06:49 PM

That's really cool. I've never seen that gait before. I noticed all the horses had the same style tail carriage. Is that natural as well?

sometimes yes, sometimes no

http://www.americanpasofinos.com/view_article.php?id=34

Don't know much about Paso's, so I don't know how common it is. I would guess the more extremely hooked tails are man made and the less dramatic looking hooked tails are natural?

Brio

Dec. 30, 2008, 06:52 PM

The gait of the Paso Fino horse is totally natural and normally exhibited from birth. It is an evenly-spaced four-beat lateral gait with each foot contacting the ground independently in a regular sequence at precise intervals creating a rapid, unbroken rhythm. Executed perfectly, the four hoof beats are absolutely even in both cadence and impact. Footfall is in the same sequence as a natural equine walk, i.e., left rear, left fore, right rear, right fore. Propulsion is primarily from the hind limbs and the horse's motion is absorbed in its back and loins, resulting in unequaled smoothness and comfort for the rider. The Paso Fino gait is performed at three forward speeds of the gait with varying degrees of collection. IN all speeds of the gait, the rider should appear virtually motionless in the saddle, and there should be no perceptible up and down motion of the horse's croup.
-- http://www.pasofinos.info/standards.htm

http://www.yeawedo.com/pasofinohistory.htm

The J-tails are completely natural and are desired but not required.

Its a ton of fun and everyone should ride one of these guys at some point. I don't have fino horses, mine would be shown in country pleasure if I wasn't too busy running games with one of them.

jeano

Dec. 30, 2008, 07:20 PM

I dont have a Paso, but for what its worth-- my racking mare once broke into what amounted to a "fino rack" --her legs were moving very rapidly and the rhythm was the distinct four-beat rack, but we were going nowhere fast. She was very alert but not quite spooking and has only done this the one time. I've seen other gaited horses rack in place and it's been about like a piaffe, if that makes sense. One time this happened on a steep trail with many horses and rocks going everywhere--the horse wanted to GO and his rider was not letting him start a rockslide by charging down the hill, so the horse tried to start the rockslide right where he was...

Tamara in TN

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:32 PM

How in God's name do you teach a horse to do this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tJARMFTVqk&NR=1

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

sit down in your seat,collect the forward and let up on the clutch ever so slowly;)

it's a wonderful thing to ride...

best

Seven-up

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:42 PM

I'm pretty sure the tails are a natural thing. Part of the breed specs.

My dad had a couple Peruvian Pasos (almost the same as Paso Finos) for a few years, and one had a foal. The baby came out with those gaits. The 3 of them sounded like a herd of 20 going across the pasture.

They are a wonderfully comfortable ride, and if I ever have back trouble I'd consider getting one, but to be honest, I got bored with them pretty quick. That's all they do. Yes, they can trot and canter too if you want them to, but essentially they only have one trick. (I know people do lots of different things with them, don't think that I'm saying that's all they are able to do. JMO.) Now, if all I wanted to do was trail ride and drink on horseback, they're the ones to have!

aspenlucas

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:43 PM

sit down in your seat,collect the forward and let up on the clutch ever so slowly;)

it's a wonderful thing to ride...

best

LOL, that is great! I love my paso fino stallion, granted her is a Pleasure Stallion, but he is the nicest, smoothest horse. So well mannered, easy to work with, no one knows he's a stallion! I look at him and then my other jumping horses and know in my heart they don't have 1/2 the athleticism that he has. His name is Wintapi Movado, he's on my website.

Drive NJ

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:03 PM

Our best friends have 'pleasure' pasos, not up to that level of exhibition but way less explosive. While as someone here said its kind of a one trick pony, it is VERY useful - at least for them.

They have taken these horses in parades (including the Circus Parade in Milwaukee and the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC)

Exhibitions including historical, trails advocates, sidesaddle, even protests against closing the Department of Agriculture and the State Parks in the last year - one exhibition was at Liberty State Park directly across from (at the time) the World Trade Center with helicopters landing, a speed boat race on the river etc.

The ride on any trail - pretty much anywhere and yes they do canter and jump a bit when needed. From having ridden with them they certainly can get somewhere when needed. Many trotting horse riders are hard pressed to keep up with them for the length they'll gait along on the trail

Not to forget doing charity train robberies in various settings, some of them rather urban.

For them, you couldn't have a better riding companion. One is more mellow, but the others they've had all 'don't stop, they hover', but they aren't tense, just 'ready to go'

Tamara in TN

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:16 PM

So well mannered, easy to work with, no one knows he's a stallion! I look at him and then my other jumping horses and know in my heart they don't have 1/2 the athleticism that he has. His name is Wintapi Movado, he's on my website.

you have described most of the Iberian's I have met :) how is yours bred? I have not seen a grey PF in a while...but caveat,I have not looked closely...:)

best

gloriginger

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:18 PM

I believe they were developed to be mounts for South American plantation owners... they needed sturdy horses that were comfortable for all day riding, and had the ability to travel faster while expending less energy than traditional gaits do.

That's what I always thought too, and I also heard that another benifit- purpse of these quick but smooth gait was less "damage" to the ground- where as a trot or canter would tear it up (thus the divots on polo fields).

texang73

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:49 PM

Ah, VERY informative info, thank you! I have been enlightened! :)

I find it VERY interesting that gaits are "born" into the horse... very cool! :cool:

Silence... :D Love your explanation!

Thanks!

Brio

Dec. 30, 2008, 11:21 PM

They were a wonderful thing, we were just getting into horses and found them. My mom got diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 2 years later. The oldest won our year-end high point for a local club in gaming. He beat out QH's and other "traditional" breeds to get this. Our best classes are Egg & Spoon and Pole Bending.

It is a different ride but its a lot of fun.

spookhorse

Dec. 30, 2008, 11:46 PM

Many Paso Finos are far from "one trick ponies" Both the senior and junior division winners at the Trailblazer Festival Battle of the Breeds (http://www.trailblazerfestival.us/breedreults.html) this year were PFs.

They make nice all around horses for people who enjoy the gait and the "brio" (definition: quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous). Many of them can jump quite well, too. They are also known for bonding quite closely with their owners.

The classic Fino is really only a show gait, most of them don't do it, or do it well. The Corto and Largo are the trail gaits and are quite fun and smooth. The canter is also nice, at least on my mare :)

Seven-up

Dec. 31, 2008, 12:05 AM

The Peruvians we had actually belonged to someone else (trying to hide them during an ugly divorce.) They came from a traditional Peruvian barn. They were bred and trained for the show ring, very similar to the video posted by the OP. Think costumes and traditional tack. The horses only spoke Spanish. :winkgrin: Therefore, the only things they were allowed to do under saddle were the fino, corto, and largo (hopefully I didn't butcher that too much.) The owner came out to watch me ride them once, and I think she had a stroke when she saw one trot a couple steps. Apparently they were only allowed to do the traditional gaits. Oops. I almost got banned from riding them. But anyway, that's why I say 'that's all they do.'

These horses were way different than just regular riding horses, so that's where my 'one trick pony' thing comes from. If you just want one to ride for fun, and to enjoy the super-smooth gaits, of course they can do more than that one gait. Many are very versatile and can do lots of things. Mine couldn't. They were also nuts, but that didn't have anything to do with the breed itself, only the training (or lack of...) :winkgrin:

EDIT: This is sort of what ours were like. Pasos & Peruvians are a little different. (Watching them really makes me giggle. They look like little wind-up toys.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvIQjaQDf7Q&feature=related

spookhorse

Dec. 31, 2008, 12:13 AM

Peruvians and Finos are different breeds, related waaayyy back, but don't let the Peruvian folks know that you know that :lol: They get insulted if you confuse the breeds.

Anyways, Peruvians don't do fino/corto/largo... they have their own names and gaits: the paso llano and sobreandando. Peruvians also have terminowhich is the outward swing of the forelegs, though it originates up in the shoulder. Looks like paddling to non-Peruvian people, but it's part of what makes a Peruvian a Peruvian.

Peruvians are also not "one trick ponies" Maybe the ones you rode, but many of them are out on the trails and jumping and competing in games and such.

Seven-up

Dec. 31, 2008, 12:30 AM

Spook- first of all, you're right about the terminology of the gaits; I had it wrong. Now that you mention it, I am remembering the names of the gaits. Confusing stuff.

Second of all, I thought I made it clear that the horses I had were not your 'ordinary' riding horses, and not as versatile as normal Pasos or Peruvians. I did say that Pasos & Peruvians, while similar, are NOT the same. (I confess that I don't know what all the differences are...Peruvians have the "paddling" type movement, they originated in different places, one is bigger than the other...but I don't know a ton about them.) I figured when I said that many are very versatile and can do lots of different things, that it would be understood that I thought that many are very versatile and can do lots of different things. :winkgrin:

PSA: Seven-up does not think that all Pasos are only capable of doing one thing and one thing only. Seven-up understands that they are capable of doing timed events, jumping, dressage, herding cattle, walking on the moon, etc. :D All horses are beautiful, in their very own way.;) Seven-up apologizes for saying she was bored by them.

Brio

Dec. 31, 2008, 12:40 AM

Seven-up

Dec. 31, 2008, 12:49 AM

Peruvians are different and they do their "own thing". It does ride a bit differently too and I'm biased towards the Paso Fino as I feel its a bit smoother ride, the termino does give it a lull in the gate.

Seven-up - Here's my guy doing what he does. Unfortunately, I don't have a good picture of him working cattle uploaded at the moment. He is still carrying his winter weight in this picture so you'll have to forgive that. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jodiemp/DSC00863.jpg

Cute! I can see the Paso build in the neck. I love the chunky-ness of the breeds. :) Mine were unfortunately not the best representatives of the breed. Not their fault; one was a broodmare and the other was a 3 year old with all of about 20 rides on her. So it's understandable that they were weird. If I had tried to take them on the trail or show them a cow, I think their heads would have exploded. :lol:

Brio

Dec. 31, 2008, 01:02 AM

It gets interesting at times. He'll fino in a herd of cattle or when we're holding the herd. Makes some of the old cowboys scratch their heads and go, "is that one of them gaited kinds of things?"

Far too often people think pasos are just ring horses and they can't work. Or they are too small for someone to ride. My older two are both 15 hands and can easily carry an average man without problems. They also come with a variety of colors and spots if that suits your fancy as well.

Seven-up

Dec. 31, 2008, 01:38 AM

I did think they were tiny. Ours were very small, around 14 hands. And I do h/j, so I like the 16-17h monsters. They were really stocky, though, and had no trouble carrying their 6'+ trainer. Both of ours were very pretty, and the younger one was really quite stunning. Lovely dapple grey, bushy black mane & tail. She was a sweet thing, but unfortunately not the most intellectual horse I've been around. :rolleyes: The farm they came from had every color on earth. Palominos, greys, blacks, delicious chocolatey colors.

I think my favorite thing about them is their massive front ends. I love a thick, arched, upright neck. And of course all that hair! I loved admiring it. Brushing it? Not so much. :lol:

HydroPHILE

Dec. 31, 2008, 08:47 AM

Peruvians and Pasos also have different temperaments :) Pasos, for the most part, are more spirited and firey. Peruvians, while still spirited, etc. are a little more laid back.

I have had friends who owned Paso Finos switch over or obtain a few Peruvians for a more "laid back ride."

The Paso Finos, while short and look like fancy Spanish ponies at times, were bred to carry heavy landowners (kinda like the big boys of land ownership) that were between 200 and 400 lbs. :eek: That's why they are shorter and stockier than your average small breed horse. They also have GREAT hooves :) Pasos are a compilation of the conquistadors' Andalusians, Barbs, and Spanish Jennets (ergo the strong hooves).

I <3 Paso Finos, and my mother calls them the "tucka tucka horses." (Because of the soundboard at Paso Fino shows)

tkhawk

Dec. 31, 2008, 09:55 AM

While I don't have personal experience with Paso Finos, I hear there are several varities. The Largo ones more suited to trail and the corto not that suited. Then you have the trocha, that prefer to trot. But you get them in all colours. But this is second hand info..

But Peruvians are lovely horses. All of them gait-they are supposed to. They are defnitely slower than an Arab, but are spirited. But reflexes are slower than an Arab-at least the ones I rode-so that is a nice thing as far as spooking. Nice trail horses. I ran into one who did endurance, but probably competetive trail much more suitable. Nice, willing, smooth horses. Solid colors only.

Tiempo

Dec. 31, 2008, 10:31 AM

Cute pic Brio! Here is Tiempo's first attempt at poles..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH-KaS2QH6g

He's wonderful with cows too :)

shakeytails

Dec. 31, 2008, 10:58 AM

I think think the Pasos are neat little horses and I'd love the opportunity to ride one someday. But I don't think I'd ever want to own one - too small for my taste and I prefer a horse with a huge stride- but I can sure appreciate a good horse of any breed!

katarine

Dec. 31, 2008, 11:06 AM

There are some folks around here that trail ride on Peruvian Pasos- hardy little horses, lots of go, lots of sense...But not my kind of horse- I like a little more size. But they are very good hearted, stout little guys and gals. I like the tucka tucka tucka description. My QHs always give 'em the stink eye like hey dude, what the hells wrong with your feet???

Brio

Dec. 31, 2008, 11:38 AM

While I don't have personal experience with Paso Finos, I hear there are several varities. The Largo ones more suited to trail and the corto not that suited. Then you have the trocha, that prefer to trot. But you get them in all colours. But this is second hand info..

Largo horses and Corto horses are usually the same. Its a Fino horse that usually won't be a trail horse. General rule of thumb, if they fino they don't largo. If they largo, they don't fino.

Trocha horses are not desired. They happen but are rare and are not what you want. But, we also call trocha when they get in between gaits and aren't collected. Usually that's rider error and can easily be corrected. Trocha horses can gait, they just need some fine tuning and collection and you'll see a difference.

They do face a lot of social stigmas because people simply don't know much about them.