Article translated from German to English
“ Magazine “Brio- Europe”
My visit to the Paso Fino Farm 'Rancho Fino' in Ojai, California
My wife and I are amateur riders and owners of 3 Paso Finos. This has been our hobby for the past 6 years and they are our first horses. Two years ago we bought a 4 year old JLM's Jaranero filly with the name Destinada de Flat Rock. She hadn't been properly trained till then, and she was still very rough, so we thought we'd try to do it ourselves. Obviously we need a lot more time than a professional trainer would need, but here, in Europe there just aren't that many Paso Fino trainers. And when, then they live far from us here in Switzerland. There are only about a 1000 Paso Finos in Europe and these are mainly in Great Britain, Germany or here in Switzerland. That's not many, but there are more and more people becoming interested in this very special type of gaiting horse.
So, during a business trip to California in September 2008 I seized the opportunity to visit my first Paso Fino farm outside Europe. I called Bob Rains, the owner of the Rancho Fino Farm and asked him if he had the time and interest to meet me, a 'nobody' amateur rider, just someone who shares his passion for Paso Finos. To my great surprise he said 'Yes'! We arranged for me to go visit on the following Sunday morning.
So, at 8 a.m. on that Sunday morning, I stood at the front gate, and saw this huge farm on the hillside with its many white corrals and a few young Paso Finos grazing in green pastures. What a sight. It was amazing, and my heart was beating faster as I drove up the road to the stables where Bob was waiting with a warm welcome. A first we spoke in general about our experiences with Paso Finos in the US and Europe, when he suddenly asked me if I would like to go on a trail ride with a group of people who were just getting their horse ready. 'Yes' was the only answer I could possibly give. This would be such an unexpected opportunity for me to ride another Paso Fino other than my own and to compare it with my own experiences.
This was the moment when Bob introduced me to his horse trainer, Jose 'Jochi' Rodriguez. I had heard of Jochi before from the 'Galopando TV production 'Doma Racional sin Violencia'. I was surprised and impressed with his method of working with the Paso Finos. His working method is very similar to the Pat Parelli concept which is well known in Europe. It is based on the principle of natural horsemanship, and that one teaches the man and not the horse. It is used for all breeds of horse. Before buying our own horses my wife and I had been following this program for 2 years, so we had learnt a lot about the relationship between man and his horse.
Before Jochi allocated me a horse for the trail he wanted to test my horsemanship, to get an impression of my style and talent. He gave me a very gentle, easy-to-ride horse with a smooth comfortable pleasure gait to ride around the pen, but decided I would prefer a horse with more temperament. This was a colt filly with the name 'Baron de Rancho Fino', who had been under the saddle just 2 months. This copper-coloured Pleasure Fino was bred from their own stallion 'Candelerio' and the cappuccino mare 'Baronessa'. He was a real eye catcher with a beautiful shape and special colour. As he went well under me around the pen, he was to be my horse for the trail. Although he is still very young and a little shy, he is a spectacular all-round horse, very gentle and easy to ride with a laid back personality. I think he has the makings of a good show horse. So it was with great pleasure that I joined a group of 8 horses for the ride around the farm in the most wonderful landscape of Ojai.
When we returned from our ride Bob showed me his stables, his horses and those of his own breeding.
After the farm tour Bob took me to the round pen where Jochi was preparing 'Ingeniero' for a show. 'Ingeniero' is a Pleasure stallion and I had seen him for the first time at the first-ever Paso Fino European Championship Show 2004 in Kreuth, in Germany. He had been in England and Germany for 6 years, since 2000, for demonstration and breeding purposes. There are still frozen semen available for breeding in Europe.
It was a pleasure to see him again and of great interest to see how he was under Jochi's saddle. Firstly Jochi showed me how good 'Ingeniero's ground manners are, that he was willing and cooperative. Ingeniero was walking free in the pen, but Jochi didn't have to catch him, he came freely, stood quietly as Jochi mounted and stood still on loose reins. He didn't have to kick or use his spurs as Ingeniero was willing to move forward. Then he showed him in gait. What I saw there was much better than at the European Championship. It was an extraordinary sight of a horse with superior movement, rhythm and alignment. After a perfect stop, Jochi put him out the Snaffle and showed me that he can communicate without reins. He rode with focus, his seat and his legs. He made spins, moved Ingeniero sideways, backwards, and changed speed till cantering, just like in his DVD. It was very exciting to see all that at first hand. Then, last but not least, Jochi took a flag in his hand and waved this fast around Ingeniero's head, - and the horse just stood still. There was no reaction or panic as would have been most natural. Wow, this was most certainly a great demonstration of how good the partnership between them is. I was very impressed.
When Jochi asked me if I was ready to ride Ingeniero, I did as though I didn't quite understand him. This couldn't possibly be happening to me. I must have misunderstood him. Very modestly I answered 'Yes' when he repeated his question. That was the second time that day that my heart beat faster. What awaited me on the back of the great Ingeniero, the two times World Champion?
At first I did some basic exercises with him, flexed him left and right and move him backwards. I was impressed how flexible (light in the head and neck), willing and sure he is. I moved him forward in a walk, moved him in circles and then Jochi asked me to move Ingeniero into gait. What a feeling. I had assumed that there would be some tension between us, but his attitude towards me was positive and responsive. It confirmed for me what I had thought before: This is a great stallion, with great manners, trained by Jochi Rodriguez, a great trainer.
After many rounds in the round pen, Jochi asked if I would be interested in riding Ingeniero in the arena. Without thinking I said 'Yes'! But what I didn't know at the time was that there were 2 mares running free in the arena, which Bob and Jochi had no intention of catching and restraining. So after a quick heart attack and thinking these guys must know what they're doing, I rode into the arena.
I was a bit nervous but didn't want to show it. I would just wait and see what happens. To my surprise Ingeniero was much quieter than I was. When the mares came to him, he wasn't interested, and I was so happy that this horse was so well mannered, - even in this situation. Now I could concentrate on him and our ride. It felt like heaven to take him into gait, corto and largo, to take him through his paces, to hear his constant rhythm on sounding board. It is something I will never forget.
A big THANK YOU to Bob who made this outstanding experience possible and a big compliment to Jochi who showed me what results can be gotten from a natural, serious, professional training with the horses. Good leadership, communication, psychology and understanding are the keys.
To round off my visit Bob showed me a 27 month old fill named 'Independiance de Rancho Fino' who will soon start to perform. Even when only on Jochi's line, this black mare already has a natural understanding of gait in the circle. I had never before seen such a fast natural gaiting horse. I will try to follow her development as I am sure she has the great potential to be a fine Fino show horse.
It was an exceptional day that Sunday. A day I was allowed to share the experiences of Bob and Jochi.
I will always remember Jochi's 'no-hands' riding demonstration with Ingeniero.
My highlight, of course, will always be my own ride on Ingeniero. An experience I had never imagined, and one that I will never forget.
To you both – a big THANK YOU for the time you took for me.
Martin Heinz
Thalwil, Switzerland
Body Language & Communicating With the Horse
By Cynthia McFarland with Chris Cox
We’ve all been around people who talk a lot without really saying much.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly the story with too many horse owners. Their horses don’t clearly understand what is being asked because the owners don’t communicate in ways the horse relates to. You can avoid many frustrations if you learn to “talk” to your horse the right way. Your actions need to be specific and your body language needs to send the correct message.
“Remember that horses mostly ‘speak’ to each other through body language,” explains horseman and clinician Chris Cox. “Body language is crucial because this is something the horse instinctively understands.”
In a herd, the dominant horse is not the one doing the running around. Simply by his or her attitude and body language, the alpha horse runs the show. A horse will try the same thing with a human that he does with another horse. If he can get in your space and you back up, he learns that he’s in control. If he pins his ears and you stop whatever it is you’re doing to him, he knows who the boss is….and it’s not you.
“You will stay a step ahead if you remember that the horse is always reading your body language, even when you don’t think you’re sending a message,” says Cox.
“If you move slowly and passively around him, he takes this to mean that you are unsure and lack confidence.
“On the other hand, if you move purposefully, he understands that you are taking charge,” Cox adds. “Too many people move slowly and cautiously around their horses all the time. They think they’re making things easy on the horse, but they are actually confusing him. The horse needs you to be his leader and if you won’t act confident and in charge, then the horse gets concerned and thinks he needs to be the leader. That doesn’t tend to work out very well!”
When Cox first works with a young, inexperienced horse, within a matter of minutes he can drive that horse around just by using his body language, without ever being close enough to touch him. When he moves quickly and purposefully, the horse looks to him as a leader.
“I don’t use many verbal cues with my horses,” says Cox. “I’ve found that the more people talk to their horses, the less they tend to communicate through body language. You can certainly use some verbal cues, but try to concentrate on putting your expression into your body for the horse to read.”
You also want to be very aware of your horse’s body language. Paying attention to this will usually tell you what he’s thinking before he reacts. Pay close attention to his eyes and ears as they will always tell you where his attention is focused. For example, you shouldn’t step into the saddle if your horse is not focused on you. If his head is turned to the side away from you and his ears are pricked forward in that direction, then he’s not paying attention to you and mounting at that moment might not be a safe thing to do.
Reading your Horse’s Body Language:
Watch the eyes and ears, as they will tell you when the horse’s feet are about to move.
When the horse’s ears are flicking back and forth, he’s trying to take in more than one thing. He may be confused or trying to sort out what’s happening around him.
If his ears are pinned flat back, be careful. He’s showing aggression and dominance.
Licking the lips is a positive sign and means your horse is relaxed and accepting.
If the horse swings his hindquarters towards you, he’s telling you one of three things: he’s either dismissing you, threatening you, or he’s afraid. None of these is positive!
When the horse’s neck is stiff and he’s carrying his head high, he may be frightened, or he might be showing resistance or even aggression.
A horse that is swishing his tail when you’re riding or asking him to do something specific can be telling you he’s irritated and had as much as he’s going to take. But swishing the tail can also mean the horse is uncomfortable or in pain. This can be a sign your horse’s back is sore or his saddle doesn’t fit properly. Rule this out before assuming the horse is just being difficult.
Grinding the teeth is annoying and can signal different things. Many horses do this when they are nervous. Some horses develop this habit because they are resisting the bit or too heavy a hand. You may have too strong a bit or it may not be adjusted correctly. Teeth grinding might also be a sign your horse’s mouth/teeth are bothering him, so have an equine dentist take a look to rule out any physical problems.
“These are some universal body language signals you should be aware of, but the best way to learn your individual horse is simply by spending time with him,” says Cox. “Watch him when he’s loose in the pasture or corral with other horses. Pay attention to his reaction to your approach. Notice how he acts when you work around him on the ground, in addition to when you are riding him. The better you know your horse, the better you can begin relating to him in ways he understands, and making progress with your horsemanship.”
Up Close with Chris Cox
Ranch-raised in Australia, Chris came to the United States in 1986 to make a career of working with horses. Years of working horseback on the ranch near Queensland gave Chris a healthy respect for the horse's ability and intelligence, and helped him develop his own methods of individualized training.
Active in the cutting horse world as both a trainer and competitor, Chris has trained a variety of breeds for different disciplines. He travels the United States, Canada, South America and Australia appearing at expos, conducting clinics and horsemanship demonstrations. His “Come Ride the Journey’ tour takes him to cities across the U.S. each year. Chris offers week-long intensive horsemanship clinics at his Outback Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas.
Western Horseman recently released Ride the Journey, by Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland, a 225-page, full color book that details Chris’ practical methods and training techniques. Packed with step-by-step exercises and color photos, the book will help you improve your horsemanship skills, no matter what discipline or breed you ride.
Visit www.chris-cox.com or call Chris Cox Horsemanship Company at 1-888-81-HORSE for information about the Ride the Journey book, upcoming course dates and appearances, equipment and training DVDs.
Photo credit - David Stoecklein
Cribbing
Cribbing Ring by Jorge Ocampo
An estimated 5 percent of the domesticated equine populations cribs.These
horses obsessively press their upper incisor on fixed objects, such as stall
doors, feed bukects, and fences, retract their larynx and arch their necks
and then pull backwards. Emit the characteristic of gulping air through the
pharynx. This is often reffered to as wind sucking or aerophagia which
cuases the premature wearing down of the upper incisor and prevent the horse
from eating normal. Aerophagia is an abnormal swallowing of air during the
maneuver of cribbing. Cribbers may be a displacement activity caused by
boredom, confinement, isolation, lack of suitable roughage, oral pain, and
gastrointestinal disease. And in many farms it has been noted that it's a
learning vice where the horses learns to crib from their neighbore. Cribbing
is associated with the loss of interest of eating causing weight loss,
loss of condition, and of colic
There are varios methods and devices that are available to solve the
problem of these horses that cribs. One of the most famous is the cribbing
collar which is placed on the horse's throat and the collar is pulled snug
and buckled. The pressure is applied on the muscles to prevent the horse to
gulp air. This collar only works when it is placed properly and when its
on. The collar is also not recommended for pasture horses, since it can be
caught on any object and may cause strangulation or panic in the animal. And
after a prolong use may cause scarring and disfigurement to the horse's
troath and poll.
Another famous device is the use of a muzzle, which is put over the
horse's face to prevent him from touching the objects. And as the collar it
only works when is worn and may cause also scarring and disfigurement to the
horse's throat and poll.
A more drastic solution is the surgery (myectomy) which is performed under
general anesthesia and involves the removal of the portion of the
omohyoideous,sternohyoideous, and the strenothyroideus muscles. The
drawbacks of this is anesthetic complication and the chance of infections.
Also the succesful rate has shown to be better in horses that cribs for a
short period of time than the horse that cribs constantly.
Today we have a new solution, cribbing rings, it has a 80% succesful rate
compared to the surgery 60 % succesfull rate. This new procedure is also
less invasive and consist in small ring that are inserted into the horse's
gums between the upper incisors. The rings does not interfere with eating or
wearing a bit, and as long the rings stays on the horse will not crib. If
the ring falls out it is no problem to repeat the procedure. It works very
simple, if the horse tries to cribs the rings will cause a pressure on the
gums, which is uncomfortable to the horse. Its like having a piece of a
toothpick between your teeth.
Cribbing is a habit that is annoying and destructive and in many cases it
can be harmful to the horse's health.
Annual Exams: A once-a-year checkup for a happy horse
Jorge Mejia
Galopando TV Staff Writer
Alejandro Acosta -DVM
Virtually, everyone in life has someone or something for which they care for greatly. It can be a child, a pet, or even a car. When something is wrong with those who are cared for, the following thought is to fix that problem. However, an old saying goes, “It is best to prevent, than to regret,” meaning it is always best to check for a problem before it surfaces. In the case of horses, the best way to prevent any issues would be to perform yearly wellness exams.
Although they are very resilient creatures, horses can also be rather delicate. There are an extensive amount of aspects that go into a horse’s general wellness. In annual wellness exams, which most veterinarians usually perform, an all around assessment of all these aspects are taken into account.
The first analysis of the horse generally takes places in its stall. Here, the horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiratory system are checked. Once out of the stall, the horse will be checked for lameness by analyzing the gait of the horse under the saddle or longe line. The hip and quadriceps muscles are also probed for any soreness.
Because a horse’s digestive system is prone to many ailments, such as colics, a veterinarian will inspect all sections of a horse’s gastrointestinal tract for any irregularities.
A horse’s gums and eyes, including ducts, are checked for inflammation, cataract development, or any other disease.
Hooves are one of horses’ most sensitive areas, so hooves are tested to a great extent. Hoof testers are used to check for pain. Checking between the sole and the hoof wall can tell a vet of any lesions or some previous illnesses.
A horse’s reproductive system is also checked by looking for any kind of build-ups, obtrusions, and general diseases.
Finally, a thorough hands-on inspection of the horses coat is performed to check for skin lesions (like tick bites, mange, summer sores, etc), swelling, lumps, or bumps anywhere on the horse.
The frequency in which these exams take place is an important facet. The recommended frequency to perform this exam is once a year. However, if a horse goes through extensive exercise, or strain, it best to perform the exam twice a year (preferably with routine vaccinations).
Contact your local veterinarian for further information on annual well exams for your horse.
Photo Captions
1- Veterinarian Checking Heartbeat
2- Checking a horses hooves is important as well
3- Horses are generally put through endurance tests, one of which is swimming.
Alex Amador A Lifetime with the Paso Fino
Jorge Mejía
Galopando TV Staff Writer
Many people involved with the Paso Fino horse can agree with the fact that once a person is introduced to the breed, it always stays with that person. Furthermore, one could even say it envelops and becomes part of one’s lifestyle.
Alex Amador’s life with the Paso Fino is testament to those whose lives revolve around the Paso Fino.
Like many other people, Amador was involved with other breeds before being introduced to the Paso Fino.
“I have been involved with riding horses all my life,” said Amador “I started riding when I was three. When I first came to the United States, my first horse was a Jumper, and I competed actively with Jumpers well into my college years.”
After college that Amador began to look to other breeds besides jumpers. Soon after that,
“When I started working in my early 20’s, I realized I had to find an alternative breed for riding,” said Amador. “That was when I found the Paso Fino, and I realized that the Paso Fino brought together so many qualities that I liked.”
For Amador, switching breeds was a jarring experience.
“It was a big step down,” Amador said. “I used to ride a 17 hand jumper, and suddenly my first Paso was only 14 hands.”
Although switching breeds for Amador was difficult, she was quick to realize the advantages.
“It’s a lot safer than trying to take a five foot jump,” Amador said. “ I also found that the package of the Paso Fino holds just as much power as the huge Jumpers.
Amador goes on to mention further advantages that she has found in the Paso Fino horse.
“They also have an intelligence and sensibility to their rider that I’ve seen in no other breed of horse,” Amador said. “Some call it brio. I call it intelligence. The Paso Fino is also a horse that can be taken on a trail, be made to swim, and even jump. But then, you can take that same horse and have it go at a classic fino gait at a Paso Fino competition.”
From then on, like with so many other people involved with the breed, Amador’s life began to revolve around the Paso Fino.
“I met my husband at a Paso Fino horse show in January of 1979,” Amador said. “Then we went on to get married at a Paso Fino horse show, and from then on the rest is history.”
When developing a passion for any subject, a passion for learning sticks with it. Henceforth, a great knowledge of the subject develops. In Amador’s case that passion gave her a knowledge to discover newer and better things. Amador talks about how that knowledge led her discover the potential of the stallion, Capuchino.
“I’ve been to many shows in Colombia,” Amador said. “But, the most memorable time at a Colombian horse show for me, was the first time I saw Capuchino. When I saw that horse I thought to myself, ‘that’s the horse that is going to define the Paso Fino.”
Amador’s infatuation with the Paso Fino was also passed along to her entire family, which goes to show how a Paso Fino can truly affect almost every aspect of one’s life.
“My children have been involved with the Paso Fino all the way from lead line to now competing in amateur competitions,” Amador said “ It’s been a family affair all the way. From my wedding on a Paso Fino, to my children carrying on the tradition of the Paso Fino.”
From Up and Coming to a Leader
Kelley Cox recalls her experiences in the world of the Paso Fino
Jorge Mejia
Galopando TV Staff Writer
When one thinks of a Paso Fino, one associates countries like Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cuba, and many other Latin American Countries. However, as time goes on, it is turning out more and more clear that the Paso Fino is becoming part of the United States mainstream of horses. With this transition happening, many North American Paso Fino owners, trainers, breeders are becoming part of that same mainstream.
One of the people that come to mind is Kelley Cox. However, like most people that get introduced to the Paso Fino, Cox was around different breeds before discovering the Paso Fino.
“I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and have had horses since I was three years old,” Cox said. “When I turned six years old I began formal lessons on Hunter-Jumpers. Then one day we saw a sign that said ‘Paso Fino Show’, and within one week of that show we had our first Paso Fino Gelding.”
When working with Paso Finos, Cox recalls many memorable horses of the breed.
“Dinamico was one of the first horses I had met when I moved to Ocala,” Cox said. “He was very beautiful and gentle in the stall, but in the saddle he would change completely to an animal with more energy and more power that he could control. Dinamico taught me a lot of things. He was very difficult but very rewarding.”
Although the Paso Fino Horse is slowly but surely making its way into the horse mainstream of the United States, vice versa, it’s a different story, especially for a woman. Cox recalls an experience where she found it difficult for a North American woman to establish herself in the Paso Fino world.
“One time I competed in Venezuela,” Cox said “I was the only woman there, and they treated me very differently and special to the point where they pointed out every thing I would do while showing my horses. It was one of the times when I felt the most isolated in the Paso Fino horse world.”
Despite encountering certain obstacles, Cox has been able to overcome such roadblocks. In the 2004 Spectrum, she won a Championship with Arco Iris. At the 2006 Spectrum, Cox held a memorable against Maraquero with Resortin.
2007 was an important for Cox as well. At the 2007 Spectrum, Cox led Aprendiz de Colores to a championship. At the 2007 Nationals, Cox won the Fino Mares Grand Championship with Alondra. Also at the 2007 Mundial, Cox won the Performance Stallions Grand Championship with Marinero del Conde.
Like many people entering the world of the Paso Fino, Cox has people that she remembers that have helped her along the way, one of whom being Fernando Baragaño, whom Cox recalls as being like a father to her, and always providing her with confidence in the hour of competition.
“Also, one of the first people that ever showed me how to start a horse was Robin Ratliff,” Cox said. “I also learned a lot from master trainer Alvaro Iriarte at his clinics. Furthermore, I met master trainer David Castro when I was a little girl, and since I moved to Ocala, I must say that he has been the one that has helped me out the most.
As the Paso Fino breed continues to grow in the United States issues with gender and nationality are to be encountered. However, through discipline and determination, yet always being down to earth and soft spoken, Kelley Cox has shown great leadership, and has broken many barriers for up and coming riders.
Raising a family Paso Fino Style
Jorge Mejia
Galopando TV Staff Writer
The Paso Fino is a horse with many wonderful qualities, and one of its most outstanding qualities is the fact that any person of any age can enjoy it. Bearing that in mind, that quality makes it a perfect horse to raise a family around, and it can even be used as a tool to provide a family with good upbringing.
Myrna Conde, mother of Joselin, Jorge, Jaime, and Javier Suarez, can confirm the notion that the Paso is a horse that makes a family come together.
Conde recalls always loving horses. In earlier days when, in Puerto Rico, Paso Fino Competitions were on held long stretches of road, or in ball parks, she would go watch these horses. However, she never imagined owning one herself.
“When my boys were young, they all loved horses. But their main interest earlier in life was swimming,” Conde said. “They all loved swimming except for Jorge. He always had a passion for horses.
It was an peculiar ordeal with Jorge that led them to owning their first Paso Fino horse.
“Jorge didn’t want to learn how to read,” Conde said “So we told him that we would buy him a horse if he learned how to read. By the end of that month, Jorge was reading out of the newspaper. That’s how we ended up owning our first horse.”
After getting that first horse, the boys stopped swimming, and horses became their life.
“For me, the Paso Fino helped me raise my children,” Conde said. “I never had to worry about the boys going out to party and getting in trouble. The competitions were always on Sundays, so the boys would stay home on a Saturday night polishing their saddles and boot for the next day’s competition.”
For Conde’s family, being involved with the Paso Fino has been, and still is, a family affair.
Conde recalls some of the horses that have made an impression in her life and the life of her family.
“There’s two horses, among many others, that have helped us significantly along the way,” Conde said. “There’s Manuela del Conde, which has produced JLM Jaranero and Profeta Segundo de Besilu, two very important Stallions among Paso Finos. We also have Carrilera del Conde, which has produced Pedregal del Conde and Tornado del Conde, two international champions that have been outstanding among other Paso Finos. It has been our honor to provide horses that have provided more esteem to the Paso Fino.”
24 years later, those boys have become some of the most influential people in the Paso Fino world, and to show that any one can enjoy a Paso, even their children have begun competing with Paso Finos.
“Joselin, my oldest son, has two girls, one of which is very involved with the Paso Fino,” Conde Said. “ Jaime has three children whom all three ride and do very well when they compete. Jorge has three kids, one of which is more obsessed with riding than any of them.”
With so many appealing qualities for all families, it’s no wonder that the Paso Fino breed of horses became such an influential part, and created an extensive legacy, in the life of Myrna Conde’s family.
Paso Finos shine at awards show
Breaking Barriers is never an easy task. However, with the help of Univision, Galopando TV, and the Florida Paso Fino Horse Association the Paso Fino horse has done just that.
On Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, 15 million homes, nationwide, and 5000 spectators at the American Airlines Arena were witness to four Paso Fino stallions: Carmesi de la Vitrina, Tornado del Conde, Pedregal del conde, and Imponente de la Libertad, gracing the stage at “Premio lo Nuestro,” Latin America’s largest awards show on the Univision network.
“It was a great privilege to help the Paso Fino horse reach new lengths and find a broader audience,” said Alejandro Acosta, president of Galopando TV. “We are very grateful to Univision and the Florida Paso Fino Horse Association for their aid and to the breeders that lent their stallions for Pepe Aguilar’s performance.”
For those who saw the show, footage of the horses were shown in the jumbo screens during a performance with Mexican singer, Pepe Aguilar.
“It’s always been of great interest for me to show many traditions that we have in Latin America,” said Aguilar.
Acosta goes on to mention further details of the horses’ appearance at Premio lo Nuestro.“Galopando TV produced a video of the stallions at Criadero la Libertad with top riders, Jorge Suarez, Javier Suarez, Johan Rojas and Gustavo Ruiz in traditional Mexican attire,” Acosta said.
With this performance, the Paso Fino horse has expanded its horizons in more ways than one. The Paso Fino has been introduced to an unexplored, Mexican market, and reaffirmed its position in the Puerto Rican, Colombian, Dominican Republic, and American markets. The Paso Fino has also been exposed through more press on Univision’s news shows: Despierta America, and Primer Impacto.The riders that appeared at Premios lo Nuestro also made a guest appearance on Primer Impacto to talk about the stallions that made a guest appearance at this year’s Premio lo Nuestro.
On Despierta America, Alex Amador, president of the Florida Paso Fino Horse Association, has been invited to give further insight on the Paso Fino horse. The Stallions, Extasis, ridden by David Zapata, and Marinero, owned by Criadero el Asombro will also make an appearance on the show.
With the Paso Fino’s appearance at Premio lo Nuestro, Despierta America, and Primer Impacto, the Paso Fino horse breed has now been exposed to a nationwide audience, furthermore, it has taken more steps in the right direction to break even more boundaries.
