I eagerly tried to pick him out. Coral pointed him out as the black horse with frosting on his rump. I noticed he moved oddly and I wondered if he was lame. Coral patiently explained his gait was that of his Paso Fino Sire. She explained the rich heritage of the Paso Fino breed. I was fascinated with the culture and history of the breed.
I asked if I could give him a bath since he was a mess. They agreed and left me at the barn to get to know "Chili Tipi Quinn" . I washed, brushed and groomed him until he shined like a show horse. It was a magical time when time stood still for me. I couldn't tell you if it was 15 minutes or 2 hours. There was a huge pile of winter hair at my feet when they returned. My glowing face answered my fathers question " Do you like him?".
He offered her $175 and she agreed remarking that I reminded her of herself as a young girl. We brought Chili home and 3 days later I convinced my new friend Carol to give me a leg up on a bareback Chili. I commenced "training" by kicking and pulling the lead rope that was attached to his halter. It wasn't working well so I asked Carol to get me a second lead rope. She left me bareback to get it. Chili just stood patiently for us girls to get it together. Within a week we were riding on trail with my new friends. I rode him all over Florida for the next two years we crossed roads, bridges, went swimming and anywhere else I wanted to go. When I moved back to Michigan 2 years later I sadly sold him back to Coral. I kept in contact with her through the years and after college and getting married I purchased him back. I like to think he enjoyed his retirement teaching my children to ride and introducing many people to the gaited ride. He was a favorite to everyone that met him for his gentle willing nature and smooth gait. He lived to 28 years old and is buried on our farm.
His loyalty, brios and smooth gait were only found in the Paso Fino Breed. After riding many breeds it is my breed of choice. My goal is to share this wonderful breed with horse lovers wherever I go. Try one today and it might become your breed of choice too!
