The Paso Fino can perform the same gaits as any other horse. It can do a flat walk, collected walk, canter, and gallup. But, a Paso Fino can do so much more! The Paso gait is essentially a broken pace gait which is lateral, not diagonal. The sequence of the footfall is hind hoof, same fore hoof, opposite hind hoof, same front hoof. The hind hoof touches the ground a fraction of a second before the front hoof. When performed on a hard surface, a definite 1,2,3,4 (ta-ca-ta-ca) can be heard. Propulsion is primarily from the hind legs yet the motion is absorbed through the back and loins. The croup remains relatively still. These aspects eliminate the jarring effects of a true pace, getting rid of the up and down movement. The Paso Fino can perform this natural gait at three speeds with varying levels of collection. It is not unusual to see newborn foals gaiting shortly after birth. This gait, though, gains more definition as the horse matures and can be refined through training. However, no special shoeing or artificial aids are necessary to make the Paso Fino gait.
The gait has three speeds: Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo. The horses perform the gait in three styles: the Classic Fino, Performance and the Pleasure styles. The Classic Fino gait is the most exciting to watch or to experience as a rider. The horse’s footfall is very rapid with an even rhythm. The forward movement is very slow, slower than a person would normally walk. The horse is completely collected, with an upright carriage and neck breaking at the poll at an almost vertical position.
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