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
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Science and Art of the Paso Fino Horse
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