Ahh the Paso Fino. If you were to ask my horse about the Paso Fino, he would say "it's a fire-breathing dragon running really fast to to get no-where". Well, that's his perception anyway.
The Definition According to Wikipedia...
The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited light horse breed dating back to horses imported to the Caribbean from Spain. Pasos are prized for their smooth, natural, four-beat, lateral ambling gait; they are used in many disciplines, but are especially popular for trail riding.
I've had the pleasure of riding a Paso Fino, and what an experience it was! They are so smooth and fun to ride. Plus, they're just my size. Most Paso's are very small in comparison to some other gaited breeds; typically standing an average of 13 to 15.2 hands. But don't let their size fool you. These are powerful, and sometimes feisty, horses.
Not just for show
Aside from the Paso Fino specific show circuit, Paso Finos can also be see competing in Western Classes such as trail, barrel racing, versatility, and team penning. Many Paso Fino owners also enjoy using their horses for trail riding, endurance competitions, driving, and gymkhana.
What their Gaits Look Like
The following video does a good job explaining the various gaits of the Paso Fino.
