WHAT IS THE MEANING OF “PASO FINO”?
“Paso Fino” may be translated from Spanish to English
as “Fine Step,” due to the smoothness, elegance,
and well-coordinated movement of the four hooves. In Paso Fino,
each hoof moves independently from the other three hooves in
a perfect succession, which translates into a rhythm of four
by four. Thus, four independent quick beats (sounds) are heard
when the four hooves hit the ground during every cycle, one
sound for each hoof. The evenly alternated movement among the
four hooves makes the Paso Fino an isochronic gait.
Note: In gaits, a cycle is completed when the
horse moves each one of the four hooves one time. A gait, then,
is a succession of similar cycles.
The maximum smoothness of a Paso Fino depends
on how perfectly the horse performs the gait, using an equally
alternated sequence of its four hooves, as follows: 1) a hind
leg; 2) the same side foreleg; 3) the other hind leg; 4) the
last foreleg. For instructional purposes, the sounds produced
for this sequence of four beats are like “TA - CA –
TA – CA,” respectively (see photo below).
While the four hooves are moved in this sequence
within every cycle, the horse supports its weight in eight different
stages: Two lateral supports (same side legs being on the ground);
two diagonal supports (opposite front and hind legs being on
the ground); two supports with one front leg and both hind legs
being on the ground; and two supports with both front legs and
one hind leg being on the ground.
IS THE PASO
FINO A NATURAL GAIT ?
A Paso Fino horse is born with the natural ability to perform
the gait. This means that the Paso Fino gait is neither an artificial
gait created by the rider nor a gait that takes years of training.
Therefore, young riders and new riders are easily able to ride
Paso Finos and maintain a smooth gait.
Although the Paso Fino
gait is natural, these horses require training like any other
breed of horse. However, training is not oriented to changing
the gait, but rather allowing the horse to learn all of the
rider’s commands and achieving a balanced gait with perfect
symmetry, while carrying extra weight on its back. In addition,
during the training process, the Paso Fino horse gradually develops
the muscles to perform its gait in a collected manner, with
the hind legs properly underneath the abdomen.
Listen
to a Paso Fino On Sounding Board
Note: Written by Diego Bravo.
http://ocalapasofino.com
Reserve a Copy of the Author's Latest Book !
Science and Art of the Paso Fino Horse
http://www.everythingpasofino.com
