Cantering Through Life » paso fino

Special Horse Notes

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:10:56 +0000

Over Drive (OD)

Some horses can be difficult when trying to load them into the trailer; however some horses can’t wait to get into the trailer and even want to climb in all by themselves! OD (OverDrive) a three year old just recently gelded Paso / SingleFooter was so anxious to get into the trailer he was standing on the side rail! Definitely not a freaky horse! When he is older he’ll probably drive himself home!

Casanova

Then again there is the always popular and infinitely patient Casanova a Peruvian Paso outfitted with his sunhat, (necessary to prevent sunburn in our high altitude) and ready for the days ride! But of course I spoiled him with his gourmet baby organic carrots after taking his picture, none of those overgrown chewy ones for him!

Last summer we were honored to have Dr Mosely and Mr Eaglin from Louisiana visit us here in the East Mountains of New Mexico! They are breeders and trainers of the single footer horses and were here to visit and educate about their horses! Ride like the wind is how you describe the single footer horses, some of them attaining speeds of 25 mph while in gait!

Trail riding with Gaited Horses

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:52:56 +0000

Gaited Horses are fast becoming the preferred mount for trail riding. The combination of smooth ride, great mind, easy going personality and small size is a huge plus for the trail rider, especially for those over 30 years old! Paso Fino’s and Peruvian Paso’s are a favorite for several reasons: their small size, their nimble stride and their versatility. The Paso’s relatively small feet makes them ideal for rocky trails and their smaller bone structure makes them a more comfortable ride on the rider’s hips. The Paso’s, in spite of their brio or fiery nature, are really fairly calm and trustworthy on the trail. In most situations the Paso’s I’ve ridden have responded to surprises such as motorcycles, cars, deer, ducks, unexpected trail hazards and dogs without losing their heads or taking off.

This is not to say that these horses are without heart or stamina! After a 3 day trail ride, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse Ride covering more than 70 miles of mountainus terrain, Destino was ready to perform at his best for the Lincoln County Parade! He had the carriage of a well rested horse even though he had lost some significant weight on the strenuous ride. While many of the horses on the trail ride were dragging, literally, these Paso Fino’s were still spirited, showy and ready to go!

Destino a Wonderful Paso Fino

admin — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:15:33 +0000

Destino was the ambassador for Paso Fino gaited horses in the East Mountain area of NM ; he filled the role magnificently. Nearly everyone who was privileged to ride and experience his smooth as glass gait was hooked and had to have a Paso Fino or Peruvian Paso for their very own! Unfortunately Destino left us at the tender age of 11, off to introduce the spirit world to gaited horses! For now his likeness in glass greets me every morning with the sunrise behind him! Destino, born and bred for show in his native Latin America undoubtedly experienced some rough handling in his training but he was able to rise above it and become a loyal and trustworthy steed. He still had the fire and presence of a show Paso Fino but he became trustworthy and was even able to flat walk; quite an accomplishment for a show Paso whose breeding and training is all about their Brio or controlled fire. Destino and I rode many happy trails together until his untimely death September 2007. My terrific friends Liz and Leigh bestowed Leigh’s last stained glass masterpiece on me for Destino’s one year anniversary of his passing. It hangs in a place of honor facing east and greeting the sunrise every morning.

Gutierrez Open Space Ride

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:21:23 +0000

The newly opened Gutierrez Open Space is a great afternoon ride, just 15 minutes from Tramway Blvd and Central in Albuquerque. it is located between Hwy 14 and Gutierrez Canyon Rd. It can be accessed from either Gutierrez Canyon Rd or Hwy 14. Just behind the post office there is a parking area and a fenced area with a hitching post, they even planted corn for the horses to snack on!

The 400 acres was rescued from development by the Milne family and Mayor Martin Chavez who took on the task of having the city manage it through the open space network. The $2.2 million purchase was funded by the City of Albuquerque, capital outlays from the New Mexico legislature, and New Mexico Land, Wildlife, and Clean Energy funds. Key support was provided by Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, Senator Kent Cravens, Representative Kathy McCoy, Representative Mimi Stewart, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, and Albuquerque Councilors Isaac Benton and Martin Heinrich. Thanks to all of them for keeping the area for all of us to enjoy!

The ride takes about 1.5 hours each way. There are a few steep and rocky areas but mostly just a fun trail ride! We opted for lunch at Ribs but there is also a coffee shop/deli called Woobies that is terrific as well! (Tell Linda I sent you!)

Our friends Radu and Daniela joined us from Texas with their Arabian endurance horse and Paso fino; they took these great pictures.

Here is the Utube video taken by Daniella as we rode, of course it was mostly of the guys they are the publicity hams!

gutierrez canyon ride