Reach: Louisiana, Mississippi and western Alabama

On November 16, 1986, a group of 35 intrepid folks gathered together to organize the Deep South Paso Fino Horse Association. The historic meeting was held in Kiln, Mississippi. The conspirators included Paso lovers from Mississippi, Louisiana and southern Alabama. National President, Fred Green gave an orientation speech instructing the group on social activities, on organizing shows and on promotion of the breed. In January 1987, this much needed region was approved by the National office.

Armed with regional status, our members rolled up their sleeves and set to work promoting the virtues of the perfect horse. Over the years, we have given numerous demonstrations and participated in exhibitions at prestigious affairs such as the Regional Polo games, Parade of Breeds, Scottish Highland Games, Neshoba County Fair, Greater Gulf States Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show Parade and Mississippi Horse Council Equine Extravaganza. Our horses also participated in the Special Olympics in Biloxi, MS, competitive and endurance rides, fun trail rides, open gaited classes in local shows and parades for Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Christmas.

Our first official Paso Fino Horse Show was held in June 1987 in Covington, Louisiana. It was a successful event entitled “Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler”, or “Let the Good Times Roll” – and roll they did. We went from one show a year to three AHSA/PFHA shows a year with a fun show thrown in for good measure. Over the past 13 years, our membership has more than doubled and our region has boasted several National Champions.

We also have several T.O.P. winners and our bloodlines include some of the breed’s greatest horses.

Deep South began holding a spring show in Tupelo, Mississippi and a fall show in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1997. The Tupelo show was our largest show ever until 1999 when we started having our fall Magnolia Classic show in the brand new Forrest County Multipurpose Arena in Hattiesburg, MS. In 2002, we renamed the Tupelo show the Spring Magnolia Classic and moved it to the brand new Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, MS. Both of these are shows are held in two of the most modern, up-to-date facilities in the country. They have been very successful, have a tremendous following, and have continued to grow every year ……and everyone has a good time!

The people responsible for the beginning and for the continued growth of our club are too many to name. All have sacrificed their time and efforts, striving to promote and enjoy our unique horses. And we continue, hopefully for a long, long time! Ya’ll come see us sometime!