Everything Equine Takes a Ride with the Paso Fino

The Horses

with the Fine Step

BY LOUISA BARTON,

Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, Farm Realtor and Host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3

The Paso Fino’s arrival in North America began more than 500 years ago with the Spanish conquistadors, who brought Andalusians and Spanish Barbs from North Africa, and smooth-gaited Spanish Jennets to the New World.

Bred for their stamina, smooth gait and beauty, “Los Caballos

de Paso Fino,”,meaning the horses with the fine step, became more well-known after World War II. American servicemen got to know more about the breed while stationed in Puerto Rico then serious importing to America started in the mid- 1940s.

The Paso Fino is born with a gait unique to the breed. This is executed with style and pride and it is rhythmic, smooth and balanced, resulting in the smoothest ride in the world. However, there are some misconceptions about the Paso Fino breed, because they appear to be hot and to be very high energy and they do move quite differently to a traditional horse with which most are familiar. On my first visit to the United Paso Fino Farm recently, I was enamored with the lovely horses there. I was so impressed to see a woman in her eighties riding a Paso Fino stallion and another equestrian who rides several times a week, who has had an MS diagnosis for many years. I also met Jay, whose family owns the lovely mare I rode. Jay is a delightful 10-year-old girl whose passion for her horse and riding was quite evident at our first meeting. Jay is a kind-hearted girl who really enjoyed helping me ride her horse, Dóna Blanca, for the first time. She was so helpful and told me she had been riding since she was 3 years old. After just a few minutes in the round pen with Rafael the trainer, they invited me to ride on the sound board. I was so excited and after that, I rode around an open field beside the barn. Within minutes, I was hooked. The smooth control comfort, combined with controlled impulsion and no bouncing, was the experience of a lifetime.

When I dismounted, Alei Ortiz, who owns United Paso Fino Farm with her husband Edgar, asked me if I would like to ride in the New Year Paso Festival the following weekend. I was game to give it my best shot. At my only practice in the Southeastern Livestock ring with the trainer Rafael, I was surrounded by some of the friendliest equestrians I have ever met. We were under a tornado watch at the time and it was pouring down on the roof with windy squalls going through. This amazing mare carried on doing her job and all the time, so patient with me. After my ride, I was approached by the most generous fellow competitors offering to loan me the necessary attire and Alei bought me a proper Paso Fino black hat.

On the day of my Paso Fino Show debut, I rode the ring in my class with some excellent experienced horse and rider combinations and heard encouraging voices from all sides of the ring. I saw smiles and I smiled back. It was the most exciting trip to the show horse ring I had ever had! After each time I rode Dóna Blanca, I dismounted and went to her head to rub her on the face and neck and thank her for looking after me. Each time she lowered her head to my hands and I believe she would have got into my lap if she could! The Paso Fino breed is so impressive to me. They are smooth, comfortable, graceful, beautiful and kind-hearted horses who wish to please and I am so amazed by the fact that they are born with the natural desire to gait the way they do. I really love this breed and the people who proudly ride the Paso Fino horses and I can’t wait for my next chance to do the same!

Miller & Associates

Insurance and Financial Planning

Blessed When A Blessing — Service Above Self

Insurance and Financial Planning

Blessed When A Blessing — Service Above Self

SERVICES & PRODUCTS

LIFE INSURANCE’

Whole Life, Permanent Policy; Premiums For The Lifetime of The Policy Accrues Cash Value At Current Interest Rates; Retirement; Paid-Up Policy; Cash When Needed

TERM LIFE

10, 20, 30 Year Term Insurance Policy **Premiums Will Increase At The Ending of the Term Plan At Current or Attained Age Upon Renewal of Policy

FINAL EXPENSE

Final Expense Coverage To Protect You and Your Family Funded by Life Insurance Most Are Generally Under-Prepared We Are There For You When You Need Us Most

ANNUITIES

Deferred; Flex, Immediate, Variable

LONG TERM CARE

DISABILITY PLANS

GROUP LIFE FOR EMPLOYEES & BUSINESSES

Portability Upon Leaving & Retiring No Medical Exam Required Premium May Be Paid Through Payroll Deduction Affordable to Meet Your Budget

**All Products Are Offered & Underwritten Through A Plus Rated Companies. Rated By: AM Best, Fitch, Standard & Poors, Moodys

Insure Your Family and Ensure Your Future With Us

We Have Over 30 Years Of Satisfied Clients.

Connect with us today for a private appointment and consultation. Allow us to secure your future for you and your family. Miller & Associates