Puerto Rican Paso Fino

Intro

Many of the Central and South American countries breed their own strain of Paso Fino types and the Puerto Rican strain is a fine example of these handsome genetics.

Origins

Paso Fino translates to ‘fine step’ and they are very clearly a breed apart from others as their fine step cannot be taught, it has to come through their genetics. The Paso is in fact distinguished by their four-beat lateral gait.
Their bloodlines, while not known exactly are thought to have come from crosses between Spanish Jennet mares and Andalusian stallions. Jennets are known for their smooth amble and Andalusians are trotters, as it was found that mares were more likely to transfer the smooth gaits than the trotters.

Different Paso Fino lines have been developed across South America including Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Peru so their bloodlines vary by geographic and climactic conditions as well as the needs of mankind. However there are some generalized characteristics that seem to run true throughout the breed.

Features

Average height 14 – 15 hands

Physique

Head is small with a slightly convex profile
Neck is medium in length, upright and arched
Chest is medium wide
Back length varies
Legs are straight and slender
Hooves are small