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A sabino Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

By Equestrian Life

With history dating back to the horses imported to the Caribbean from Spain, Paso Finos are a naturally gaited light horse breed. 

These horses are best known for their natural, smooth, four-beat ‘running’ gait. The term ‘paso fino’ translates in English to ‘fine step’.

 

A Paso Fino stallion.
 
 

Ranging from small and refined to large and powerful, the breed was popular for use on farms and plantations - and is still a popular trail riding horse due to the comfortable four-beat gait. They are also popular choices in western and endurance events. 

Today, there are essentially two different breeds lines in the United States: Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino (PPR), which originated in Puerto Rico, and the Colombian Paso Fino or Colombian Criollo Horse (CCC), developed in Colombia. Despite similar Spanish ancestors, the two groups developed independently of one another in their home nations. The running gait differs between the two breed lines: The Puerto Rican Paso Fino is prized for its fine or delicate step, while the Colombian Paso Fino tends to have more of a rapid, piston-like action.

A Paso Fino under saddle.

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