The first thing you need to understand about the Paso Fino is that this is a gaited breed of horse and, as such, it needs to drive itself from the rear. The propulsion for the gait comes from the hindquarters working well under the horse. Proper collection is required to enable the horse to work well.
Just because the Paso Fino is born with a four-beat, isochronal gait does not mean that the four-beat gait is all that you will see a Paso do. You will notice that some times Paso Finos can be trotty in the pasture when they are at liberty. This is natural to the breed. It is a familiar and comfortable gait that you will see as the horse relaxes, often with its head down, moving heavily on the forehand. When Paso Finos are first started under saddle they usually lack the balance and hindquarter conditioning required to carry a rider's weight in a perfectly collected four-beat gait. You will find that green Pasos, under saddle, will often lean more towards a diagonal gait like the trocha. As the horse gets its balance and develops adequate strength, it will start to collect, working off its hind quarters, and develop a much better gait.
You can help your horse to develop collection with the proper training. Start riding your horse at a flat-footed walk until you gain some control and steering. Ten to fifteen minutes of riding per day is more than adequate at the start. This initial slow work will let the horse develop some muscling to enable him to carry a rider's weight. You can then slowly ask for slightly more speed. As you push the horse into a slightly more animated movement you will need to help him start collecting. Your horse may resist at first as it will take a little effort for the horse to develop the balance required. Collect briefly then relax. At first you may notice a mixing and matching of gaits. This is normal. You can help to get your horse's hind end under him by working in large circles, serpentines, figure eights, and reverses. Remember, nice round circles, no cutting in. You can also try riding your horse at a speed faster than a walk down a hill; but WALK the horse up the hill, otherwise it will be counterproductive to your gaiting effort.
If you need to get your horse's head up, you can utilize a head-lifter, which attaches to the bosal. The head-lifter goes under the chin and you will attach a set of reins to it, with another set attached to the side rings of the bosal. Gentle bumping of the head lifter causes the horse to lift his head and shift his weight towards the rear. The side rings on the bosal are used to steer, as well as to encourage the horse to tuck its nose. Take it slow and easy. Practice until you get the hang of using 2 sets of reins and are able to use each set independently of the other. Be gentle. Do not yank his head around or bash him under the jaw with that second set of reins. You want to keep your horse working willingly!
Arena work and dressage exercises can help your horse develop more balance so it can enhance its natural 4-beat gait. The horse will go from a walk to a slow corto easily if you do not push for more speed initially. Just ask for a gait slightly faster than an extended walk. From there, when steady, ask for a bit more extension and speed. If the horse gets too strung out, slow him back down and collect him again before asking for speed. It's all a matter of balance! Some horses are much stronger and more naturally balanced than others. Don't rush. A slow start makes for a much better ending. You will find that constantly working in a fast gait will cause you to train your horse to rush off, and he will not learn to relax in a flat footed walk. Some trainers believe that a Paso Fino should always appear hot and only move in an exaggerated gait under saddle. Personally, I believe that a calm, relaxed horse is a much better mount. A hot young horse will certainly move quickly due to fear and nervous energy, but a well-trained horse will move quickly because he is responsive and enjoys his work! Go easy, keep smiling, and remember to keep it fun for both of you.
Happy Trails!
