Born to Gait -Fall 2022 (The Show Issue)

THE SHOW ISSUE FALL 2022

Paso Fino, which means “fine step or delicate walk” in Spanish, perfectly describes the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino’s natural gait. The Paso Fino is a lateral four-beat gait performed with a short and low action, executed with elegance, poise, and swiftness, resulting in a shock absorbing action which makes it very smooth. The distinctive sound of the Paso Fino is ta-ca-ta-ca-ta-ca-ta-ca. The gait is performed in a gliding, forward movement, without rocking or bumping the saddle.

People who cannot ride other horse breeds because of back or other physical problems find that they are often able to ride again due to the extremely smooth ride of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

The Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino’s gait is performed at three speeds. Classic fino is a show gait and is performed fully collected with a fast footfall. The paso corto is executed when the horse is moving forward with medium extension and collection, at a speed similar to that of a trot. The paso corto is an excellent trail gait that if the horse is in good physical condition, can be executed with ease all day long. The paso largo is a ground covering gait with bold, animated, and long strides. Some horses can largo at a speed of up to 25 miles per hour.

The most important characteristics of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses are its natural gait and smoothness.

These are the qualities that the owners and breeders prize most in their animals. Natural gait and smoothness are what set them apart from other horse breeds. In addition, the Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses have excellent dispositions, great strength, intelligence, stamina, and courage. They are people-oriented horses that are beautiful and proud.

Puerto Rican horses come in a variety of colors with and without markings, and range in size from 13 to 15 hands.

Most have long flowing manes and tails. They are remarkably versatile. Contrary to popular stereotypes, they are not just wonderful show and parade horses. They can learn to jump, excel on competitive trail rides, barrel racing, and gymkhana.

On the ranch they have a natural born instinct for working cattle. Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses can do anything any other horse can do, do it well, and do it with extreme comfort for the rider.

An excerpt of the Paso Fino description from the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation website.

PUBLISHER Romualdo Olazábal EDITORIAL TEAM Cover Farm William Arias History Denisse Cancel Pedro Burgos Genetics Paola Matos Reflections at 4-beats Xiomara Arias Contributing Writers Phyllis Gaudreau Karen Nesbitt Carlos Gaztambide Arrillaga Regional News Xiomara Arias - Kentucky Pedro Burgos - Florida Josey Machado - Oregon Jennifer Watkins - South Carolina

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Fall 2022 • Volume 1 Issue 3 • September 30, 2022

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Let’s get together!

The first time I attended a Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino show in the United States was in 2016. I must tell you; it was a shock for me! I was used to the shows in Puerto Rico, where we have just one gaited division. We called it “Paso Fino” and it is the equivalent to your Classic Fino classes. Imagine when I saw the Performance and Pleasure classes! And the Costume classes!

And the races ... the “panty race” and the Paso Largo race! It was all so unexpected!

We have Bellas Formas classes in Puerto Rico, but it is not usual to see that many beautiful horses and mares in a show! It was like going back to the shows in the 80s and 90s, where we used to have many great Bellas Formas horses on the island!

And the people! On the island, we share with friends, but everyone is so competitive ... Not at that show. Everyone was so friendly and cooperative with each other. In that first show, my friend Pedro Burgos gave me La Reina de Pride’s championship trophy as a gift! Then he invited me to ride her and Mago de Pride after he won his championship!

On that show, I fell in love with the American idea of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino sport and breed. Since 2016, I have returned four more years, and every time I left more in love with your show, your horses, and your people.

Illustration by Arq. José Vivó.

The Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation will be celebrating its annual championship show in a few weeks.1 This will be a great opportunity for all the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino owners and enthusiasts to get together, share ideas, and know each other. It is a must for us to be united if we want to conserve these magnificent horses. What do you think? Do we have a date?

1 The 2022 Classic Celebration Show will be held during the SC State Fair on October 12 & 13 at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC. For more information, contact the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation at 803-422-1817 or by email at montage@sc.rr.com.

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IN THIS ISSUE 1

Publisher’s Note

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Classic Fino ... State of the Art

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The Paso Fino Sport ... No better way to showcase the elegance and versatility of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed

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Born to Show: Buckeye Ridge Farms

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In Memory of Fiesta Fantasy, Pure Puerto Rican Mare

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Tiger Eyes: A window to the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino soul

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The Champions of Paso Fino in Puerto Rico

34

Camaraderie, Celebration, Conservation

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PFBREED: Determined to perpetuate the Paso Fino Breed!

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Regional News

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On the cover Magnífica de Pride (Con Suelte x Lorena de Espectacular), participating in the Bellas Formas class at the Celebration Show in Columbia, SC. Magnífica is owned by Palmetto Pride Paso Fino Farm.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Classic Fino ... State of the Art By the late Phyllis Gaudreau Phyllis Gaudreau (1936 to 2015) was involved with the Puerto Rican and American Paso Finos for many years. Owner, breeder, and judge; she knew the breed inside out.

W

ho can deny in the age and time that our beloved Paso Fino Horse has evolved into an art form?

The rider is motionless as the powerhouse beneath him is energizing a combined creation of speed, cadence, harmony in body, and brilliance of execution. Poetry in motion—a symphony.

How true of the superlative description we hear so often in describing this magnificent gait “gliding on glass,” as if stepping ever so gently on flowers. These are all true, colorful descriptions and no other can compare.

Throughout the world, you will find many breeds of horses possessing this gait—the footfall we so aptly describe as the evenly spaced 4-beat gait with each foot contacting the ground independently in a regular sequence of precise intervals creating a rapid unbroken rhythm. The Classic

Fino horse reflects this in its grace, elegance, proud carriage and the “Here I am, look at me” attitude.

The Berberisco of Marruecos, the Boer Paard of South Africa, the Mangalarga and Campolina of South America possess the conformation to execute this unique gait, however, the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino is one of the few breeds which has honed in on the ultimate perfection we observe in the show ring today.

To many of you who may be observing for the first time the Paso Fino Horse, we wish you to enjoy, as we do, the beauty and the excitement of these animals and hope that you also will agree. Fino Fino is truly an art form.

From the North Atlantic Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Organization website: https://www.purepuertoricanpasofino.org/home.htm Photo: 2016 Mare Classic Fino Championship, by Romualdo Olazábal.

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EDITORIAL

The Paso Fino Sport ...

No better way to showcase the elegance and versatility of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed Romualdo Olazábal Romualdo Olazábal come from a family of horse owners and breeders: Paso Finos on his mother’s side and Thoroughbreds on his father’s. Now in his 60’s, he has spent his entire life associated with the Paso Fino horse breed. His breeding program at Hacienda Pisaflores seeks to conserve the characteristics that make the Puerto Rican Paso Fino the smoothest saddle horse in the world.

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acing on horseback probably originated soon after the first humans domesticated the horse. Olympiads had mounted games. Romans had chariot races. Medieval Europe had tournaments, jousts, and horse fairs. Polo was played in Persia for centuries before it was introduced to England (from India). In North America, the western ranch work gave life to rodeo. Sport and horses have been together since the beginning.

Horse shows are a necessary and important part of any breed. The motivation to be at a show, as a competitor or spectator, varies. From the breeders’ point of view, it is the way to compare the progress in their breeding programs. To participants, it is the thrill of the competition. For others, it might be a way of having fun or meeting new people. Professional riders even make a career of riding horses at shows, races, and competitions.

From the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed point of view—an endangered breed—it is essential to understand that the sport should not be a goal in itself. The sport should always be subjected to the breed. There can be a breed without the sport, but the sport cannot exist without the breed. So, the breed must always be first. Sadly, this is

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not always the case.

Historian Adolfo de Hostos wrote that the island of Puerto Rico was living the “Equestrian Era” during 1650 and that there were cavalcades (cabalgatas) on every festive occasion. According to historian Ricardo Alegría, in 1692, the tradition started in the town of Loiza to parade the flag of the town’s patron saint by horsemen. This was the beginning of the town festivities (fiestas patronales) and the precursors of the Paso Fino competitions at these festivities.

Historian Emilio Huyke wrote that there was not a town festivity without Paso Fino horses, and he described “la carrera de las sortijas” (the race of the rings): The unmarried young women wrote their names on pieces of paper, and these were tied with ribbons to rings and hung up so that the young men could pass at “paso largo” with their horses and a stick. Those who can grab a ring with its stick had the honor of the first dance with the girl whose name was on the paper they grabbed. “La Gran Enciclopedia de Puerto Rico” explains that the race of the rings is one of the most beautiful games in the town festivities.1 The most famous of all town festivities were those of San Juan. In a previous issue, we shared the description of the Puerto Rican horses made by the French naturist An-

Paso Fino fair at Plaza Las Delicias in Ponce.

dré-Pierre Ledrú. His observations were made during “Las Carreras de San Juan” in 1797.

Another old tradition was the glass of water challenge, where the riders hold in their hand a glass of water filled up to the brim. The test is done to prove the smoothness of the Paso Fino gait, and the rider that spills less water wins the challenge. This is so ingrained in our culture that Disney featured it in the movie “Cristobalito, the Calypso Colt,” which aired in 1970.

In 1846, Manel González published his book “El Gíbaro.” In it, he makes an appeal to the “Sociedad de Amigos del País” (Friends of the Country Society) to improve the Puerto Rican horses. It is very likely that the Society used González’s ideas in the awarding of prizes at the Fairs Exhibitions. He suggested the following classes: 2

1- “A la mejor yegua de vientre” (the best breeding mare).

2- “Al caballo más ligero” (the fastest horse).

3- “Al más bien domado y enseñado” (the best tamed and trained horse).

4- “Al más corpulento y de mayor fuerza” (the most corpulent and strongest horse).

5- “Al de mejor estampa” (the most beautiful horse).3 The first “Feria Exposición” (Fair Exhibition) was celebrated in San Juan from June 8 to 23 of 1854. This was inspired by the Great Exhibition4 celebrated in London in 1851. Included among the winners were: 1- Patros, owned by Carlos Micard, as the fastest in the race.

2- Palanqueta, owned by Maximino Saldaña, as the fastest at “andadura” (ambling).

3- Bravo, owned by Fernando Roig, as the most beautiful in Bellas Formas.

4- Canario, owned by Bartolomé Elzaburú, as the strongest and more muscular.

5- José Ramón Aponte was awarded a stallion imported from Europe for having the largest breeding farm.5 There were several Fairs and other contests during the following years, but the Paso Fino cannot be considered a sport until 1943 when the first organization was formed.

The first formal Paso Fino competition was celebrated on June 27, 1943, at Las Monjas racetrack in Hato Rey. The winners were:

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Schooling Paso Fino Colts

Condiciones Gerales Horses

1- Hidalgo, owned by Awilda Colón

1- Dorado, owned by Juan Wirshing

2- Dulce Sueño Jr., owned by Amador González

2- Ponce, owned by José Pesquera

3- Copita, owned by Félix Serrallés

Semental del Año (Stallion of the year)

Paso Fino Horses

1- Príncipe, owned by Eduardo Méndez

1- Duce, owned by Lorenzo Colón

2- Niño, owned by Eastern Sugar

2- San José, owned by Antonio Roig

3- Principe Rubio, owned by Eastern Sugar6

3- Sonny Boy, owned by Jack Navarro Schooling Bellas Formas Colts 1- Copita, owned by Félix Serrallés 2- Primado, owned by Rafael Balseiro 3- El Notable, owned by Ramón Suárez

Paso Fino fair in San Germán, PR.

In the beginning, the Paso Fino shows were a means for breeders to compare their horses and make decisions on their breeding programs. But as the sport evolved, the shows became an end in themselves.

The development of the first organization is a good example of how the concept changed over time. The first organization established on the island in 1943 was called “Asociación de Dueños de Caballos de Silla de Puerto Rico” (Puerto Rican Saddle Horse Owners Association). The focus was on the Paso Fino as a saddle horse breed. Ten years later, in 1953, the word “Deporte” (Sport) was added to the name of the organization. Then, in 1965, it finally changed its name to “Federación del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico” (Puerto Rican Paso Fino Horse Sport’s Federation).

These name changes reveal the evolution of the regulating organization from one focused on the breed to another whose main concern is the sport.

In 1952, Governor Luis Muñoz Marín proclaimed the Paso Fino as the Official Sport of Puerto Rico; and in 1978, Governor Carlos Romero Barcelo signed Law #87 declaring the Paso Fino as the Autochthonous Sport of Puerto Rico.

During the X Central American and Caribbean Games that took place in Puerto Rico in 1966, Puerto Rico, as the host country, presented a Paso Fino competition as the National Exhibition Sport. Poseidón, owned by Rafael Velázquez Grillo, was the Champion of that show. Francisco Hurtado, from Panama, Technical Director of the Organization said about the Paso Fino: “It is the most beautiful show presented by a host country, of a National Sport.”

Today, a Paso Fino competition on the island has the

following classes: Bellas Formas, Paso Fino (from schooling colts and fillies to adult horses and mares), and equitation (from little boys and girls to adults). Years back there was the “Condiciones Generales” (General Condition) class, where 6

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Siboney El Brujo and Cupido at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.

horses were evaluated not at the Paso Fino gait, but at Paso Corto and Paso Largo. In this class, the meekness of the horse was also evaluated and in some shows, an Andadura race was included. During last “Feria Dulce Sueño” (Dulce Sueño Fair) in May 2022, the Condiciones Generales class was included after decades without it. This is a good precedent as this class showcases the versatility of the breed. Let’s hope that the other organizations on the island also decide to bring this class back at their regular shows.

The shows on the mainland differ greatly from the shows on the island. Remember our previous issues, where we explained that the Paso Fino was brought to the continental United States when the military stationed on the island returned home? When they were on the island, besides

the shows, they used their horses for gymkhana, trail riding, and other equestrian activities. When they started to show their horses on the mainland, they wanted competitions that were fun and showcased the versatility of the breed.

The Condiciones Generales class from the island evolved into the Pleasure and Performance classes. Paso Fino enthusiasts on the mainland recognized that there are three types of horses within the breed. All three are Paso Finos, but while the Classic Fino is the elite show type of horse, the Pleasure and Performance horses are the backbone of the breed and represent the working-versatile type. Let’s see how Lynn Gallup, a certified judge by the PFHA (Paso Fino Horse Association), describes these three divisions:

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The Classic Fino Division The Classic Fino horse is like a “prima-ballerina in tap dance” mode. He has slow forward speed movement while demonstrating a very rapid rhythmic footfall, maintaining an even and symmetrical 4-beat gait. The Classic Fino horse should be energetic and not be forced into a Fino gait with heavy restraint. The horse is required to execute the Classic Fino gait when moving, and a halt and reverse.

The Performance Division The Performance horse appears to be in “turbo-charged” mode. The Performance horse is fancy and animated in his movements. He performs a collected walk; an energetic, powerful Corto, and an extended stride in a Largo speed maintaining his driving action and a collected presence.

Performance horses often have a big motor with a reardrive executing with elevated symmetrical action and rolling hocks, all combined with quickness of footfall.

The Pleasure Division The Pleasure horse appears as a “ten-speed bicycle out on a scenic bike route.” His efforts are more relaxed

than the performance horse, but while still maintaining a mild collection. He appears to float along in a very willing manner with a pleasant pleasing attitude. The unrestrained walk should be flat-footed, the mildly-collected Corto is responsive and smooth, and the Largo should be slightly collected with a clear transition from Corto to Largo speed.

Excessive speed at the Largo often causes the horse to get strung out in the rear which is not desirable. The Pleasure horse must demonstrate a back or it cannot place. Manners and a willing attitude are very important in the Pleasure Paso Fino, who also maintains a classy presence.7 Since we have mentioned the tree gaits—Fino, Corto, and Largo—it is proper that we share a brief description of them: Classic Fino – Forward speed is very slow, and the footfall is extremely rapid while the steps and extension are exceedingly short. To be executed fully collected.

Paso Corto – Forward speed is moderate, ground-covering but unhurried, executed with medium extension and stride. The degree of collection desired varies with class requirements.

Classic Fino Mares championship at the Classic Celebration Show in Columbia, SC.

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and Largo gaits are only used in the Condiciones Generales class, which is not in use.

Dr. Carlos Gaztambide Arrillaga, in his book “Breeding Better Paso Fino Horses,” makes an important remark: In judging the Paso Fino of today, we should adhere as much as possible to the original definition outlined by the first association who described the Paso Fino as follows: “A short swift gait executed with rhythm and cadence, with elasticity and softness of movements, and the greatest comfort for the rider.” Soon thereafter, the following addendum was made to include appearance, beauty, and conformation: “This gait should be executed with grace, poise, proudness, elegance, carrying the neck arched, the ears pricked and the tail well extended.” These principles for judging the Paso Fino are basic to its preservation and success as a breed. If they are changed basically the result will be a new breed, or rather a different breed.

No matter what show structure we use (island or mainland), or if we showcase the breed as an exhibition or working-versatile horse, we must keep the definition of the gait(s) and the show rules true to the origins of the Paso Fino horse. True to what the breed was developed to be: a saddle horse.

Brillador de Pisgah with his owner, Clifford Fisher.

Paso Largo – The fastest speed of the gait. The Largo is executed with a longer extension and stride. Forward speed varies with the individual horse, since each horse should attain its top speed in harmony with its own natural stride and cadence. The degree of collection desired varies with class requirements.8 Shows on the island are designed to showcase the Classic Fino horses only, while shows on the mainland are intended to heighten the versatility of the breed. On the island, all horses are evaluated under one single gait definition (Paso Fino) equivalent to the Classic Fino on the mainland.

These horses were supposed to perform the Fino gait only, but more often than not, the judges have the challenge of evaluating the Pleasure or Performance type of horses shown at the Corto gait by the Fino standard. The Corto

There is also a difference in the Bellas Formas classes, but not as notable as in the gaited classes. Let’s continue with Mrs. Gallup’s description: The Bellas Formas or Conformation Division A Paso Fino in conformation is judged on its likeness to the breed standard and Paso Fino phenotype. Simply, it needs to look like a Paso Fino! Balance of the body parts and correct structure is important for the horse to maintain soundness and perform a smooth gait that tracks straight, even, and symmetrical. Transmissible faults are to be penalized as this is considered a breeding class. The Bellas Formas horse with a handler(s) enters the ring at either a Corto or Fino gait demonstrating its quality of gait. The horse lines up in the center of the ring for a closer examination of its conformation. The horse should be squared up and remain alert at inspection. Its teeth and bite can be examined for abnormalities while a stallion may be checked for normal testicle count and size. The horse should be mannerly in the line-up.

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Halloween Costume Class at the Classic Celebration Show in Columbia, SC.

The major difference in the Bellas Formas between Puerto Rico and the United States is the attitude towards this competition. While Puerto Rican enthusiasts have lost interest in these classes and just a few horses are shown; in the United States it is still very important. I believe that the loss of size and the many conformation faults on the island’s horses is the reason the Bellas Formas classes stopped being popular. On the other hand, the breeders on the mainland took care to maintain the size and conformation that the Paso Fino standards ask for and are so important in the Bellas Formas classes.

The equitation classes on the island are very popular and we have many participants of all ages at every show.

But if not managed properly and focused too much on the competitive aspect of the Paso Fino, it might encourage sport over breed. Let me explain ... On the island, there is an annual show for equitation only (Justas de Equitación).

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Participants qualify in the different shows during the year and then compete by teams in the Justas. Most of the participants are children and if we do not inculcate a love for the breed in those early years, then they might look at the Paso Fino, not as a breed but just as another sport. If the love for the breed is not what motivates these young people, they could migrate to Colombian competitions in the same way that an equestrian does not care if he is riding on a Dutch Warmblood or a Holstein or a Thoroughbred. Don’t take me wrong, it is fine to participate in many equestrian disciplines at once, but we, as Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino owners and lovers, should be the first to teach our youngsters that our breed is unique and different from other Paso breeds. If we don’t do it, then who will?

Shows should be fun too. For example, in the Classic Celebration Show, which the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Federation celebrates every year as part of the South Carolina

State Fair, there are many fun classes. Costume classes (Traditional and Halloween), races, and exhibitions are just a few examples of how participating in a show could be much more than winning a prize.

But I believe that the most important thing about the shows is not the competition, the prizes, not even the fun we have, but the people we meet and the memories we make. Shows are a way of getting together and fraternizing.

Shows need horses, but they also need people ... Good people! Horse people! Paso Fino people! Without the horses’ owners, the riders, the fans, and people that admire and love the breed, everything else will lack purpose.

In the Summer Issue, we discussed the dangers of breeding for show purposes alone. But not showing at all could also be dangerous. We need to measure the progress of the breed! I know, this could be done at the trail or working, but—as Gaztambide told us—a breed should be true to its definition, to its standard, and this can only be measured when we compare our horses to other horses, side by side.

Although the Puerto Rican Paso Fino is a versatile breed that could excel in many equestrian disciplines, the Classic Fino is the jewel in the crown, and we can only admire them at shows. Performance and Pleasure horses are also a very important part of our breed and the foundation of the working-versatile horse we value so much. Shows give us the opportunity to appreciate all our breed has to offer at the same time and in one place.

Paso Fino shows, by themselves, are just another equestrian sport. But, if well organized, they can be a great way to expose our horses to the world. This way shows become an indispensable part of the conservation, promotion, and improvement of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed.

A note on the Colombian and American Paso Fino sport in the United States Paso Fino is the name of a breed, is the name of its distinctive gait, and is the name of the sport developed to showcase such a breed. Paso Fino IS the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino. No other.

United State military fell in love with the Paso Fino horses while there were stationed on the island and brought their horses with them when they returned home. The first

Camelia de Pride and Eduardo Figueroa in the Classic Fino Mare Class.

organization on the mainland was formed in 1964 under the name American Paso Fino Pleasure Horse Association (now renamed, American Paso Fino Horse Association (APFHA), please refer to the history article in our first issue).

This organization was formed with the horses brought by the military members. Later, in 1972, the PFOBA (Paso Fino Owners & Breeders Association) was born because of the interest in showing. Then, in 1985, it changed its name to PFHA (Paso Fino Horse Association).

The description of the breed first written for APFHA (and assumed by the PFOBA/PFHA) was taken from the Puerto Rican Paso Fino (from the Federación del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico, which was the first organization on the island). The same happened with the show

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Celebrity Class lineup at the Classic Celebration Show in Columbia, SC.

rules adopted by the PFOBA and the PFHA, it was based on the show rules for the Puerto Rican Paso Fino sport on the island.

George LaHood wrote: “The first major importations of these ‘new horses’ were from Puerto Rico; consequently, the first show rules in the United States used Puerto Rican terms and those terms have now become widely accepted.”9 Why is this important? Because after 1970, Colombians changed the name of their Paso horses from Paso Colombiano (or Paso Castellano) to Paso Fino to market their horses in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The Colombian Paso or Colombian Paso Fino is not a breed, but a modality or type of horse within the Colombian Creole Horse breed (Caballo Criollo Colombiano). This breed has lateral and diagonal gaited horses split on four modalities: Trote y Galope (P1), Trocha y Galope (P2), Trocha Colombiana (P3) y Paso Fino Colombiano (P4).

The first three have diagonal gaits and the P4 (Colombian Paso Fino) is the only allegedly lateral. It is a fact that until the last few decades, many breeders crossbred horses from different modalities and the offspring were registered as per the gait they show. It is also a fact that some Colombian Paso Fino started their show careers as Trochadores, some

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even win championships on Trocha before they got into the Paso Fino gait.

The Colombian Paso Fino gait is similar to the Puerto Rican Paso Fino gait, but it is not identical. Ideas like naturally gaited since birth, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo, are Puerto Rican concepts. Many Colombian Paso Finos are said to “rest in Trocha” (which means that the Trocha is the natural gait because horses rest in the gait that is more natural to them). The Colombian Paso Fino was supposed to make the Trocha Castellana (an uneven 4-beats gait) to cover ground, instead of the Paso Corto and Paso Largo of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. These are part of the differences between the breeds. Differences that are not just conceptual but genetic.

The American Paso Fino, following the United States melting-pot tradition, is crossbred between Puerto Ricans and Colombians (and some Peruvian and Cuban horses too). The theory behind the crosses was to get the best of both: the natural smooth gait of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino with the bigger size and arrogant presence of the Colombian Paso. Some, in an effort to justify these crosses, even proposed that “Paso Finos” are all the Paso breeds that descend from the Spanish horses brought to America by the Con-

querors. This idea disregards the effort and passion that the breeders in each country put to work to develop their own horse breed.

The actual problem in the PFHA is that they must collate the description of the Puerto Rican breed to a population of mostly Colombian horses. The problem worsens as the PFHA tries to comply with CONFEPASO standards and rules. A one-breed association, with a description of a different breed than the population it houses, cannot comply with a multi-breed or multi-modalities horse confederation without creating confusion.

Why is this important to the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino owners? Clearly, it is not our responsibility to sort these discrepancies. But in a market that considers every “Paso Fino” to be the same, these misconceptions affect the public perception of our Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed.

Endnotes: 1 Historia Cronológica del Caballo Puertorriqueño (Revisada y Actualizada), Dr. José M. Laracuente, 2011.

2 “Jíbaro” is a term used for a rural inhabitant of the mountains of the island; similar to the term hillbilly used on the mainland. Today is used as a moniker of pride in Puerto Rico.

3 El Gíbaro: Cuadro de Costumbres de la Isla de Puerto Rico, Manuél A. Alonso, 1849.

4 Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations.

5 Historia Cronológica del Caballo Puertorriqueño (Revisada y Actualizada), Dr. José M. Laracuente, 2011.

6 Ibid.

7 The Smoothest Ride website, http://www.geocities.ws/lynngallup/ smoothestride/index.html 8 Paso Fino: An Owner Guide, Wendy Spring, 1983.

9 The American Paso Fino, George J. LaHood Jr. and Rosalie MacWilliam, 1976.

Photos from Francisco Rodríguez collection. Photos from the Classic Celebration Show by Romualdo Olazábal.

Traditional Costume Class at the Classic Celebration Show in Columbia, SC.

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COVER FARM

Born to Show: Buckeye Ridge Farms William Arias Jr. William Arias Jr. is a retired U.S. Navy Commander. William is a native of Puerto Rico, and has dedicated his retirement days to conserving the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. He owns Hacienda Borikén in Kentucky along with his wife Teresa.

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t’s the time of year we Paso Fino lovers anticipate: the annual pilgrimage to the South Carolina State Fair, home of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino Celebration Show! The show is the only venue in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to our breed and presents an opportunity to showcase this great creation. Columbia, South Carolina has become the place to be in October for Puerto Rican Paso Fino (PRPF) enthusiasts. All year long, beginning almost immediately with the end of the show, we start thinking about next year.

Well, guess what! Next year is here! The opportunity to show our horses is once again upon us but it’s much more than just showing.

Throughout the years many folks and families have shown their treasured Puerto Rican Paso Finos at the annual Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America Celebration Show. Lifelong relationships have been established in the midst of friendly competitions. Consistent with the central theme of this issue of Born to Gait our featured farm is nurtured by a family with a lifelong tradition of showing.

Enveloped by the oak and pine forests of the glorious

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Ozark’s Springfield Plateau is the premier Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino farm of Missouri, Buckeye Ridge Farms.

The farm is located in Lockwood, a small community in southwest Missouri that is only a short drive from the “Queen City of the Ozarks,” Springfield, MO. Here you will find Tracy Hernández leading a farm dedicated to breeding and supporting the smoothest riding horse in the world: the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino!

Buckeye Ridge Farms has been in the same family for 40 years. Although not always named Buckeye Ridge Farms, the land was originally purchased by Tracy’s parents as the location for their retirement dream home in the middle of a hundred acre woods. The property also boasts of a beautiful bubbling year round creek. The beautiful new home joined the existing homestead, several outbuildings and a small barn. Tracy joined her mother when her Dad passed away to help her manage the property. Of course, Tracy brought her beloved Paso Finos. Tracy’s mother was also an avid rider and the two shared many hours of saddle time.

Tracy’s Mom has passed away but her mother’s 31 year old mare is still spry and hangs out with the guard donkey.

Tracy Hernández with Furioso at the Classic Celebration Show in Columbia, SC.

Tracy’s relationship with horses has been a lifelong experience and she “cannot remember life without horses.”

One of her earliest pictures, when she was less than two years old, is of her with an ear to ear grin while sitting on a horse. Even though as a young child she didn’t own a horse, she recalls perusing the Sears Roebuck Christmas Catalog for saddles and tack while foregoing the more traditional interests of her peers such as toys, clothing, and jewelry.

Her first exposure to PR Paso Finos was made possible by her aunt and uncle. Her aunt fell in love with PR Paso Finos while living in Puerto Rico. Her aunt’s husband, an Air Force veteran, was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. During their time at Ramey they were introduced to the PR Paso Fino and quickly realized this was a great ride! In the early 1960’s they brought a stallion and 5 mares to their ranch in Alabama.

Tracy has never owned anything but a Paso Fino. She

has ridden many other horses but nothing compares. Her first Paso Fino ride was on a black Fino stallion at her uncle’s farm. She could not remember his name other than that it included Royale. Beginning with that first ride, she “was

absolutely hooked, there was nothing else like it!” She would go to friends’ houses and ride Quarter Horses or any other horses and “it just wasn’t the same thing.”

In her early 20’s her uncle gifted her Galante de Estefan, a Puerto Rican mix. He had been breeding for color and quality (particularly pintos because they sell well). But Tracy opines he should have stayed with the pure horse because “you can’t ride color ... sorry.” However, Galante was a sturdy little horse and she rode him everywhere. She needed a second horse for her son, Jesse, so her uncle found her a Columbian Paso from Florida. She was great and pretty so now they had a couple of horses they could use for trail riding.

Shortly afterward, a lady neighbor got them started with showing. They attended an annual event in Springfield, Missouri, and smaller more frequent local shows. Their horses drew attention because in that area most gaited horses were Missouri Fox Trotters. When trail riding, they would gait for a while, then stop to wait for the other horses. Folks would ask, “Is that a Paso Fino?”, because there were so few in the area. “The shows were so much fun because you were pushing your horse to be their absolute best. You are making

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her life and she remembers seeing that smile for the first time and thinking, “o’gosh who is that!” About that time, she had just gotten another Paso from her uncle, a black and white pinto named Tokala whose conformation wasn’t great but was very well gaited. She talked Héctor into training Tokala so that she would have an excuse to visit him. Tracy was working full time as a nurse 3 days a week but she would still make it out to the farm 4 to 5 days a week and help train horses. This is where Tracy would extend her knowledge from knowing what they were supposed to look like to getting them there.

Tracy bought a magnificent Columbian pleasure Paso at this farm named Louis the IV FF. With this horse she could go to more than local shows and be competitive. She traveled to shows in Kansas, Mississippi, and many other places.

Louis was very successful and in one show they ended up with enough points to qualify for Nationals. Although she has never participated in Paso Fino Horse Association Nationals, Tracy has attended as a spectator. Tracy and Héctor loved watching the Finos but “it’s not just about the horses, but the friends you’ve met along the road and haven’t seen in forever: the show becomes an excuse” to rekindle friendships and visit.

Héctor Hernández with Don Juan.

sure their noses are trimmed, their ears are trimmed, and they are looking their best.” But she wasn’t sure how to get them to be their best because there weren’t any trainers in the area. She knew what they were supposed to look like but not how to get them there.

But then she met Héctor, at a Paso Fino show of course, in Springfield, MO in 1998! He was training horses for a lady in Marshfield, MO. Héctor would become the love of

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Héctor had Puerto Rican Paso Finos. Tracy notes that you did not have to “train” them. Getting them in shape and developing their endurance and movements and turns was necessary but “their gait was so much more natural and smoother than the Columbian Pasos. The Columbian Pasos would get out of gait and get into the Trocha stuff and just get choppy.” She loves riding her PR Paso Finos because they seem to be more stable and focused while the Columbian Pasos are more flighty. Héctor once bought Tracy a beautiful Colombian Paso mare because he knew she liked her. The mare had been born in the Dominican Republic, shipped to Florida, lived in Wisconsin, and Héctor bought her in Arkansas. Everyone admired her beauty, spectacular conformation and gait but she could not focus. “After about 20 yards she would just lose it.” She’s not sure if she just doesn’t have the patience anymore to deal with the Colombian Paso brain or if she is just spoiled by the Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

Héctor was born in Guayama, PR, and learned about Paso Finos from his grandfather. Sometime during grade school, Héctor and his mother moved to New York City.

Héctor would purposefully misbehave so that his mother would send him back to Puerto Rico during the summers.

His grandfather was very dedicated and meticulous in his tried and true training approach. As such, Héctor became his protégé and adopted a similar style. Héctor’s grandfather had a powerful stallion that was his pride and joy and bar-hopping horse. Héctor wanted to ride the stallion but his grandfather would not let him ride it. He had to earn the privilege. Ultimately, Héctor was able to ride him and the first couple of times resulted in meeting dirt. There was a time Tracy liked those fire breathing dragons, but not these days.

and movement. Buckeye Ridge’s current bloodlines are from Fleco de Oro and Héctor’s stallions Juan Jesús and Sonero.

Sonero was like Fred Astaire; he would walk down the road and never miss a beat. He would do anything you asked and turn on a dime and with perfect manners. He was a gentleman. Juan Jesús came from Pennsylvania. Having been branded a bad horse because of his rearing up, he had been in a stall for three years. When Héctor came to get him the horse walked out with no issues. Yes, he reared but it was on command, he never struck out nor reared without command.

His rearing cue was “bad boy, bad boy.” He produced pretty babies with good size.

Héctor did not own any horses while in Puerto Rico and did not show much but he and Tracy attended two Dulce Sueño shows in Guayama, numerous shows across the island, and the weeklong 2011 Mundial at the San Juan Coliseum. She recalls 40 stallions, side by side, at the Mundial and all perfectly still, behaving properly. It was a spectacular event! Any trip they took to Puerto Rico was centered on attending horse shows.

Having shown on the mainland and observing shows in Puerto Rico, Tracy shares that the shows in Puerto Rico are all about the gait; particularly its consistency and the footfall, but not necessarily its rapidity. “It doesn’t have to sound like an automatic weapon going off, that’s lovely, I love that sound, that’s great but I want to see the execution, the mannerisms of that horse ... it should be gait, gait, gait, without missing a beat.” It should not be about speed and power. “If you want a horse to take you from point A to point B you want something that is going to get you there in the smoothest way possible without jarring your back.” It

Some of Tracy’s favorite horses throughout the years include Mago de Pride. She believes he represents what the Puerto Rican Paso Fino should be in conformation, attitude

Tracy Hernández in the Senior’s Pleasure Class lineup.

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doesn’t have to be flamboyant. “If they can keep 3 feet on the ground at all times, that will impress me; it’s not the fire breathing dragon stuff.”

The Celebration show is comparable to the shows in Puerto Rico but it is a much smaller group of owners. It’s a chance for all of the people who love these horses to get together and celebrate the passion that we own these horses.

We are all so far apart that it’s difficult to get together more often. It helps to keep us connected, supporting each other, comparing training methods, observing what is being done well, and what can we do to keep this up. The wide variety of events in the Celebration show demonstrates the versatility of the breed. Yes! A Paso Fino can flat walk! There is more than just the Classic Fino.

Near home, Tracy takes her horses to local shows where they barrel race, pole bend, and run flags, showing people the adaptability of the breed. “Maybe not as fast as the

Tabby Sue with Don Juan.

Quarter Horse but we can do it with style.” She shares about her Fino mare that did the poles in 1 minute 32 seconds (a good pole run is 20-22 seconds!) while staying in gait the entire time: not a record breaker but definitely stylish!

Tracy enjoys showing so that others can see the amazing qualities of these horses. When asked if these are show horses she merely replies that these are my daily mounts.

There is more in the world than Quarter Horse and trotters.

She also gets asked how they are trained to walk that way to which she casually points out that they are born to gait with no training required. Many people have not heard of them and getting the word out is important. Trail rides are also wonderful opportunities to show off.

As regards the future of the breed, Tracy wants to keep the breed pure with no dilution. “If you have something that works keep it.” She cares for, trains and rides her horses in

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the show this year: Tracy, her son Jesse, his wife Tabby Sue, and the grandchildren plus their new Belgian Malinois.

Presently, the farm has a wonderful stallion from Juan Jesús named Don Juan. The farm offers training, lessons, and boarding. Don Juan is also available for stud service.

Visitors are always welcome! In addition to horses, you will also be greeted by Buckeye Ridge’s very prolific Dorper meat sheep, and the guard Macaw, Harley.

If you visit the farm today you will be greeted by a special barn! A center round pen is surrounded along the perimeter by individual stalls with a circular alley. Of course you want to visit Tracy, but this unique barn adds to the experience ... just watch for Harley.

Don Juan at Buckeye Ridge Farms.

competition believing that in order to show most successfully you have to be involved in all aspects of the horse’s life.

For many years, Buckeye Ridge Farms has been breeding and training Pasos. Tracy loves “their effortless ability to maintain their wonderful gait, their stamina, and their dedicated heart that gives it all! During show, trail, and just in the fields, their head are held high and their ability to move out in gait every time, without a cue, without training, tricks or special equipment is just amazing! They are BORN to GAIT.” Héctor has passed away, but the mission continues. He would be proud of the dedicated efforts of Tracy’s son Jesse and his wife Tabby. The entire family is proudly committed to the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino, supporting the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America, and all our friends and fellow enthusiasts. The entire family will be at

Tracy Hernández with Don Juan.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

In Memory of Fiesta Fantasy, Pure Puerto Rican Mare (1980 - 2013) Karen Nesbitt

I

n the mid and late seventies, the only horses for me were trotters. I owned a few. My best horse at the time though was a registered American Quarter horse I called Sonny. He was a golden buckskin and he and I did everything. We rode trails, did gymkhana, and I rode him so much that I began having knee problems from his trotting. By 1979, at the age of 22, I thought my riding days were over. I had cracked my knee on a barrel one too many times and the pain was inevitable to be lifelong. My mounting leg was getting so bad I started mounting up on the off side. And my balance riding was off because of my weaker leg.

One day I was at a horse show where I had barrel raced Sonny and it was a long day. I had so much pain and walking was no pleasure. About midway through that show, a small group of people brought their funny gaited horses, and they had the show’s attention for the halftime lunch break.

As I watched their demonstration, my thoughts started ceasing of having to stop riding because of the degenerating pain in my knee. Were these horses as smooth as they claimed? The horses they presented were Paso Finos. Was there really a light at the end of the tunnel for my horse career? All my life I wanted to ride and train, but deep down I wanted to raise foals and have a stallion with a small herd.

It was a big dream for a young woman with bad bones. And yes, they were as smooth as could be!

That afternoon, I came by the group’s trailer and talked with the people while I ran my fingers through their horses’ 20

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long beautiful manes. It felt awesome petting their beautiful calm horses, but more so, I was amazed at their gait and the fire and smoothness they presented while being ridden. I asked if I could try a ride and one of the gals handed me the reins and I was on for the ride of my life. I had never ever ridden such a smooth horse! I smiled nearly breaking inside with joy and I handed the reins of her horse back. What they say about that Paso Fino smile is absolutely true. I was so happy and started to hobble back to my trailer when I turned back, and I asked if I could ride it again. We talked and I asked where I could find such a horse for my own.

Sadly though, my beloved Sonny and the trotting horses in my life would come to an end.

My search began. My search, however, was nearly shattered because of the cost of these wonderful animals.

My Quarter Horse days were over, and I knew I had to sell my trotters. I never paid that much money for any of my trotters! So, I was off on my journey down the Paso Fino path digging deep into my shallow pockets.

I visited several local farms. Local meant having to travel good distances to nearby states: Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and farms in my state. All were few and far between. And I rode every Paso Fino horse I could. Finally, I found a Pure Puerto Rican filly that while she was pricey, I had to have her. Her name was Fiesta Fantasy. Her price was softened with the offer of a stud service by the seller to one of her Paso Fino stallions. He was not a Pure Puerto Rican, but was considered an American cross of the strains as he had

into her house. And so was the case with my Fiesta. Fiesta got an early education in learning about four quarter time, after all, she was born to gait. She loved music and learned how to play the piano. Little did she know she would have a forever home with me while we learned together about her heritage and her amazing gait.

When I acquired Fiesta, I had to board her long enough to pay her off and while boarding her, I would ride her as much as I could. One day in 1983, I took her up to a horse fair in Wisconsin. It was her first public appearance and more of a horse show of sorts where breeders of all breeds could come and have their turn in the ring to demonstrate and promote their breed. I remember riding her in a Spanish Costume that I made from a long dress. In the ring, I demonstrated her gaits. She would flat walk, gait the corto and largo, she could canter as well. She was a horse of great stride and had a fabulous largo, the 4-beat extension of the Fino to which she was the fastest and smoothest Paso Fino of any strain I had ever ridden. It would be many years before I discovered how awesome that largo was. In costume, she sent my long dress flowing. I also rode her in a western saddle and demonstrated her walk and her canter.

Columbian lines and some Puerto Rican and he gaited the 4-beats fine step of the Paso Finos. So how could I resist a 2 for one! He was a horse that was available. And it was common in that day to cross the different breed lines of Paso Fino strains.

Fiesta was a purebred Puerto Rican Paso Fino mare.

And was my dream ride. She was foaled in 1980 and I believe she was brought into the USA from Puerto Rico in the belly of her dam. She came to this country by some people who lived in Puerto Rico on the Ramey Airbase. I acquired her as a long 2-year-old that had very little training. She was very green but was broke enough to be saddled and so it began. I also knew nothing of training a Paso and we had a lifetime of learning to do.

Fiesta’s very being extended from a lot of old traditional great Island champions and renowned horses. The great Dulce Sueño, Batalla, Deleite, and many more. Her breeder

planned her pedigree very carefully. She came from fast well gaited lines.

As a foal, the lady that owned Fiesta pampered her horses. They were so docile, she even allowed them to come

From that horse fair up in Wisconsin, my journey with the breed took me to the show ring while at the same time I was promoting the breed through some journalism. I would write a column called the “Paso Fino Path” for one of our local papers. Meanwhile, Fiesta and I took to the show ring, and back in those days, the Paso Fino was a small group of people and the horses numbered less than 20,000 Paso Finos in the US and Canada, not all Pure Puerto Rican, but they were of all the strains. At the time, too, we knew almost all of the owners in the Great Lakes area who were the founding of the breeds association. Back then it was known as the Paso Fino Owners and Breeders Association (PFOBA for short). Later the association morphed into what is now known as the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA). This association has been the American registry of all Pasos and at the time it had also included a small number of Peruvians (which were a totally different breed with a gait that made the horses’ legs swing out from the shoulder in an action called the “termino”).

Back then if it gaited 4-beat, it was considered a Paso Fino, and also that registry logged the other strains of Paso Finos which came from Columbia, the Dominican Republic, BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

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to find stallions of purity and I was not able to obtain the goals I wanted in producing my replicas of the Puerto Rican horse.

My first foal with Fiesta was not a full Puerto Rican and had Columbian lines. It was a filly and while not full-blooded, she was well gaited and beautiful. I sold this foal at a Paso Fino auction. While after showing her in lines and to my amazement, she brought the highest price at that sale! After that, I start seeking Pure Puerto Rican stallions.

Fiesta in her life would go on to have 10 foals, but sadly not all were pure Puerto Rican, and most were crossed with horses of some Columbian blood.

and many of the islands where it was speculated that Christopher Columbus brought the descendants of these horses to the Americas. Each strain had a trait that it was known for, but since the registry logged them, people interbred the different Paso Fino breeds causing what was known in the USA as the American Paso Fino.

Back in this day, it was not uncommon to breed for the new Paso Horse of America, but sadly it was losing the purity of the strains and causing, especially the lines of the Pure Puerto Rican horses, to be diluted, and the PPR horses in numbers to severely decline.

As a young new breeder, I learned early on that Pure Puerto Rican horses were most rare, and pure blood was hard to find. As a new rider to the breed, I learned early on that the Pure Puerto Rican horses were very special and were the smoothest of all the Paso Fino breeds that I encountered. I also realized the dilution of the strains was going to cause the decline of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed and there was little that could be done.

As I got more into the Paso breeds, my love was for the pure Puerto Rican horses, and to which I wanted to do a little breeding and work to save the pureness. It was hard

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Due to how scattered the pure lines were across the USA, it was very hard to find the right bloodlines. And the money to do the breeding of some of the horses I found was even harder to come by. Veterinarians were scarce and many would not perform any artificial inseminations and the risk of those breedings was too high. I had to accept the fact that I was not going to be able to preserve a PPR line for my herd. And it would take me years and a lot of money no matter what stallions I picked.

I realized quickly that the Pure Puerto Rican horses were going to be having issues retaining pure lines. In my breedings, I had no choice but to cross over into the other strains on her foals if I was to have any foals at all.

Another discouragement, I did not like what I saw happening in the show ring back then and while Fiesta was quite competitive and a National qualifier in every class and all the years I took her to shows, money to travel to show National was always a problem so she never saw the National show ring. We competed in performance, versatility, pleasure, costume, and western pleasure.

The biggest damper on it all came when we finally bred for a full Puerto Rican horse and had a chance to enter him in the registry’s stallion futurities at the time. He was an awesome stallion, and we did offer up a stud service through the futurities, only to later be told by someone in the registry that she had to guarantee someone’s horses that were coming into the country a bid or their horses would not be coming. And as it ended, we did not get any bid on our PPR stallion because of the insider bid fixing. How dare the association function this way.

Looking back, today I feel it was a really bad thing but

a program in our area, but we delighted in people coming to the ranch to see our horses and sharing our story and giving them a ride. A therapy riding venture required a lot of money and many volunteers. Neither of which we had.

It has been many years now that my husband and I have owned and loved our beloved Pasos and, in this time, we had raised quite a few, and, to this day, we still have a commitment into our golden years. Through the decades, we discovered how great a horse Fiesta was. While she was a show-horse at one time, we were happy to do something other than the Paso Fino Shows. We were committed to our horses and dedicated to our end. And in all those years we remained to this day faithful to the breed and its remarkable versatility.

also a good one as I could not bear to be exposed to more of what we saw and later experienced at the show-ring through the association. It was a sad state of affairs to see and even more so, how the PPR horses were being denied a chance to blossom. The PPR was being exterminated by the association that was meant to hold their records. A crisis in the making.

Fiesta was very versatile. I took her in parades, and she would proudly carry a flag. She was one of 10 horses in a group that I organized for the Chicago Christmas Parade.

First time ever that parade had a breed in it called the Paso Fino. We did breed demonstrations showing off her heritage to a public that did not know what Paso was, and we took her to gaming shows as I did with my beloved Quarter Horse, Sonny. She barrels raced and did poles. She did a

In particular fell on our PPR stallion, which took us years to acquire, and which did not obtain any bid because of this. It was a great discouragement to see how the breed was changing and how the association was being run. The horses in the breed were developing away from the original intention of the breeds both in the Columbian lines and in the Pure Puerto Rican lines, as well and the Pure Puerto Rican lines were on their way to a crisis of survival due to this. It was very upsetting to not have the promotion from that association no less for that association to do some good and do what that PPR horse as a breed deserved.

One of my long-shot dreams because of my deteriorating bones was to begin a therapy riding program with my fine-stepping horses, but in 2001 before that even presented a thought, my husband fell ill with cancer, and we wondered what we were going to do with our lives because of his sickness and how would we take care of the horses. One of his doctors said to start a therapy program for riders with disabilities. This portion of that part of our dream was not going to be, we found no further means of support for such

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time but to enjoy and see how good of an endurance animal she was and to complete the course simply in good condition. She had a fantastic largo that was smoother than any Paso I had ridden. She exceeded my expectations. And while she did not win the race in overall time against her all-breed competitors, she still brought home honors for being Best of Breed in that competition and it was her first competitive trail ever.

fabulous slide stop in the keyhole, and water races were no trouble. We even did some extensive trail riding.

The gymkhana gamers would always ask me what I was doing at “their” shows on a horse like that. Paso Finos were really not welcome at their shows because they were considered an oddity and there was much prejudice, but since the gaming shows were open class shows where all breeds could come, we made it a habit more so for the fun. And well, the folks on the other breeds found out she was highly competitive, and they did not act so “smart” after her gymkhana classes were finished.

Trail riding took my heart. There was a guy on a 25mile competitive trail ride we did. He was the winner on an Arabian horse. Oh, how he wished his Arab was as smooth as my Fiesta. He headed to the showers limping with a sore bottom from his horse’s ride. And my bad leg was not so sore! He said he watched her as she would corner on some of the trails and said she never missed a beat.

Fiesta was a horse of great stamina. The more I rode her the longer she wanted to ride. We rode a 15-mile loop daily and many miles on other trails and she would never tire. She developed smooth flat muscles like a racehorse. I had one veterinarian comment that she had never seen a horse like her and how well conditioned I had her. No one in the barn had such great conditioning. But then again, no one took the time I did for riding.

On Fiesta’s competitive trail ride, which was a 25-mile ride, she was 2 weeks preparing for it and was carrying a foal. Now mind you my goal was not to win the race in a fast

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Fiesta indeed was a fast largo horse. She had an impressive 27-mph largo and she preferred speed and to largo over a fino-fino. It was rare for her to go slow or break her gait. I do not think her largo was even wide open when we timed her, but it was hard for me to watch the road and to race her with a vehicle, but it was a solid 27 no doubt.

She was an asset back at our farm and participated in a search and rescue. At our farm she would do her part to help clean up brush by dragging limbs we would cut from our overgrown trees to the brush pile and be so eager to help.

The minute my husband would fire up the chain saw you could see the gleam in her eyes that she was ready to do her job before I saddled. And she would be my plantation horse while I would ride through our rows of beans pulling the tall weeds from our fields while in her saddle.

When we moved to our urban ranch, she gave me great pleasure on our trails, and we had a few heads of cattle that we would work. Her greatest ride with cows was one day when a long-horned stray showed up in our woods.

Fiesta was an amazing horse. Her stamina was like no other. She was also a great survivor; at age 25 what we thought was a stroke turned out to be a case of West Nile.

She passed over the rainbow at the amazing age of 33 never looking back on having the virus. She was sound to the end of her life other than that short period of time when she took ill with the West Nile virus where she would drag a hind leg. That lasted two weeks and surviving against all odds from a sickness that should have taken that old horse, she healed, she was fully immune and fully sound, and likewise at that age and beyond was still rideable.

My last ride on this amazing mare was on our ranch

and on our trails. The hardest thing I ever had to do was retire her from riding. I don’t think retirement suited her and it certainly behooved me to stop riding her as I would never ride her again, but she deserved her retirement. It has to this

My only regret in my journey with the Paso Finos is that our foals could not all be PURE Puerto Rican because of all the fine-stepping horses I ever rode, the PURE Puerto Rican horses are by far the smoothest and the best there is.

So, therefore, my encouragement to those new with a Paso and those going into it for raising foals is please do much homework, learn about the wonderful heritage, learn about the important old traditional Puerto Rican bloodlines, learn how to place them for the best genetic results, learn the proper handling, and work hard to get the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Finos out of the crisis they are in. Saving the PPR is simply not going to happen by only a few dedicated breeders, and it would be a horrid loss to the horse world if the PPR breed would become extinct.

day been hard not to be able to enjoy that ride of hers as the memory of her smoothness is etched forever on my heart.

We rode our last ride through our woods and on the trails and tears filled my eyes as I removed her saddle for the last time. She remained at our home in a beautiful pasture until the day we put her in the Lord’s hands.

People seem to have the thoughts that a Paso Fino is nothing but a gaited show horse, but I can tell you nothing is further than the truth as you can see what my journey on this horse and on the Paso Fino’s path has taken me through. I have spent now over 3 decades with the Paso Fino breeds and I could have never continued riding as long as I did if it was not for them. I would have never enjoyed such a great horse for so many years if not for commitment.

Now as an old woman, I enjoy a walk in the pasture with some of what is left of our Paso Fino legacy as a breeder of this beautiful horse. While my horses today are not Pure Puerto Rican, they are still beautiful and carry on the lines of my beloved Fiesta through her son Rudolfo. I can tell her Puerto Rican lines in her foals through Rudolfo surpass in my opinion any Columbian lines or traits that are in these last mares. Proving it in the show ring is one thing, but living it is by far another ride! A good friend of mine once told me, the best horses rarely see the ring and he was right. Yes, there will be rainbows ahead that we will still have to cross. But meanwhile, at the ranch, we enjoy their beauty as they live large in the pastures.

My beloved Fiesta is now over the rainbow. She is buried deep in my heart at our ranch. It is sad to lose a great horse. She passed in 2013. Her bloodlines live on through our foals, but they too will soon no longer be.

We are no longer breeding and what remains are not full PR. My final and my saddest memory of this glorious mare was of the day my God took her home. It was on a Sunday in 2013 and in July on the 7th day of the month and at 7 am in the morning I found her laying down in the pasture unable to get up with her last breath. I stayed with her until she crossed the rainbow. In the evening on that day, my Lord blessed me with a portrait in the sky at 7 pm. Seven is God’s number and I believe His white horse came to take her to heaven as I witnessed in the clouds two horses, a white one herding a darker one that had a long tail streaming. Blessed be.

Blessed are the broodmares. And blessed be for me to have had this wonderful horse for nearly all her life. She will remain in my heart forever. I was able to capture the clouds with my camera. A portrait forever etched in my mind.

This article is dedicated to Fiesta Fantasy’s memory.

Rest in Peace my wonderful dream. If God is good, and we know that He is, one day we will ride again.

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GENETICS

Tiger Eyes: A window to the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino soul Paola M. Matos Ruiz Paola Matos is a medical student based in Boston, MA and part of the Criadero Matos family located in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. She is a Paso Fino horse owner, enthusiast and a member of the Federación del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico.

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n old proverb states, “The eyes are windows to the soul.” The eyes are a unique anatomical structure that allows us to see and interact with our surroundings.

Beyond an anatomical structure, the eyes reflect how we feel as individuals. Eyes could express fear, happiness, sadness, contentment, and pride, among many other emotions. They are an essential part of what makes someone unique.

Our Paso Finos are not only remarkable creatures because of their lateral four-beats gait, elegance, and fierceness as they walk, but the brilliant yellow, orange, or amber-color eyes some horses have and that are very well known as “ojos de cabro” (in English, goat eyes, as colloquially are known on the island) or the tiger eye trait (as described in the scientific literature). For many generations, some Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino (PPRPF) breeders have considered the tiger eye trait when planning crosses. I learned from talking to PPRPF breeders that the tiger eye trait was more prominent in the Guamaní, Nochebuena, Cupido, and Soñador bloodlines.

At the time, nobody knew the genetics of this trait and if it was a characteristic unique to the PPRPF. In August 2017, Maura Mack et al. published the study entitled “Two Variants in SLC24A5 Are Associated with ‘Tiger-Eye’ Iris Pigmentation in Puerto Rican Paso Fino Horses” in the scientific magazine G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics. This study dissected the genetics of the tiger eye trait in

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PPRPF. To discuss the findings of this scientific publication, it is worth spending some time reviewing some genetic principles.

The genome of a horse contains 64 chromosomes, one chromosome from each parent. Each chromosome contains many genes. A gene could be conceptualized as a string of encrypted letters that have instructions that dictate physical (i.e., eye color, hair color) and non-physical traits (i.e., behavior). The structure of a gene consists of exons and introns. Exons are the pearls in the string of letters that usually contain information (‘special letters’) for determining physical and non-physical traits. Introns are strings of letters surrounding the pearls with the ‘special letters.’ See figure 1.1 for details on the structure of a mammalian gene.

Figure 1.1: Prototype of the molecular structure of a mammalian gene. The blue boxes represent exons (pearls in the string as described in the text), and the blue lines are introns (strings of letters surrounding the pearls as pointed out in the text above). On average, mammalian genes contain ~9 exons, but some only contain one. 5’ and 3’ UTR = untranslated regions. The purpose of this article is out of the scope of UTRs. Contact me directly or refer to a reliable internet source if you wish to learn more UTRs.

Figure 1.2: Wild-type, homozygous, heterozygous, and compound heterozygous diagram. Red letters denote a variant in the letter code. For simplification purposes, hypothetical gene A only contains one exon.

After reviewing the aforementioned genetic principles, I think it is time to dive into the genetic findings of the tiger eye trait in PPRPF. The group of scientists established a phenotypic scale to physically distinguish the horses that exhibit the tiger eye trait from those that do not, with the intent to trace and contrast the genetics underlying the differences in eye color pigmentation (See figure 1.3).

Cantares de Nan, owned by Viveca Venegas.

How are genes inherited? Each gene has two copies, one from each parent, known as alleles. Variants are differences in the string of encrypted letters compared to the reference string of letters (i.e., wild type). They could be inherited from either or both parents. If an individual inherits a variant in gene A (hypothetical gene) that affects both copies of that gene, it is called homozygous. It is heterozygous if it only inherits one variant that affects one of the two genes A copies. These are the basics. However, there is this other concept called compound heterozygous.

A compound heterozygous represents two possibilities: a. Two different variants mapped to two distinct genetic coordinates that coexist in one of the two copies of gene A inherited from a single parent. This is what is called compound heterozygous in cis. b. Two different variants at two distinct genetic coordinates that coexist in the two copies of gene A inherited from both parents. This is what is called compound heterozygous in trans.

Figure 1.3: Phenotype scale for sampling horses with tiger eye trait. Image extracted from Mack et al., 2017.

154 PPRPF horses (32 tiger-eye and 122 dark brown/ black eyes) and 196 horses belonging to four additional breeds genetically close to the PPRPF (90 Colombian Paso, 20 Mangalarga, 44 Lusitano, and 42 Andalusian) were used for analysis. First, 2 PPRPF tiger-eye and 1 PPRPF dark brown/black horse were selected to perform pedigree analysis and map the gene responsible for this trait in the PPRPF. In basic terms, the genome of the dark brown/black horses was compared to that of the two tiger-eye horses to search for differences in the letter code between these two eye phenotypes (tiger eyes versus dark brown/black eyes). From this initial analysis, one variant and one deletion in the SLC24A5 gene were identified as the culprits for the tiger

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eye trait in the PPRPF. It is worth pointing out that the SLC24A5 gene has been associated with eye pigmentation in humans, zebrafish, and mice. Based on this strong correlation between SLC24A5 and its role in eye pigmentation in other species, scientists pursued this candidate gene for further investigation.

The scientists named these two variants (or mutations): tiger-eye 1 and tiger-eye 2. The tiger-eye 1 consists of a single change in the letter code of exon 2 in the gene SLC24A5 (More information on genetic coordinates for the genetic enthusiasts: c.271 A>T, Phe91Tyr). In comparison, the tiger-eye 2 is a deletion of 628 letters in the code of exon 7 (More information on genetic coordinates: c.875-340_1081 + 82del). 20 of the 32 tiger-eye horses were homozygous for the tiger-eye 1 mutation in the SLC24A5 gene. Of the 12 tiger-eye horses remaining, 8 had compound heterozygous in trans (tiger-eye 1/tiger-eye 2) genotypes. The other four tiger-eye were heterozygous for the tiger-eye 1 allele. Scientists also found that although the genetics of the tiger eye trait could vary (homozygous vs. compound heterozygous), there is no correlation between the different shades of the tiger-eye colors (see Figures 1.2 and 1.4).

Soprano Lírica, owned by Viveca Venegas.

Figure 1.4: Genetics of the 2 tiger eye SLC24A5 alleles identified as tiger-eye 1 and tiger-eye 2 and findings in both PPRPF and other four related breeds. AGT is a representation of the 628 ‘letters’ deletion; representation is not to scale. The letter in red represents the exon 2 variant for the tiger-eye 1 allele. The other exons of gene SLC24A5 were omitted for simplicity.

This beautiful work on the genetics of the tiger eye in PPRPF, crafted by Mack et al. (2017), is an elegant scientific work that adds more supporting evidence that PPRPF is a unique breed of horses. To date, no other horse breed in the world exhibits the tiger eye trait. From the study, 88% of the tiger eye PPRPF samples (28/32 of the tiger eye horses sampled) could be explained by homozygosity of the tiger-eye 1 allele or compound heterozygosity of the tiger-eye 1 and tiger-eye 2 alleles. From the 196 samples of horses from four other related breeds, none carried either of the tiger-eye alleles nor did they exhibit tiger eyes. In Puerto Rico, this characteristic is no longer as common as it used to be, possibly because breeders have favored bloodlines that do not carry the tiger-eye variants as frequently. The

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tiger eyes are an important trait that we should, as breeders, consider when we make conservation crosses. The striking eyes of our beloved Paso Finos is a characteristic we should embrace, preserve, and feel pride for. Let’s work together to keep it alive!

References: Mack M, Kowalski E, Grahn R, Bras D, Penedo MCT, Bellone R. Two Variants in SLC24A5 Are Associated with “Tiger-Eye” Iris Pigmentation in Puerto Rican Paso Fino Horses. G3 (Bethesda). 2017 Aug 7;7(8):27992806. doi: 10.1534/g3.117.043786. PMID: 28655738; PMCID: PMC5555483.

If you wish to test if your horse is a carrier or validate its tiger eye trait, you can send 20-30 hair roots to https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/tiger-eye. The cost of the test is $40. (Disclaimer: I do not work or collaborate for the company that provides this service and do not benefit in any aspect from the profits of the testing).

If you need assistance understanding this article or the genetic concepts mentioned in the article, please contact me directly at paolamarie5@gmail. com to coordinate a time and discuss it further.

Photos courtesy of Viveva Venegas and Jo-Ann Ferré.

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HISTORY

The Champions of Paso Fino in Puerto Rico Dr. Carlos Gaztambide Arrillaga This is an unpublished article by Dr. Carlos Gaztambide Arrillaga written in 1961 after Kofresí won the Grand Championship. It belongs to the private collection of Francisco “Paco” Rodríguez, who has the article written in Gaztambide’s own handwriting in two versions, Spanish and English.

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ince its foundation in 1943, the Federation of Saddle Horse Owners of Puerto Rico has held 22 Paso Fino contests; 19 in San Juan, 2 in Ponce, and 1 in Bayamón. In every one of these contests, a “Grand Champion” from all the Paso Fino horses has been selected. In the early years, the Champion was selected only from the adult horses, but later the Gran Champion has been selected from the winners of both horses and colts’ events.

In this article, I want to comment on the Champions that have been chosen because it is a good idea that the farmers, breeders, and the general public should know more about these native horses that were so useful to our grandparents as a means of transportation and enjoyment. In our time, our horses are still very important where roads are scarce; in the interior of Puerto Rico, in the mountain farm sections, and on sugar cane or cattle ranches. This sport also provides personal enjoyment for the sportsman of the city.

The contests, at which horses from all over the island compete, are celebrated generally once a year, the Sunday next to the San Juan Festivities Day. That is why they were 30

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once called the San Juan Races or the San Juan Contests. In these contests sponsored by the Federation since 1943, the following horses have been named Paso Fino Champions: Duce, Batalla (twice), Telégrafo, Pisaflores, Caramelo (twice), Dulce Sueño Jr., Conde Danilo, Nochebuena, Guamaní (four times), Galán, Muñeco, Copita (twice), Gringo, Retador, Caramelito, and Kofresí.

It is interesting to note that the majority of these horses are either sons or grandsons of the great Dulce Sueño.

Before the founding of the Federation, there were a few other Champions: Dulce Sueño, Regalo, El Garza, El Copa, Príncipe Moro, Adonis, El Alemán, Borinquen, Dije and El Copita. This means that the family of Dulce Sueño has dominated the championships in Puerto Rico through 25 years of contests. In justice to the family of Regalo, we must mention that the Champions Batalla, Telégrafo, Caramelo, Dije, Dije Jr., and probably others had direct bloodlines from this family. His sons and grandsons have been outstanding.

Pisaflores: This was a spotted sorrel owned by Carlos V. Dávila, a lawyer from Bayamón. This horse is of the family of the famous horse Copa, owned by Rafael Arrieta, and the mare Dama. He was a fino horse of medium stature, held his head erect and had a natural gait, short and rhythmic, which he maintained without difficulty. His offspring produced good mares. Pisaflores won the Championship in June 1946 and again in October that same year at the Club Deportivo de Ponce.

Pisaflores held by his owner, Carlos Dávila. The Mayor of San Juan, Roberto Sanchez Vilella, is handing over the trophy.

Duce: This was an excellent sorrel with two white legs; a son of Dulce Sueño and the mare Flores. He was the property of Lorenzo Colón Padilla from Arecibo. His number in the studbook was 7. He was Champion in 1943.

He was a very fino and beautiful horse. Together with Congo Fino, also a Dulce Sueño son, Duce was given away to President Trujillo of the Dominican Republic by Lorenzo Colón to be used as a stud.

Caramelo: A dark bay, very fino and majestic, a son of Dulce Sueño and the mare Curra by Regalo. His studbook number was 114. Caramelo was selected Champion in 1947 (there were two championships this year). This horse was used as a stud and produced several sons and daughters of merit. He was the property of M. Hernández Rosa, an outstanding sportsman from Mayagüez. Caramelo is considered by many authorities in the field to be one of the most finos Paso Fino in Puerto Rico.

Batalla: This wonderful son of Dulce Sueño and the mare Felipa, a daughter of Regalo, was a dark bay in color and of medium stature. His studbook number was 32. In 1944 he was selected Paso Fino Champion (there were two championships this year and Batalla won both). His owner, José Ramírez Acosta from San Germán, has used him as a stud at his farm in Lajas with excellent results. He produced the following horses: Boricua, a Champion colt; Presidente, Horse of the Year; and Cacique, an excellent example of a Paso Fino horse. Many authorities consider Batalla one of the more fino horses we have ever had.

Telégrafo: A sorrel with two white legs and a blaze, he was of good stature and had a long body. He is listed in the studbook as number 92 and was a son of Dulce Sueño and the mare Sirena by Regalo. Telegrafo was chosen as a Champion in 1945 in the Sixto Escobar Stadium and was owned at that time by J. Gándara of Guaynabo. Later Telegrafo was sold to President Trujillo of the Dominican Republic. Carlos Gaztambide Arrillaga bought him and returned him to Puerto Rico where he was later sold to the Eastern Sugar Associates. He was used as a stud and produced several sons and grandsons of merit.

Caramelo in 1946.

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dríguez de Jesús and Tarsilo Godreau. Of his famous sons Copita, Guamaní Jr., Galán, and Arco Iris, all were Paso Fino Champions like their father. Of all the many sons of Dulce Sueño, Guamaní bears him the greatest resemblance.

Dulce Sueño Jr. with his owner, Diego González.

Dulce Sueño Jr.: This was a very fino horse of medium stature and solid bay in color. He was the property of Diego González from Isabella. A grandson of Dulce Sueño, this horse won several local contests and one island-wide contest in Ponce where he was named Champion in 1948. He was inclined to break his gait and his tail carriage was not the best.

Conde Danilo: This beautiful palomino horse was the son of Nochebuena and grandson of Dulce Sueño. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful horses we have ever had, he also had a very good Paso Fino gait. He won several local contests and was named Champion in 1949. Conde Danilo was the property of Jack Navarro from Río Piedras. He was sold to the President of the Saddle Horse Association in the Dominican Republic.

Nochebuena: A bay horse that looked very much like his father Dulce Sueño. His dam was Estrella by Regalo.

He was very sturdy and an excellent Paso Fino horse. Was awarded Champion in 1950. He was used as a stud for several years at the Central Aguirre, Eastern Sugar Associates, and at the farm of Diego García Monagas in Coamo, where he died. He produced several sons and grandsons of merit.

Guamaní: Of all the Grand Champions of Paso Fino, this has been the best and most famous. His color was dark bay, with blaze and three white legs. His number in the studbook was 147. He won the Championship in the years 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1954, and retired undefeated. He was used as a stud at the farm of Genaro Cautiño, where he was born. He was also used as a stud at the farms of Juan Ro-

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Galán: He was a bay with a blaze and four white legs; of medium stature, he was one of the best sons of Guamaní. His mother, Santa Rita, was a full sister of Guamaní.

Galán was named the Grand Champion in 1955, ridden by Eusebio Massó, the trainer at the stable of Genaro Cautiño. Massó was one of the most knowledgeable trainers in Puerto Rico. Galán was owned by H. Rivera Bruno from Guayama.

Muñeco: This all-bay colt was a son of Copita, property of Ramón M. Suárez, and the mare Muñeca, owned by Arturo Barreto from Carolina. Although of a small stature, he was very fino and a majestic colt. He was one of the few colts that have been selected Gran Champion, a title he won in 1956. He was sold to President Trujillo from the Dominican Republic.

Copita: A dark bay with a blaze and four white legs, he was of medium stature. A very fino and elegant horse, he was owned by Ramón M. Suárez, later became the property of Enrique Ubarri from Carolina. His studbook number was 148. Copita was Grand Champion in 1957 (there were two championships on this year). He was used as a stud and produced sons of great merit.

Nochebuena at the Eastern Sugar in Humacao. His keeper, Tano, is holding him.

Kofresí: A bay with a blaze and one white leg, this colt was raised by Wilfredo Beltrán. He is the son of a great horse, Arco Iris, bred by Sucesión Serrallés. Kofresí won in 1961, he was the second colt to win both the Colts Championship and Grand Championship on the same day (the first was Gringo in 1958).

When studying the genealogy of these Paso Fino Champions, we find that 9 of these Champions were born at the stable of Genaro Cautiño. The others were born at the stables of Luce & Co., Mario Mercado, Ángel Figueroa, Arturo Barreto, Carlos Dávila and Wilfredo Beltrán. I believe that these gentlemen who, with lots of effort and sacrifices, raised these valuable horses that became our Champions, deserve the recognition of the public. The effort of these gentlemen helped maintain the island tradition of great saddle horses and helped consolidate the only breed of horses developed in the Antilles.

Retador, ridden by Minín Kuilan and held by his owner, Jaime Marrero.

Gringo: A solid bay, he was a son of Mediodía and the mare Princesa Mora. His number in the studbook was 281.

Although he was of small stature, he was a majestic horse of great strength, good conformation, and superior action. He is another of the few colts that have been Grand Champions over the adult horse. He won his Championship in 1958 and was owned by George LaHood.

Retador: Named to the Championship in 1959, this very fino and majestic horse was a son of Dije II and the property of Ángel Figueroa. He was a descendant of Regalo and brother to the famous Bellas Formas Champion, the palomino Marinero owned by Manuel Cásseres. At the time that Retador won his Championship he was owned by Jaime Marrero de Morovis.

Caramelito: This wonderful bay horse was owned

by Mario Mercado. He won the Championship in 1960.

Caramelito was the best son of Caramelo, the Champion in 1947.

Kofresí as a colt winning the championship in 1961. The rider is Minín Kuilan.

Photos from Francisco Rodríguez, Ramón Ortiz, and Carlos Dávila collections.

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REFLECTIONS AT 4-BEATS

Camaraderie, Celebration, Conservation Xiomara Arias Xiomara Arias is an undergraduate student at The University of Kentucky majoring in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology. Along with her parents, she cares for three Puerto Rican Paso Finos at their farm Hacienda Borikén in the rolling hills of Kentucky.

She enjoys showing and promoting the Puerto Rican Paso Fino breed.

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chill travels throughout my body, causing goosebumps to erupt on my arms. Orange, brown, and red leaves travel to the earth only to crackle under my footsteps.

Acorns pop beneath my bicycle tires. My horse decides to buck in the field upon being released. All of these events are synonymous with cold weather and autumn. But while some become excited for Halloween and Thanksgiving, my first thought is the Puerto Rican Paso Fino Nationals in South Carolina: The Celebration show.

When you think of horse showing, what comes to mind? Pressure, anxiety, cutthroat competition? I can assure you, the Classic Celebration show results in none of the aforementioned fears. Better descriptions for this show run along the lines of fun, elation, and unity. Although this is the National competition for Puerto Rican Paso Finos in the United States, it feels like a get-together for friends!

The first year I showed, I couldn’t bring my horse, Omega de Pride, because he had hoof issues. The President of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation (PPRPFFA), Mrs. Gail Brown, offered a few of her horses for me to ride in certain classes, allowing me to still experience the show.

In the versatility class at my first show, I couldn’t get my borrowed horse to jump over the obstacle. My “competitors” (read “Paso Fino friends”) got on either side of the jump

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to prevent my horse from bolting to the sides at the last moment. After completion, the audience clapped. As a kid at my first show, this was incredibly encouraging. Instead of letting me be disqualified, they helped me through the class as a team. This was not an isolated event. People I had never met before cheered me on in my classes, simply because I was a youth. They have a passion for the breed, and want to encourage others to enjoy the Puerto Rican Paso Fino as much as they do. It doesn’t matter if we win – it is the experience we seek. The show feels like a family. We have one goal: conservation and enjoyment of our Puerto Rican Paso Finos.

You might think your horse is not show worthy, and that is okay. Good horses aren’t always show horses. But if you trail ride, can do obstacles, or dress them in a costume, the Celebration show has a spot for you! Let’s take a tour of what the show has to offer. If you have a need for speed, the Panty Race is for you! It is one of my favorite classes. What is it composed of? It is a race down to a box filled with over-sized underwear. The rider must gallop down the arena, hop off the horse, put on a pair of panties, climb back on, and race again to the finish line. In the 2021 show, Omega and I almost ran the judge over (he shouldn’t have been in the middle of the path – Omega and I had our sights on the panty box)! Perhaps fast is not your modus operandi. In

Xiomara and Omega de Pride in the Pleasure Geldings Class.

that case, the obstacle, horsemanship, and trail riding classes are excellent opportunities to show off the versatility of our breed. In these classes, horses must complete a pattern that may include tasks. Want to just have a little fun? The Halloween Costume class is as relaxed as they come! You have the choice to ride or lead your horse dressed in costume.

Best costume wins, so go all out! Like to show off your balance and your horse’s smooth gait? The Egg and Spoon or Wine Glass classes are calling your name! In these classes, horses and riders compete to keep an egg steady in a spoon or maintain the most liquid in the wine glass while performing gaits around the arena. It sounds easier than it is! One year I won the Egg and Spoon class by default after walking just 10 feet. Everyone else had dropped theirs on the way to the rail (to be honest, mine slipped off almost immediately after we stopped!).

Of course, there are the three main divisions for classes: Pleasure, Performance, and Fino. Each division has classes including colts, fillies, mares, geldings, and stallions. By

breaking the classes down, we can witness the best horses the United States has to offer. However, the grand conclusion to the two-day show is the Fino Division. The most prized gait, the Classic Fino, is exhibited in these classes.

You can hear a pen drop in the audience when a horse goes onto the sounding board, and then an eruption into applause upon hearing a beautiful 4-beat rhythm.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many to make the journey to the East coast for the show. On the Island, two hours is considered a long drive to attend a show. On the Mainland here, 8 hours could be considered a short and convenient drive! While it takes my family around 8 hours, Dr. Ramon and Mildred Bodon make the sacrifice of traveling around 20 hours to attend the show while Mrs. Tracy Hernandez travels around 15 hours. Others travel long distances as well, but we all know it is worth it for the show. In fact, the PPRPFFA has a meeting at the end of the Celebration Show every year. Often, at this meeting, we congratulate those who traveled the furthest to be there!

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An exhibition of Mago de Pride and his offspring. From left to right: Borinquen de Mi Orgullo, Mago de Pride, Pascua de Villa Burgos, and Capitán de Boriken.

With college, my schedule has been constricted some, especially with the National Show occurring during the school week. Last year, all of my professors allowed me one day off once I explained my reasoning (except Chemistry Lab ... but that’s a different story. Chemistry waits for no one!). Tuesday afternoon, after Chemistry Lab, mom and I hopped in the car from the University of Kentucky and started the 8 hour trip to South Carolina (the trip is a little shorter without a horse trailer). We arrived late at night and woke up early to get the horses ready for showing. The day was filled with wonderful memories I will cherish. Conversing with friends, watching exhibitors, and enjoying Pasos – what could be better? The night after the show, we packed the car, and early the next morning we rushed back to Kentucky. Why the quick turn-around? I had a Chemistry exam that night! I studied all day in the car, arrived in time for the exam, and did just fine on the test. I was thrilled to have been able to take part in the show, even if just for a day.

Members of the Federation work tirelessly during the year to put on All Breed shows sponsored by the PPRPFFA and fund the National show. The show could not go on without its committed and hardworking volunteers. The PPRPFFA yearly national show is formally known as the Creighton Shull Celebration show. This show celebrates one of the first well-known contributors to the breed in the

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United States, Mr. Creighton Shull. As time goes on, more individuals who dedicated parts of their lives to the Puerto Rican Paso Fino are also remembered through the festivities at the show. Mr. James Brown, along with his wife, was the owner of the largest Puerto Rican Paso Fino breeding facility in the United States. Mr. Hector Hernandez was a Paso Fino trainer and avid supporter of the breed and show.

The Federation and show are not the same without them, but the legacy and horses they left behind will continue to impact the Breed.

What better way to teach about the breed than a show where we can exhibit their gaits to a plethora of people from all locations – That’s what the PPRPFFA South Carolina Nationals does! Every year the show is held at the South Carolina State Fair, ensuring traffic flow arriving to see the best attraction (in my opinion): the Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

Pedestrians and fairgoers have the opportunity to witness the Paso Fino in action and ask questions. For a little added fun, almost every year, there is a small exhibition. One year Maddy Hall stood on her horse and rode around the arena bareback! Another year, all of Mago de Pride’s progeny present at the show were exhibited along with him. Each year brings new opportunities and experiences, leaving us wanting more. Regrettably, it is only once a year. Perhaps, though, that makes it all the more sweet.

So, what do we do the other 363 days of the year? I’m glad you asked! While the Celebration Show is a wonderful opportunity, the endangerment of the breed does not stop becoming ever direr until the next show. I encourage Puerto Rican Paso Fino owners to show their horses year round. Omega and I show locally at Pioneer Saddle Club.

Pioneer Saddle Club is a local show in Kentucky, where we live. Through this club, we have spread awareness about the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. In fact, during a member fun-day, I encouraged a friend to hop on Omega and take him for a spin. He now has the Paso Fino Fever! Once again, if you aren’t comfortable showing, there are other opportunities.

Perhaps your county has a parade or opportunities for education petting zoos. These, too, are important promotional opportunities for the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. My dad recently learned of a program at the Kentucky Horse Park that allows guest breeds to make an appearance at the Parade of Breeds. Luckily, they still had some opportunities available.

We took Omega to this exhibition for two days – one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Large crowds were gathered and were able to experience for the first time the gait of a Puerto Rican Paso Fino. Along with witnessing their gait, the announcer gave a narration that detailed the history and unique traits of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. After the exhibition, individuals were able to come up to ask questions and pet Omega. Omega certainly ate up all the attention!

The most important aspects to this show are camaraderie, celebration, and conservation. By building and connecting a family of individuals who share the same passion, we can better fight against extinction of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. By showing, promoting, and celebrating our horses, we can gather more individuals to take part in our passion and bring awareness to our breed’s plight.

I hope you can make it to the show in South Carolina.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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PFBREED: Determined to perpetuate the Paso Fino Breed!

We, the Paso Fino Puerto Rico Horse Breed Foundation, Inc. (PFBREED) salute the heroes and heroines of Puerto Rico and the United States of America who everyday work in the development of the Paso Fino Horse Breed and recognize its value.

PFBREED (“Fundación Puertorriqueña de la Raza de Caballos de Paso Fino”) is a non-profit organization duly registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Our mission statement is “Determined to perpetuate the Paso Fino Breed!” As a matter of fact, we will do so by the available donations. The funds collected will be used directly and exclusively to back up entities and Ad-Hoc committees that will be organized to develop programs such as Embryo Transfer, Horse Census, Horse Semen Bank, Paso Fino Hall of Fame Museum, History Hall, Educational Programs, Promotion, and Advertising Programs. Also, we would like to back up, for many years to come, a substantial group of Paso Fino horses representing the breed in important yearly events such as the “Pasadena Rose Parade” and “La Parada Puertorriqueña de Nueva York,” so that more people get to know the Paso Fino Breed.

Recently, Mr. Romualdo Olazábal, Editor of “Born to Gait,” pointed out that many Paso Fino horse breeders and

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owners are mainly focused on the competitions, in order to win a ribbon and obtain personal achievements, but they forget about the perpetuity and needs for the progress of the Breed. I think Mr. Olazábal was certainly correct in his comment, even though horse competitions are necessary to measure the progress of the breeding process.

Precisely, PFBREED is a foundation that seeks to compensate for this situation expressed by Mr. Olazábal.

Our organization is focused on three major points: to stop the extinction of the breed; to develop its well-being; and to perpetuate this strong, beautiful, gaited breed, that has been around for over 500 hundred years.

This centuries-old breed is autochthonous and exclusive to Puerto Rico, a unique breed proven by DNA studies. From Dr. Ángel A. Custodio González, PhD Animal Science Genetics, Texas A&M, we quote: “Hence, this breed is a priceless asset for the animal owners, for the country and for humanity. This invaluable resource deserves to be protected –quality wise and purity wise– and preserved for the benefit of future generations. If we ever lose this breed, we will have forever lost it.”

There is a real threat to the Puerto Rican Paso Fino Horse. It is currently in danger of extinction due to the limited number of living specimens. It is mentioned in the

“Conservation Priority List” of The Livestock Conservancy organization, under “North American Horse Breeds”. Also, the Equus Survival Trust added it to its Study Category as “CRITICAL”. It is considered of World Heritage importance.

individuals who wish to support this cause. Our Board of Directors is convinced that we can preserve the Paso Fino Breed through an effective, legal, and transparent administration of these contributions, in order to back up the development of all the important programs mentioned above.

Since the 18th century, this breed was identified as a Creole/Native Breed because of its particular and different way of gaiting. In the middle of the 19th century, the name “Paso Fino” was established for an Equine Breed and Sport in Puerto Rico for the first time in the annals of the history of humanity. In 1978 it was officially declared THE AUTOCHTHONOUS SPORT OF PUERTO RICO (Law No. 87).

If the PFBREED is successful, then the Paso Fino Horse Breed will be perpetuated for Puerto Rico, the USA, and the world, so help us God! Juan José “Pao” Soldevila Bartolomei President of PFBREED

Nowadays, there are four (4) Paso Fino entities that have promoted the Paso Fino sport for many decades: Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America (since 1987); Asociación Insular de Dueños y Criadores de Caballos Paso Fino Puro Puertorriqueño (1972); Asociación Nacional del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico (1966); and the oldest of the entities is Federación del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico from 1943. Most of their members are Paso Fino horse breeders, and all of them are conscious that big and efficient projects must be routed.

These three local Paso Fino entities from Puerto Rico endorse PFBREED and are entitled to one participant per entity in the monthly meetings of our Board of Directors.

That board is composed of Paso Fino breeders and horse owners who have been engaged in some of the organizations mentioned above. They have developed their personal prestige as honest, successful businesspersons, who love the Paso Fino, Puerto Rico’s authentic horse breed.

One of the projects that PFBREED is actively involved in, together with the three local entities, it’s in pursuing and supporting the new project of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico “P. de la C. 1131” which declares the PASO FINO BREED as National and Cultural Patrimony of Puerto Rico. This should open doors for future activities with the Tourism Department, the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture, local and international promotions as well as an excellent educational tool, among many other benefits.

As I have expressed before, the main purpose of PFBREED is to preserve the Paso Fino Breed. In order to do so, we will accept donations from private companies and

PFBREED Board of Directors (Photo from left to right): Raúl Bras, Vice President; Eduardo Martín, Vocal; Luis Domínguez, Vocal; Irene Paredes, Secretary; Pao Soldevila, President; Luis Rosado, Vocal; Gregorio García, Treasurer; Hostos Gallardo, Vocal.

Contributions can be sent by: • TRANSFER by ATH-Móvil - option ATH-BUSINESS: / Pfbreed.

• BANK DEPOSIT in the name of PFBREED: Banco Popular Check Account #131-617443.

• CHECK by mail to PMB 1736, Calle París #243, San Juan PR 00917.

PFBREED contact information

pfbreed@gmail.com (787) 403-7545 https://www.facebook.com/pfbreed

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

39

News from Kentucky Hello from Kentucky! Hacienda Boriken is doing well.

Embajadora de Krysia (Doble Réplica del Caribe x Lombardía de Krysia) is continuing training in Virginia at Hacienda Radiante and will be showing at the PPRPFFA show.

Omega de Pride (San Mateo Mako x Herencia de Kofregrama) and Xiomara won the high point award at Pioneer Saddle Club. Omega was shown at the Kentucky Horse Park as a part of the Parade of Breeds, in an effort to raise awareness about the Puerto Rican Paso Fino. He is the first Puerto Rican Paso Fino to ever be exhibited at the Kentucky Horse Park Parade of Breeds.

News from South Carolina Another sweet filly was born at Palmetto Pride Farm.

Plebeyo de Pride (Boricua x Magia de Réplica) out of Magnífica de Pride (Con Suelte x Lorena de Espectacular), this filly carries a nice combination of old and new bloodlines. Applauses to Palmetto Pride for such a great filly.

40

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

News from Oregon The long wait is over! Armani del Sol first filly was born and she is gorgeous! Her dam is Royalty’s Montana Vaho del Cumbre. Congratulations to Josey Machado for this filly and all she does for the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino in Oregon and the United States.

News from Florida Pascua de Villa Burgos (Mago de Pride x La Reina de Pride), Pedro Burgos wonderful young mare, gave birth to “Toñita,” a beautiful filly by Fuego Rápido de Pride (San Mateo Mako x Diamante Negra). Toñita is linebreed to Alicante and belongs to Romualdo Olazábal.

This section is yours! Send one or two high-resolution photos to editor.borntogait@gmail.com with a short paragraph. Please, PPR Paso Fino horses living in the continental United States and Canada only.

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

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BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

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Owners’ directory ALABAMA Barbara Thompson Montgomery, AL T.

Cindy & Brent Forehand Paces Creek Stables Monticello, FL T. 850-661-7777 E. bcforehand@gmail.com

E.

Edgardo Fullana

CALIFORNIA William Sanders Baroque Dressage __, CA T. E.

COLORADO Eric Aurelius Testori Englewood, CO T. E. 1_cipo@yahoo.com

FLORIDA Ann Shirley Ashley Benifay, FL T. 801-622-3237 E. Penny Bollhorst Mayo, FL

Pedro Burgos Castadero Villa Burgos Tallahassee, FL T. 787-244-0832 E. pfg2121@yahoo.com Denisse Cancel D’Mi Borinquen Paso Fino Micanopy, Florida T. 352-246-9983 E. denissecancel@hotmail.com

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BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

Karl Nussbaum Dreamalot Scottsburg, IN T. E.

Palm City, Florida T. 561-797-8052 E. fullanae@hotmail.com Barbara Preiss

KENTUCKY William & Teresa Arias Hacienda Boriken

Weirsdale, FL

Salivisa, KY

T. 352-821-1300

T. 904-233-0092

E. cwpreiss@aol.com

E. william@ariasonline.net

Carlos Rosado Hacienda RB

Xiomara Arias Hacienda Boriken

Ocala Florida

Salivisa, KY

T.

T. 904-233-0092

E. wen_bur@yahoo.com

E. xio@ariasonline.net

Ruth L. Thompson Raison Dunnellon, FL

MICHIGAN

T. 740-935-5252

Rosie Spagnuolo Bickert Gentle HoofBeats Paso Finos

E. ruth@raisongroup.com James Zeno Finca La Charca

DeWitt, Michigan T. 517-490-7712

Morriston, FL

E. bickertr@msu.edu

T. 845-522-3361

www.gentlehoofbeats.com

E. civillawcasemanagement@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/rosiebickert

T. 540-493-6423 E. pennyb@sitstar.net

INDIANA

GEORGIA Rufino Figueroa Toccoa, GA T. 706-244-1294 E. rufinofigueroa@icloud.com LuAnn Lackey Ellijay, GA

Debra Sandusky Adrian, MI T. E. Karen Timberman Waldron, MI T. E. timberidgekb@gmail.com

T. 706-636-1682 E. llackey@ellijay.com Rence Slappy

MINNESOTA Víctor Rivera

Fortson, GA

Eden Pairie, MN

T. 706-505-5217

T. 952-835-5665

E. arslappy@gmail.com

E. cucourivera@hotmail.com

Owners’ directory MISSISSIPPI

NEW JERSEY

Janet J. Brown

William & Mildred López Criadero López Paso Finos

Meridian, MS T. 601-917-4700

Vineland, NJ

E. giddyupgogo11@yahoo.com

T. 856-794-8843

Bonnie Cannon Shannonwood Farm Wiggins, MS T. 601-928-9777 E. luvselah@gmail.com

MISSOURI Jesse & Tabitha Dillanhay Lockwood, MO T. 417-861-4523 E. Tracy Hernández Buckeye Ridge Lockwood, MO T. 417-861-0303 E. pfrider@earthlink.net Lauren Hill Sarcoxie, MO T. 417-338-9374 E. John & Cassandra Kline

E.

NEW YORK Louie Giorgi Mt. Pisgah Paso Finos

E. theoneacrewood@comcast.net David & Millie Holderread Blue Bird Paradise Paso Finos

E. mtnxtreme@gmail.com

E. smoothride@bluebirdpasofinos.com www.bluebirdpasofinos.com

OKLAHOMA Tonia Colburn Cuatro Beat Pasos Muskogee, Oklahoma T. 918-441-9902 T. 918-781-9901 E. cuatrobeat@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/Cuatro-Beat-PasoFino-Horses-1508319659481832

OREGON Janice Chipman Aurora, OR

Peg Cornell Corvallis, OR T. 541-754-3984

T.

E. rob.cornell@comcast.net

Wilmot, NH

Gaston, OR

T. 541-929-5338

Wentzville, MO

Cheryl Watson

Turk & Debbie Gravley

Corvallis, OR

E.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

E. vonszel@gmail.com

T. 845-532-3535

T. 417-335-1428

E. ron501@swbell.net

T. 503-830-7520

New Kingston, NY

T. 503-983-8702

Ronald Palmer

Terrebonne, OR

T. 503-929-7161

Kissee Mills, MO E. jckline123@gmail.com

Robert & Ann Graham

Joshua Dallman Eugene, OR T. 541-953-464 E. joshuadallman@gmail.com Summer Douglas

T.

Vernonia, OR

E.

T. 970-690-2840 E. moparsummer@gmail.com

Heather LaBarre Hillsboro, OR T. 503-708-3985 E. lsbarrefamilyfarm@comcast.net Josey & Bruce Machado Puerto Rican Paso Fino Heart Throbs Prineville, OR T. 503-983-8702 E. prpfheartthrobs@yahoo.com E. 4hoofbeats@gmail.com Rhonda Marquis Terrebonne, OR T. 541-420-9398 E. hrsnarnd55@gmail.com Paula Miller Baker City, OR T. E. kurt_pj@q.com Wanita Miller Philomath, OR T. 541-929-3507 E. wmillerdgreen@yahoo.com Dee Myers Golden Sunset Ranch Baker City, OR T. E.

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

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Owners’ directory Robin Perry Grants Pass, OR

Mandy Orvosh Heart of Gold Paso Finos

Gail Brown Palmetto Pride Paso Fino Farm

T. 541-660-6042

Rochester Mills, PA

Batesburg, SC

E. randarubin@gmail.com

T. 412-400-5132

T. 803-657-5682

E. 9-orvosh@yahoo.com

E. gailbrown45@hotmail.com

Donna Randall Winds of Freedom Farm Albany, OR

SOUTH CAROLINA

T. 541-730-0588

Marueen Adkins & Alexis DeMeza

T. 541-990-2212 E. donnaparty69@live.com www.facebook.com/windsoffreedomfarm www.donnaparty69.wixsite.com/ windsoffreedom Laura J. Sparks Eagle Creek, OR T. 503-539-4424 E. Margie Stevenson Grants Pass, OR T. 541-955-8378 E. margies@oigp.net Randy & Deeanna Marie Wallace Mountaindale, OR T. E. 1_cipo@yahoo.com Mark Watson Portland, OR T. E. karlawatson@comcast.net

PENNSYLVANIA

Columbia, SC T. 803-894-6173 T. 803-466-0029 E. madkins270@pbtcomm.net Grayson Anthony Lexington, SC T. 803-356-0875 E. ranthony@sc.rr.com Regan Anthony Lexington, SC T. 803-479-5632 E. ranthony0427@gmail.com John A. Ashley

www.facebook.com/ purepuertoricanpasofinohorses Sam & Glenda Cerezo Camden, SC T. 803-432-8306 E. Jim Davis Camden, SC T. 803-432-3611 E. Staige DeBenedetti Camden, SC T. 209-810-7490 E. sprinceh@mindspring.com Joyce Dickinson Valley Stream Farms Leesville, SC

Gilbert, SC

T. 803-718-3347

T.

E. joyce.dickinson@davita.com

E. Elizabeth Baerreis Cornwell Farm

Lindsy Dickinson Valley Stream Farms Leesville, SC

Swansea, SC

T. 803-718-5587

T. 803-568-2258

E. lcdickinson0117@gmail.com

E. rubs@pbtcomm.net Diane Black & Richard Tidwell

Gloria C. Douglass Merrylane Farms

Aiken, SC

Columbia, SC

Gail Brennan

T. 803-646-3446

T. 803-254-1239

Indiana, PA

T. 803-646-3335

E. gcdouglass@aol.com

T.

E. dianepaso@gmail.com

E.

E. kf4joi@yahoo.com

Lorna Gay Campbell

Fernando Bodón

Tionesta, PA

Lexington, SC

T. 814-755-3768

T. 803-705-9907

E. hunterrun@verizon.net

E. postiza2000@aol.com

Edwardo Figueroa Batesburg, SC T. E. familiamunguia@hotmail.com Clifford Fisher Margaritas Paso Fino Farm Lexington, SC T. 803-331-0091 E. clifford@owens-fisher.com

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BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

Owners’ directory Juan García

Johnny Lanier

Kayla & Brandon Sturkey

Kershaw, SC

Kershaw, SC

Aiken, SC

T. 803-475-1136

T. 803-475-1136

T. 803-295-1723

E.

T. 803-508-1383

Ann & Al Gilpatrick Conway, SC T. 803-645-8837

Stella Manberg-Wise Great Blazes Farm

T. 803-646-1429

Windsor, SC

E. gilpatrick@yahoo.com

T. 803-646-3327

E. bsturkie07@gmail.com E. kaylapaso803@gmail.com Bill & Lori Sutton Carolina Brio Paso Fino Farm

E. greatblazesfarm@gmail.com

Irmo, SC

Lexington, SC

www.facebook.com/Great-Blazes-FarmPaso-Finos-PLUS-1114680431877243

T. 803-606-9537

T. 803-530-5110

www.greatblazes.com

Cindy Griggs

E. griggsck@windstream.net Teresa & Ronnie Grissom Pelion, SC T. 803-429-1695 E. rtgrissom1@yahoo.com E. grissomt@rcgov.us Rosemary Harrell Eagle’s Rest Johns Island, SC T. 843-442-7005 E. rosmith26@hotmail.com Roni Hicks Leesville, SC T. 803-532-3003 T. 803-318-0102 E. ronilynnhicks@gmail.com E. wondermybaby@aol.com Jim Holland Florence, SC T. 843-665-6615 E. Maggie & Tom Johnson West Columbia, SC T. 803-791-3459 E. maggie1501@sc.rr.com Joan Kalec Leesville, SC T. 803-361-4935 E. joankalec.art@gmail.com

Melina Marsh Country Springs Lexington, SC T. 803-319-4231 E. marshmelina@yahoo.com Diane & Ronald Maury Foxhill Farm Wagener, SC T. 803-351-1589 E. Clyde & Francis Meares Columbia, SC T. 803-772-5945 E. Beth Postell Ravenel, SC T. 803-763-9339 E. Greg & Rita Rice Elgin, SC T. 803-206-3909 E. gregr@reborn..com E. paso5777@gmail.com Patti Smith

E. dzineforu@aol.com Katelin Swygert Wagener, SC T. 803-600-3767 E. mercerdeshull@aol.com Lynn & Kevin Swygert Wagener, SC T. 803-600-3767 E. klkswy@aol.com Cathy Tack Leesville, SC T. 803-381-5992 E. tackat@yahoo.com Michelle Thomas Macree Cameron, SC T. 803-823-2792 E. Jennifer Watkins Palmetto Pride Paso Fino Farm Batesburg, SC T. 803-657-6967 E. jenniferwatkins100@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ purepuertoricanpasofinohorses Robbyn Young Ravenel, SC

Columbia, SC

T. 704-778-2777

T. 803-422-1817

E. robbyncita@yahoo.com

E. montage@sc.rr.com Donald F. Smith Cayce, SC T. 803-794-0770 E. vasmith@sc.rr.com

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

47

Owners’ directory TEXAS

WASHINGTON

Mary Berg Sonriente Paso Finos

Sharon DeLaney Enumclaw, WA

Taylor, TX

T. 206-321-5087

T. 512-998-9719

E. delasl@aol.com

E. mary@k9element.com www.facebook.com/sonrientepasofinos Ramón and Mildred Bodón Kofresí Royal Farm Killeen, TX T. 254-462-7982 E. salsabodon@aol.com www.facebook.com/Kofresi-RoyalFarm-550812661692030 Marj Douglas Rancho Mi Estrella

CANADA César A. Romero Saskatoon, Canada T. 306-242-9309 E. cesar.alejandro.romero@gmail.com www.facebook.com/PA50F1N0 Stefanie Schermerhorn Trademark Farms Saskatchewan, Canada

Dale, TX

T. 306-500-1746 (Sask)

T. 512-787-3019

T. 731-845-3718 (Tennessee)

E. marj_douglas@yahoo.com

E. info@pintopaso.com

www.facebook.com/ pasofinosofranchomiestrella

www.facebook.com/pintopasofino www.pintopaso.com

Rafael and Margarita García Velarama Royal Farm Killeen, TX T. 808-778-8164 (Rafael) T. 808-779-0094 (Margarita) E. boricuakendo@gmail.com E. margaretgarcia109@gmail.com

VIRGINIA Patricia & James Muncy Bentonville, VA T. 540-635-9568 E. John & Trish Novaro Zuni, VA T. 757-859-6449 E.

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BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

This section is a work in progress, if you want to be included in this directory or want to add more information to your listing, please send your information to editor.borntogait@ gmail.com or contact us through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ BornToGait .

The Horse’s Prayer (Author unknown)

I would like to be your loyal companion, rather than your noble conquest.

Learn to talk to me, I will understand without a mistake.

When your hand is firmly on the reins, then I will take you where you want.

Trust me as much as necessary, my loyalty will not fail you.

Don’t be afraid of me, I have the strength to help you.

If you must fight, take me, I will protect and watch over you.

If you were to choose one friend, I would like to be that one.

Stallions’ directory FLORIDA

MISSOURI

OREGON

Borinquen de Mi Orgullo

Don Juan de América

Armani del Sol

Mago de Pride x Belinda de Réplica

Juan Jesus x Srta. Constitución

Barba Roja de Kofresí II x Alborada del Sol

Pedro Burgos

Tracy Hernández

César Romero

Castadero Villa Burgos

Buckeye Ridge

Tallahassee, Florida

Lockwood, Missouri

Standing at Puerto Rican Paso Fino Heart Throbs

T. 787-244-0832

T. 417-861-0303

Diseño Taino D’Mi Borinquen Mago de Pride x Aroma de Las Magnolias

E. pfrider@earthlink.net

Denisse Cancel

NEW YORK

D’Mi Borinquen Paso Fino

Magnum

Micanopy, Florida T. 352-246-9983 E. denissecancel@hotmail.com Don Tatá D’Borikén Poema de Altura x Sombra del Brujo Edgardo Fullana

E. fullanae@hotmail.com Romeo de Pride

Contact Josey Machado T. 503-983-8702 E. prpfheartthrobs@yahoo.com Royalty’s Prince Killian Thorin

Ser Extremo Esperanza x Ilusionista

Turabo Segundo x Royalty’s Toña La Negra

Louie Giorgi

Summer Douglas

Mt. Pisgah Paso Finos

Vernonia, Oregon

New Kingston, New York

Not available for stud services at this time.

T. 845-532-3535 E. mtnxtreme@gmail.com

Royalty’s Turabo D’Alicante (aka Zorro) David Holderread

Palm City, Florida T. 561-797-8052

Prineville, Oregon

OKLAHOMA Cuatro Beat Obsession Color: Tobiano Pinto

Blue Bird Paradise Paso Finos Corvallis, Oregon T. E. smoothride@bluebirdpasofinos.com

Amante de Pride x Yesenia de Toro Negro

Santo Serrano x Milicirin’s Miracle

Pedro Burgos

Tonia Colburn

Castadero Villa Burgos

Cuatro Beat Pasos

Cale’s Helado Oro x Medalla de Pride

Tallahassee, Florida

Muskogee, Oklahoma

Donna Randall

T. 787-244-0832

T. 918-441-9902

Winds of Freedom Farm

T. 918-781-9901

Albany, Oregon

E. cuatrobeat@yahoo.com

T. 541-730-0588

MICHIGAN Curioso Milagro de Nieve x Farola Rosie Spagnuolo Bickert Gentle HoofBeats Paso Finos DeWitt, Michigan T. 517-490-7712 E. bickertr@msu.edu

Royalty’s Vaho del Cumbre Vaho de Montana x Carmina B Tonia Colburn

Yuquiyú

T. 541-990-2212 E. donnaparty69@live.com

Cuatro Beat Pasos

SOUTH CAROLINA

Muskogee, Oklahoma

Boricua

T. 918-441-9902

Plebeyo x Suleyka

T. 918-781-9901

Gail Brown and Jennifer Watkins

E. cuatrobeat@yahoo.com

Palmetto Pride Puerto Rican Paso Fino Farm Batesburg, South Carolina T. 803-532-8805 E. gailbrown45@hotmail.com

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

49

Stallions’ directory Diamante Pechudo x Tiffany’s Travesura Stella Manberg-Wise Great Blazes Farm Windsor, South Carolina T. 803-646-3327 E. greatblazesfarm@gmail.com Fuego Rápido de Pride San Mateo Mako x Diamante Negra de Pride Cathy Tack Palmetto Pride Puerto Rican Paso Fino Farm

TEXAS

CANADA

Amaretto Royal

Cale’s Ayudo de Pintura

Allegretto Royal x Faraona Royal

San Mateo Mako x Pintura LaCE

Ramón and Mildred Bodón

Stefanie Schermerhorn

Kofresí Royal Farm

Trademark Farms

Killeen, Texas

Saskatchewan, Canada

T. 254-462-7982

T. 306-500-1746 (Sask)

E. salsabodon@aol.com

T. 731-845-3718 (Tennessee)

Galante de Pride San Mateo Mako x Herencia de Kofregrama Rafael and Margarita García

Batesburg, South Carolina

Velarama Royal Farm

T. 803-687-1565

Killeen, Texas

E. tackcat@yahoo.com

T. 808-778-8164 (Rafael)

JB Legado de Pride Boricua x Camelia de Pride Gail Brown and Jennifer Watkins Palmetto Pride Puerto Rican Paso Fino Farm Batesburg, South Carolina T. 803-532-8805 E. gailbrown45@hotmail.com Mago de Pride Rejonero de Labriego x Magia Negra de Toro Negro Gail Brown and Jennifer Watkins Palmetto Pride Puerto Rican Paso Fino Farm

T. 808-779-0094 (Margarita) E. boricuakendo@gmail.com E. margaretgarcia109@gmail.com

E. gailbrown45@hotmail.com

BORN TO GAIT • FALL 2022

T. 306-500-1746 (Sask) T. 731-845-3718 (Tennessee) E. info@pintopaso.com

E. salsabodon@aol.com Rayito de Oro Color: Cremello Cale’s Helado Oro x Tostada de Hidalgo

T. 512-787-3019 E. marj_douglas@yahoo.com Rojo Rey de Cuerno Grande Águila de Negro x Azúcar Morena Mary Berg Sonriente Paso Finos Taylor, Texas T. 512-998-9719 E. mary@k9element.com

50

Saskatchewan, Canada

T. 254-462-7982

Dale, Texas

T. 803-532-8805

Trademark Farms

Killeen, Texas

Rancho Mi Estrella

Batesburg, South Carolina

Stefanie Schermerhorn

Kofresí Royal Farm

E. gailbrown45@hotmail.com

Palmetto Pride Puerto Rican Paso Fino Farm

Brillador de Pisgah x Reina de Margarita

Ramón and Mildred Bodón

Marj Douglas

Gail Brown and Jennifer Watkins

Color: Tobiano Pinto

Boricua x Candela de Kofresí

T. 803-532-8805

Boricua x Magia de Réplica

Domingo del Escudero

Imperio Royal

Batesburg, South Carolina

Plebeyo de Pride

E. info@pintopaso.com

This listing includes PPR Paso Fino Stallions properly registered with one of the PPR Paso Fino organizations in the United States or Puerto Rico. The horse must reside in the United State to be included in this list.

If you want to include your stallion in this directory or want to add more information to your listing, please send the information to editor.borntogait@ gmail.com or contact us through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ BornToGait .

Organization’s directory UNITED STATES

PUERTO RICO

SOCIAL MEDIA

Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America

Federación del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico

Paso Fino Preservation

PO Box 2027, Leesville SC 29070-2027 T. 803-532-8805

PMB 220, #138 Ave. Winston Churchill, San Juan PR 00926-6013

E. gailbrown45@hotmail.com

T.

www.pprpffa.org

E. federacionpasofino@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/PPRPFFA

www.facebook.com/FDCPFPR Asociación Nacional del Deporte de Caballos de Paso Fino de Puerto Rico

The Livestock Conservancy PO Box 477, 33 Hillsboro, St. Pittsboro, NC 27312

Cond. El Atlántico, Aptdo. L-1, Levittown PR 00949-4223

T. 919-542-5704 E. info@livestockconservancy.org www.livestockconservancy.org www.facebook.com/livestockconservancy Equus Survival Trust

T. E. nacionalpasofino@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ AsociacionNacionaldePasoFino Asociación Insular Dueños y Criadores Paso Fino Puro Puertorriqueño

130 Lumber Plant Rd. Lowgap, NC 27024

PO Box 1013, Guaynabo PR 00970-1013

T. 336-352-5520 E. EquusSurvivalTrust@yahoo.com www.equus-survival-trust.org www.facebook.com/ groups/534393013432883

T. 787-365-4087 E. insularpasofino.pr@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ AsociacionInsularPasoFinoPuro Oficina de Paso Fino Departamento de Agricultura de PR Box 10163, San Juan PR 00908-1163 T. (787) 721-2120

www.facebook.com/Paso-FinoPreservation-773845989440462 Paso Fino, puro de aquí www.facebook.com/purodeaqui Paso Fino Raza Puertorriqueña www.facebook.com/ pasofinorazapuertorriquena/ www.pasofinopur.com PNW Puerto Rican Paso Finos www.facebook.com/ groups/742342929878629 PPR Paso Fino Group www.facebook.com/ groups/1906531239409437 Raza Autóctona TV Paso Fino, Raza Autóctona de Puerto Rico T. 787-910-2729 E. jhuertasmelendez@yahoo.com www.youtube.com/c/ PasoFinoRazaAutóctonadePuertoRico www.facebook.com/ pasofinorazaautoctonadePR www.facebook.com/ groups/704893746370347

E. info@agricultura.pr.gov www.agricultura.pr Paso Fino Puerto Rico Horse Breed Foundation – PFBREED PMB 1736, Calle París #243, San Juan PR 00917 T. 787-403-7545 E. pasofinoprbreedfoundation@gmail.com www.facebook.com/pfbreed

MAGAZINES Paso Fino, Raza de Puerto Rico Magazine Rafael Arbelo T. (863) 838-3932 E. yumac1@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/ PasoFinoaPuertoRicanBreed www.pasofinomagazine.com

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