Paso Fino Glossary of Terms

© Lynn Gallup

Andalusian

One of the three European breeds that the Spanish Conquistadors brought to the 'New World' that is a descendant to the modern day Paso Fino. Andalusians are still a breed today; they are a trotting breed that are used in show competitions and dressage. Paso Finos of Colombian origin often have more of a Andalusian phenotype to them.

Barbada

Comparable to leather curb strap (head lifter) with 2 rings for attaching reins, part of the jaquima

Bellas Forma

Spanish for "Beautiful Form"; Conformation show class where the horse is usually driven with two long lines

Bosal

Nose band part of the jaquima; can be soft or hard and stiff

Brio

Spanish for the horse's controlled spirit or energy

Classic Fino

This Paso Fino show ring gait is very short in stride with extremely rapid footfall. There are show ring classes for only the Classic Fino gait. This gait is highly prized for show horses in Latin and South American countries of origin for breeding stock.

Colombian

A main South American country - Colombia - of origin for Paso Finos

Gaited

Movement of horse in a evenly spaced four beat smooth riding gait

Dominican

Latin American country - Dominican Republic - of origin for Paso Finos

Fiador

Throatlatch part of the jaquima

Jaquima

Latin origin training bridle that doesn't use a bit; it is often made out of rawhide

Natural

Not mechanical or man-made. Determined by nature or born with it. Can be referring to the Paso Fino innate born gait

Spanish Barb

One of the three European breeds that the Spanish Conquistadors brought to the 'New World' that is a descendant to the modern day Paso Fino, known for it's hardiness and stamina. Also, a descendant to the Arabian.

Spanish Jennet

One of the three European breeds that the Spanish Conquistadors brought to the 'New World' that is a descendant to the modern day Paso Fino. The Spanish Jennet had an ambling gait, and is now extinct.

Pace

A two beat lateral rough riding gait, where the hooves on the same side hit the ground at the same time, a gait not desired in the show ring

Paso Corto

The medium speed of the Paso Fino gait with moderate speed similar to a trot, with medium extension. Most Paso Finos prefer this gait when trail ridden

Paso Largo

The Paso Fino gait with a longer extension in stride length and the fastest forward moving speed similar to a canter. There are exhibition fun classes sometimes at shows called 'Largo Races' where the fastest horse around the arena multiple laps wins as long as it doesn't break gait

Paso Fino

Naturally gaited smooth riding breed of horse with origins to Latin and South America; "Horse of the Spanish Conquistadors"

Peruvian

South American country - Peru - of origin for Paso horses; not Paso Finos

PFHA

Paso Fino Horse Association, registry and main governing organization for Paso Fino horses

Pisador

The lounge rope of the jaquima which attaches to the barbada, and is tied to the saddle when ridden

Puerto Rican

One of the main Latin American republics - Puerto Rico - of origin for Paso Finos

Riendas

2 leather or braided reins attached to the jaquima for guiding the horse

Long Lines

Two long lines for driving a horse forward, often with smooth chains which attach to the halter

Spoon Bit

Style of bit popular originating in Latin and South American countries for training Paso Finos. Named such due to the spoon-shaped port on the bit's mouthpiece which keeps the tongue in place and shape and size helps as a training aid.

Trocha

An unevenly timed four beat diagonal gait, not desired in the show ring, similar to a foxtrot in other gaited breeds

USEF

United States Equestrian Federation - the governing equestrian sport organization in the USA that promotes fair competition and the welfare and health of the horse and exhibitor at USEF sanctioned horse competitions.

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