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I can only speak from my very limited experience with my young Paso Fino 
mare.  We only have 2 LDs under our belt.  I don't want to push it with her 
since she is young.  She is almost 5, she has done 2 LDs as a 4 year old and 
may have 3 under her belt before she turns 5.  We have been taking our time 
and poking along and she has done well.  She has a very businesslike 
attitude toward things and looks to me for support (I know, sounds crazy).  
We make a good team.  She will get wound up at the beginning of the ride and 
want to go, especially if she is with other horses that are used to going.  
Once we get away from the pack, she settles and is fine.  She does not have 
a problem cooling or pulsing down but that is probably because of our slow 
pace and me leading her in the last 1/2 mile to the vet check instead of 
riding.  During the ride, she will tell me when she is tired and I will let 
her slow down and rest for a bit.  Her body language clearly says "time for 
a little break."  After slowing for a bit, she will gather herself, pick her 
head up and tell me that it is time to go again.

She is not a former "jacked up" show horse so that probably helps.  I have 
had ex show horses and many of them can learn to relax and enjoy the ride, 
it just takes time and patience.  She does have the brio, but it is what is 
natural to the breed and not the man-made version.  It is not so much the 
"crazy spiritedness" that most people think it it.  It is her bright, 
inquisitive nature that gives her that extra spark of intelligence and 
heart.  She can sense when it is time to turn on the fire and give it that 
extra oompf.  She also knows when I need for her to relax and enjoy the 
scenery.  In my mind, a paso fino is like an arabian.  If you take the time 
and patience needed to build a partnership, you will have a wonderful 
companion that is uniquely tuned in to you.  I have spent the last year 
concentrating all of my extra time and resources on this mare and it really 
has paid off for me.

That is my 2 cents for what it is worth. ;-)

Mel Cochran

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http://liveearth.msn.com


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