Most people if they hear the word Paso ( in a horse context) will think of the cute little (almost pony sized ) snappy, higher strung show horse. The most familiar of these in the central and east coast regions being the Paso Fino. The west coast may have more exposure to the California Paso or California Corto. While it is true that most people familiar with a Paso may only be familiar with the show aspects of the horse they are not only restricted to the show arena. They excel any-
where that you see horses used, with few exceptions. Trail rides, Ranching, Therapy riding, Horses for the Disabled, Search & Rescue, and others. They are not very often seen in Rodeo events due mostly to size and weight but as some of the larger breeds ( Largos and Peruvians) are getting known this may change.

When they were first bred it was not for shows, it was bred as a military horse able to go long distances at a smooth gait and pace. The Fino was exceptionally good for this as he would not overly outpace the foot soldiers. The Fino is generally the smaller type of Paso generally within the 13 to 14 hand mark. Mostly used for shows where the brio and sometimes nervous tension is seen. There is however another side to the Finos, not overly obvious in the show ring. This is the gentle, even loving side that many other owners see. They can be a very calm horse while still retaining their brio. (A note here that brio is not what makes them fidgety, foam mouthed, or stressed. Rather it is what gives them the drive and the pride of carriage that you see in the show ring.). They are also used in many work situations such as ranching and such. These horses
are quick footed and long winded which makes them very good for herding etc. Possibly one downfall in ranch work would be in dragging cattle as they are not a heavy, bulky horse. A very sure footed horse known as a great climber and more easily maneuvered in tight spots than many larger breeds.

Finos be a very good trail horse in the case of walking, or slower moving trail rides. Those interested in a quicker pace such as walking/trotting trail rides would find that a Paso Corto would probably more to their liking. Whereas a trail ride with faster trotting, or cantering might be better suited with a Paso Largo or a Peruvian Paso. Each of these types would be able to maintain their smooth gait while able to keep within a group. This part may be particularly important to those who may have back, knee, or other health concerns that would make a trot or other rougher ride unbearable or a cause of concern. This is not to say that many people do not Canter or Gallup a Paso, as both are usually very smooth and exhilarating. It does however give another option, and many people just do not bother with the other gaits ( canter, gallop) as they are not needed.

Anyone that can ride another type of horse can ride a Paso*. When you climb into the saddle there will be certain things that will become apparent. Not always in this order; The thinner looking shoulders and neckline, The fact that the head will be held higher than Quarter horses and some other breeds, And the most notable thing, a feeling of energy in the horse.

The thinner look is very real as the build does not have a lot of the bulk that would impede the forward action of the legs. This also gives many people the impression of being on a taller horse than a wider horse the same height."They ride taller than their height"

The head is always higher as it gives them the collection and balance that they use in their gait. They tend to work best in a tight headset (somewhat like a knight piece in chess), but even in a more relaxed natural headset they will still collect and gait. It largely depends on the horse and the rider.

The energy not only affects the horse. As soon as you mount you may feel as though you entered a bubble of energy. This is not a bad feeling at all, but rather like the excitement you had when you were a kid and climbing into a seat of a ride at a carnival or into the backseat to go to Grandmas house (or somewhere else you liked going to). It is a very pleasant feeling that carries through the whole ride . 'Although most people tire out before the horse'. It's not a nervous anticipation of the horse but rather the desire to do what they were made for. As you feel when you are about to do something you are fantastic at and love to do.

*Anyone that can ride another type of horse can ride a Paso* This is true. To ride them to their full potential many riders will take some advice from an experienced rider to acquire the smoothest, quickest gait. Others will just relax and enjoy the ride as it is, being different than what they expect. Either way you find that you and the horse tend to adapt to each other over time and miles, to a point where the first ride was not as smooth as the last.

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