Interested in knowing more about the paso fino? Read on.

• The Paso Fino flourished initially in Puerto Rico and Colombia, later spreading throughout Latin America.

Bred for their stamina, smooth gait and beauty, the paso fino name is derived from the Spanish term "Los Caballos de Paso Fino," meaning the horses with the fine walk.

• Awareness of the paso fino did not spread outside Latin America until after World War II, when American servicemen came into contact with the horse while stationed in Puerto Rico. Americans began importing paso finos in the mid-1940s.

• The paso fino is a graceful and agile athlete that uses all four legs with precision and harmony. The gait of the paso fino is natural and is exhibited from birth. The paso fino gait is performed at three forward speeds:

Classic Fino — Full collection, with very slow forward speed

Paso Corto — Forward speed is moderate, with full to moderate collection. Steps are ground-covering, but unhurried.

Paso Largo — The fastest speed of the gait, executed with a longer extension and stride. The horse attains its top speed in harmony with its own natural stride and cadence.

SOURCE: Paso Fino Horse Association