been thinking - what makes a good paso rider?

[Terri]

I have always wondered about people that decide they want a paso because they know they aren't that good of a rider and they figure that without the bouncy trot they will be "safer". I've know a couple of people like that and in the end, they did not succeed.

Last night my son's friend's mother (Angela) and her sister (Jackie) came over. Angela had asked me many times if she could ride my horses. She made it sound like she used to ride when she was a kid. Or maybe I heard her wrong, cause as she was getting on Incendio she said "OMG, I am so excited! I've only ever been on a horse once in my life before" :shock: I looked over at Jackie who was parked on Mikka with a death grip on the saddle. Of the two horses, Incendio is by far the "hotter" one with more Brio. Mikka is the beginners horse. So I took a deep breath, said a prayer and started teaching them to stop and turn at walk. Jackie was clearly having trouble doing any of it: her foot kept dropping out of the stirrup, she kept holding the saddle and Mikka wandered where she wanted. So as I was paying attention to her, I heard Angela laughing out loud behind me. I turned around and she was in full LARGO, having a blast. Jackie was in a very slow walk and looked sick.

At this point Angela announced: "OKAY, I am ready to go out in the woods". So despite the fact that my insurance lady would have a heart attack, I mounted Rio and lead them in the little path in the woods behind my house. We just walked and I had to stop at least once to fix Jackie's stirrup. When we got back Angela announced it was the most fun she ever had in her whole life. I thought Jackie was going to kiss the ground when she got off.

I think I am going to make a rider outta Angela - she is a natural. Jackie lives in New Hampshire so I doubt if I will see her again. But what was the difference? They were both DEAD BEGINNERS!!!! Jackie was on the easier/safer horse. Is it confidence? the ability to relax and have fun? And am I really NOT a good rider, just my Paso makes me look good?

It was very interesting.

[SharonP]

Terri,
As you know, I am a terrible rider! But I think you are right -- it's probably the ability to relax. And the love of animals is key. I know horses, like all animals, sense this in humans. Also, old-fashioned balance and a litle self-confidence probably play a factor.

When I rode Incendio, I had a blast. I love him to pieces, and I am shopping for a horse like him right now! I found him very easy to ride and not hot in the least.

S

[CarolU]

I think it's the ability to relax. Some people have a greater fear of consequences then others. My husband's best friend from childhood is fears nothing. His two daughters came over with him, neither had ever ridden. I saddled up Trooper (dead beginner) and Santiago (mid-level) and started them riding. They grew bored with Trooper quickly and instead took turns on Santaigo at a full gallop around the round coral. Neither girl had any fear of 'what could go wrong' and just enjoyed the ride. I think some people can't get past that and just relax.

I also see that as a reason people get saddle sore. If you are tense in the saddle for two hours you are going to be sore.

[Terri]

You are not a terrible rider Sharon! and No Incendio is not what I consider to be a to hot to handle paso, but he has plenty of brio and compared to Mikka or the neighbor's qrt horses, he is the "hotter" horse. He moves out and had a fast corto. And to someone who had never been on any horse before, that could be intimidating. But Angela thought it was a blast. Jackie was terrified of moving at all.

One think Angela said I thought was interesting was "I know other people with horses but you are the only one who would just let us ride and the only one I would trust to let us ride". And she is right, I don't know another soul with other breeds of horses that would just stick a complete novice on and go for a stroll in the woods. But I trust my Pasos not to do something stupid or get spooky or scared. (well, Mico might try something stupid - like back down a ditch, but not usually)

Interestingly enough, both ladies thought Mico was the prettiest horse in the barn.

[Minouri]

Terri,

I am not a good rider...but I ride Scooter well... so I am going to add on to your ability to relax....

The sense to ride horses that match your abilty.

I will say, however, that when we went to ride that MFT I was the only sucky rider in the group. I could not get over how her eyes were rolling around in her head or how weird she looked to me. So, I ruined my own ride on her. Everyone else..including Alisha..hopped on and rode her around without a worry. I couldn't relax and didn't rider her well at all.

So, maybe relaxation is the number one quality.

[TrueStepPaso]

Yes, I agree....relaxation is key on any horse......but I have to say, after growing up riding all of the hot gymkhana Qtr, Appy, Mustang, Arab, & Morganx horses, Pasos seem like "no work" to me.

When I rode my first Paso at del Fuego, my very first comment (I'll never forget it) was, "OMG, this is so easy!"
Now don't get me wrong, Pasos will still give you a run for your money at times....but they are SMOOTH when they're doing it! So it's much easier to sit to.... :lol:

[SharonP]

another thing that goes along w/relaxation -- BREATHE! when people get scared, they don't breathe normally and/or they hold their breaths.

[CarolU]

I agree with you Abbey. Pasos are so easy...even when dancing and largoing their hearts out, they are very easy to ride. They do make you look like a really good rider though!

I watched people on the BCH trail ride kicking their horse to get every step and all I could think of was that was a LOT of work when I was just sitting there enjoying the scenery.

[Terri]

I agree Pasos are easy!!!! absolutely. (that is why I can pretend to be a good rider) but their quick moving feet can intimidate someone who lacks confidence and gets to tense. I find the more tense you get on my horses the faster they go. So a new rider who hears they are easy but gets scared will be totally discouraged.

[ErinC]

So a new rider who hears they are easy but gets scared will be totally discouraged.


GEEEEEEEEEEEE< I dont know anyone that ever did that! :roll:

[Brigitte]

Oh yeah the ability to relax, stay calm and having no fear. I would know, I have a whole mix of kids I give lessons too. They range from nervous 13 year olds to calm and wild 8 year olds. I had a 7-8 year old boy once, I could put him on almost any horse and he would ride them. A horse reared up and stayed on :shock: . I have a girl who rides well but when a horse does the tiniest thing she loses her composure, starts crying and loses control. Definitely the ability to stay calm and enjoy the ride.

Yesterday we had 18 tourists, one fell off and started laughing :shock: She would be a great rider too I guess. Not many people who fall off start laughing

[xpasocortox]

Hey, everyone! I'm new. My name is Amanda, and I've just started my quest for my first ever Paso Fino. I fell in love with the breed one day after riding my horse (draft cross) on a five hour trail ride. I came back, unsaddled him, and was given the offer to ride this absolutely adorable, very sweet, very little Paso Fino! I jumped at the chance (I like riding any type of gaited horse!), and spent another hour on him! That was the beginning of my love affair with Pasos. If you know anyone who is selling their PF in MA (I live in MA), NH, or CT, drop me a line!

Anyway.

I agree, Pasos can make you look like a good rider. I just went down to Wildwood Acres in CT to ride a few Pasos down there that were for sale. I'm used to less sensitive horses, so, my goodness, it was a learning experience! I learned right quick not to hold my legs too close to the sides of these horses, because I must have a tendency to grip lightly with my lower legs, and they would just shoot off! Not that that was a problem - I had a BLAST - but getting them down to a walk again was a problem before I realized I was cueing them very slightly. The owner of the horses told me I looked very balanced up there - but these horses were doing a fast corto/largo and both gaits are so simple to sit to, that I didn't feel like I was working to STAY balanced!

I also agree with the relaxation part. Both of the mares that I rode that were a little hotter would have had heart attacks if I had tensed up and yanked their mouths. I just stayed calm and did circles until they dropped back down to a walk, and I fixed my leg position!

Also, when you ride Pasos who have good stops...take some reining lessons so you don't get thrown out of the saddle! Nah, I'm not speaking from personal experience...-whistles-

Teehee!

[ErinC]

I know lots of people selling, but Lise has nice horses, you went to the right farm!
WELCOME!
where here in MA do you live?

there are a few of us here in MA with pasos.

:welcome

[Minouri]

Hi Amanda! I live in Northern RI. Are you far?

[xpasocortox]

Thanks for the welcome :D :D!!

You know Lise? That's so cool! I adored her horses - I rode, Al, Maya and Montenisa. I'm pretty much head over heels for Maya and Montie - gonna have a hard time choosing if I take one of them! Who else do you know is selling? I want to look around a LOT before I settle on something.

I don't know, exactly, Minouri. I live in Blackstone, MA, which is right on the RI border!

[Minouri]

Amanda, you are right around the corner from me! I drive through Blackstone and Bellingham all the time! How cool!

You'll have to come out and meet Scooter. He's not the fanciest Paso you'll meet, but he's a good boy and loves to go fast.

Hopefully next week I'll have a MFT addition to the family. I'm sweating his delivery time. It's killing me.

So come on over and see me sometime. I'm on summer break and riding all the time.

Ruthie

[xpasocortox]

Really?! That's so awesome! That'll be a huge treat when I finally get my new horse kid home!

Ooh, MFT! Tell me more! How old? Color? And I'd love to come and see Scooter (what a cute name!!)

Gotta love summer break ^.~ Sooo much happier being out of school...

Amanda :D

[Minouri]

http://www.americanpasofinos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14461

Amanda, The above link is about Cosmo, the MFT . I just sent off half and am waiting for him to arrive but the date of delivery is contingent on the other buyer. :( We're so excited though! He's 14 years old, 15 hands.

The picture below is me on Scooter this past winter. He's my buddy.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/ee019.jpg

[xpasocortox]

GORGEOUS Paso! -drooldrool!-

And the MFT looks adorable! My first gaited horse experience was a MFT...best trail ride of my life, until she bucked me off!

Do you have AIM? I'd love to talk to you in 'real time'!

Amanda :D

[ErinC]

I will PM you my E-mail address.
but go out and ride with Ruth she is the sweetest person !

[Terri]

Welcome Amanda. There is a several of us Paso folk here in SE MA. I think we need to organize a local Paso ride soon! Hope you find you perfect Paso soon. We will all keep our ears to the ground for you.

[xpasocortox]

DEFINITELY need to organize a ride...anyone got a horsie I can borrow? :D

Thanks for the welcome everyone! I'm really glad I found this board. With so many Paso people in MA, I'll be sure to find my partner ASAP!

Amanda :D

PS: Got your PM Erin ^.~

[Centauress]

Um....YEAH!!!!!! Terri has a BUNCH of pasos! :twisted:

No seriously, Terri has one you can borrow. All her pasos are pretty AND sweet! You see - Terri has a little "problem"... if someone has a good lookin' paso for sale - she has trouble saying no! :lol:

[xpasocortox]

LOL. 'Paso Finos are like potato chips...you can't JUST have one!'

Haha :D The only problem is, is that I'm going to ride one of her gorgeous Pasos and be like 'I wonder if there's a way for me to sneak this one home...'

Juuust kidding ^.~

Amanda :D

PS: I believe we've gone and hijacked this thread o.o;

[Pasogirlz]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/3.gif Amanda!

Looks like you are fitting in around here just fine already. ;-)

[Terri]

Amanda wrote:
The only problem is, is that I'm going to ride one of her gorgeous Pasos and be like 'I wonder if there's a way for me to sneak this one home...'

Ummmm, maybe you didn't understand Kim, - I have a "problem" and as soon as the twitching stops I will take my meds, but the odds of dissappearing "alive" with one of my pasos???? :rofl
These are my guys:
Rio:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/micomyhorse/827chrissy7.jpg
Mico
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/micomyhorse/mico4.jpg
and now Incendio (Mico's son)
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/micomyhorse/moreincendio.jpg

[TrueStepPaso]

Hi Amanda! Welcome to our humble lil' Paso BB! :mrgreen:

That is so cool we have another MA friend....woohooo! You should definitely buy a PASO asap!! And then get to riding with Ruthie & us MA gals!!! But in the meantime you can ride your horse with us or sample one of our Pasos...

You should buy Maya from Lise!!!

[Centauress]

Erin has really helped Terri out a lot with her "problem"... :lmao

Erin is actually the best person of all of us to help find your next horse...she knows EVERYTHING that's going on in "pasoland"!

Oh - and good luck trying to steal one of Terri's pasos. You'd have better luck trying to steal one of her kids!!! :mrgreen:

[Terri]

She can HAVE one of the kids!!! Which one does she want?

[Centauress]

How about the expensive college aged one????

[xpasocortox]

-rolls around laughing on the ground- I've known you guys for five minutes and I'm already having a ball!

Yikes, guess I shouldn't try to sneak off with any of Terri's pony children (AND YOU CAN KEEP YOUR REAL KIDS -glareglare- A mother at sixteen is NOT my idea of a good time...unless it's mommy to a fourlegged!)...except, well, Incendio is just droolworthy...hm...-begins plotting!!- Haha >:]

I really, really, REALLY liked Maya, but she's only the first Paso I've seen! I want to see a FEW before I settle on just one! This is my first horse - I'm not going about this lightly! And now I have a whole team of Paso enthusiasts working for me. Yay!

Erin's already PM'd me and we're going back and forth. Teehee!

I can't believe there are so many Paso people here in MA! That makes me so excited, 'cause now I'm going to have people to ride with! There are a bunch of trails down here in Blackstone, too, so I'll have to a host an annual Blackstone Paso Ride!

Amanda :D

ETA: Kim, don't tempt her, okay? I'm not going to have the money to pay for my own college tuition, never mind someone else's!

[Pasogirlz]

I bet you will participating in parades and paso promoting w/the gang any time now. 8-)

And I do recommend taking as MANY Paso test rides as possible before buying!! Know exactly what you want when you buy. Lord knows you will fall in love w/each ride, but be strong. :shock:

[Centauress]

Good advise Lori...

Plus horse shopping is FUN!!!!! :crazy bannana

[xpasocortox]

NO KIDDING! My god, I've had one hell of a time with just Lise's horses, never mind anything else! And when I first started looking back in Jan/Feb, I found a Coral LaCE mare, Ciencia de MiLE, and I was all set to buy her (then the bottom dropped out of my world, but, you know, such is life!). It's so hard not going: 'I want this one. AND this one. AND that one!'

...crap. I'm gonna be a Terri when I'm older!

:razz:

Amanda :D

[Pasogirlz]

NO KIDDING! My god, I've had one heck of a time with just Lise's horses, never mind anything else! And when I first started looking back in Jan/Feb, I found a Coral LaCE mare, Ciencia de MiLE, and I was all set to buy her (then the bottom dropped out of my world, but, you know, such is life!). It's so hard not going: 'I want this one. AND this one. AND that one!'

...crap. I'm gonna be a Terri when I'm older!

:razz:

Amanda :D

I think you are going to enjoy your journey to find the perfect paso. 8-) Especially w/such helpful guides. ;-)

[ErinC]

Ciencia de MiLE
we know her,
that is Tracys mare.

http://www.americanpasofinos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=127247&highlight=#127247


she would have been a good horse for you.

[Terri]

You can keep your hands off of Incendio, I JUST bought him!!

Soooo, your gonna be like me when you are "older". AHEM!!!!! Just how old do you think I am????

If anyone can find you the perfect horse, it will be Erin. Every one of my guys have her finger prints all over them. She has been my source, and enabler for years now. I know she is thinking about it now, I can smell the smoke.

[ErinC]

Terri ,
she is 16 ....

and come on now I am not THAT bad!

:roll:

[TrueStepPaso]

:lol:

[ErinC]

what are you laughing at? 8-)

[TrueStepPaso]

oh nothing...http://www.messengerfreak.com/emoticons/smilies/Whistle.gif

[Terri]

16!!! oh I missed that part. She is my daughter's age! :shock:

What do you mean you aren't that bad? which one of my horses doesn't bare you special touch? Heck you are even resposible for most of my boarders.

[Centauress]

Which boarder are you referring too?? :twisted:

Uh oh... it's about to get ugly! :bolts

[motorgypsy]

Welcome!

A good paso fino is like driving a ferrari that has the ease of driving and suspension of a lexus. You're going to love it if you love the adrenaline rush when they shift gears, the thrill of the awesome speed and the ease of handling and responsiveness. If you prefer a '65 landrover with a 10 leaf suspension, stick shift and no power steering you won't appreciate a paso fino. If you love to drive that monster truck you won't appreciate a paso fino. If you want raw power with noise and something that bumps on every pebble you won't appreciate a paso fino.

So the best paso fino rider is just going to be someone who loves and trusts horses in general and appreciates their very special characterisitics that allow people of all ages and riding capabilities to ride "safely at any speed".

(Now I'm well aware that this is not true of all paso finos but we cannot ride the best of Arabians or QH's or thoroughbreds for the length of time we choose to ride, on the terrain we choose to ride and at the speed we choose to ride at. We'd be in the hospital in traction if we tried.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/motorgypsy/050805-d_190-c.jpg

[xpasocortox]

This is quite amusing :D

Haha, yes, I am sixteen. Seventeen in a few months ^.~ Just had to throw that bit in.

Cool! Everyone knows everyone here. I wish I had gotten Ciencia, but, unfortunately, a few days after I went to see her, something extremely major happened in my family and any and all horse things fell through. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I even CALLED her...god, that proves how distracted I was at that time. I never do stuff like that!

Motorgypsy, that picture is gorgeous. I'm drooling. I want that buckskin!

Sigh. So many horses, so little time!

Amanda :D

[Terri]

Sigh. So many horses, so little time!and money

The story of my life! Don't worry Amanda, will find your perfect Paso.

Actually it is my son that is 16 (17 next month) my daughter is 15. I get them mixed up all the time. Incendio is actually my daughter's horse.

[xpasocortox]

I know I will, especially with so much help!

Well, damn, that screws over my plan for sniping Incendio! Teehee.

Guh, it's way too hot today. Gotta go and find a different shirt!

Amanda :D

[motorgypsy]

Thanks!!

the problem is you'll find the perfect pasos!!! We're up to 11 now for two riders. Just having them to watch even when it's too hot to ride or too stormy or too cold and wet is really a joy! They are sooo funny too!