Paso Finos?

[Double C Forge]

I have a good client that has a friend moving here that has paso fino horses. My client told her about me and the friend said that "a farrier must know how to shoe a gaited horse"........well I have did some reading in the several books that I have and researched online and from what I can tell, there really isn't any difference as far as a good balanced trim and a flat shoe if the horse is to be used for general trail riding. (Not padded up for the shows).

Is that a fairly accurate statement or is there more to it then that? or am I missing something?

I would think that the gait would be natural and could be accented thru training or different pad set ups, toe length etc.

Thanks for the input

[Gary Hill]

Paso Fino people want their horses to have more toe than you would trim off say a Quarter horse. Lots of them prefer them to be barefoot also unless the area is really rocky. A Paso trainer I used to shoe for supplied nature plates for his horses. Thats what he wanted so I just nailed them on and charged the same. Best of Luck! Gary

[calshoer]

Some Paso Fino (and Peruvuian Paso ) trainers want long toes ,which is of course bad for the horse. Some othees have asked to stand them up more (go figure) .
However a lot know better and just want a foot balanced for that individual. I have an old article from a gaited magazine that condemns the practice of messing with the individual hoof angles or toe lengths to accentuate gait saying it is detrimental to the horse.
Patty

[Rick Burten]

IIRC, breed reqirements say that whenever possible they should be left barefoot, and if shod, shod only with light weight, even weight shoe, and no pad of any kind.

All that said, you are correct, correct balanced trimming, and if necessary, a light shoe should be all that is necessary for a Paso to gait correctly.

[Roy Amaral CJF]

foot balanced for that individual.

You're going to have enough fun just figuring that out if the ones I've seen are an example of the breed as a whole. Crooked lil' guys. :eek:

[Dave Millwater, RMF]

Hey,


I'd comment on shoeing Paso Finos, but Granny always said "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."


-DAVE.
Experienced with Pasos, with the scars and limp to prove it.

[Phil Armitage]

I had to fix a couple of Paso Finos. They were trimmed too short to the point of being sore from sole pressure. I had to seat out the shoes, I use St. Criox light. After a couple of shoeing cycles they were fine and had all thier gates back. Personaly I feel a proper trim, balanced is the best for all breeds no matter what they do. I am not impressed with Trainers or horse owners who claim they know what is best as far as angles, weight and toe length. I could make alot of money if I could just learn to kiss up to them and give them what they want, guess I will not get rich in this life time.

[Derin Foor]

I'm right there with Dave....if you can get past the goofy owners, the goofy horses should be easy :D

Derin

[calshoer]

One tip when working around pasos,(especially peruvians)...move easy and calm around them and be NICE. They have an extra developed self preservation gene or something and are extra reactive. They get scared easily.
Those horses will not tolerate roughness or rudeness of of any kind. Be Quiet, consistant ,and most of all calm, if you want to get around them well.
Patty

[cordell_rogers]

One tip when working around pasos,(especially peruvians)...move easy and calm around them and be NICE. They have an extra developed self preservation gene or something and are extra reactive. They get scared easily.
Those horses will not tolerate roughness or rudeness of of any kind. Be Quiet, consistant ,and most of all calm, if you want to get around them well.
Patty

I second Patty's opinion. They are definitely a little more sensitive than other breeds- not as forgiving as a good old QH.

[Laura Dulcie]

I agree with most of what's been said before and have one more little thing to add:

When you approach the paso, walk quietly and go straight to the foot you want and pick it up without touching the horse's body or running your hand down the leg. Don't run your hand along the paso's side as you walk toward the back feet. They aren't really into being touched by strangers (doesn't matter how many times you do them), and will be a lot calmer if you don't touch them very much. They are usually okay with a firm grip on the leg once the foot is up.

I know this sounds a little weird, but has really helped with the pasos I do. The extra silly ones work best for me if I pick the foot up by the hoof capsule and don't touch the leg or pastern. Once the foot is up, they're usually okay. When nailing, I try not to shift around at all, since it seems that the moment I move a little, they move a lot!

Best of luck to you!

[Bill Adams]

Thanks Patty and Laura,
Now you tell me. With the one I've had to shoe, I just fought him and made him do what I wanted and after about twelve years he is starting to be less "special".
Pasos are great, they may be ****** but at least they run slow and get ringbone easy.
Bill

[hoofnhound]

I'm a Paso Fino owner and have to agree with info here..hardy little feet,nothing special needed or preferred.
Just good balance and light flat shod if necessary.
If they are not gaiting right,look to the riding first,tack second.The problem will usually lie there (good luck on telling the owner that though!)
These guys are born gaiting.
Mine stand great and will offer up feet by pretty much moving from one leg to the next.
I've heard horror stories about thier temprement but if you are calm and quiet around them they are usually gems.
This holds for me with my (several) client's paso's as well as my own.
Patty's advice is spot on.
Alison