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The Tennessee Valley Paso Fino Horse Association was chartered in May of 1983. Over the last 16 years it has grown from the thirty-five charter members to a membership in excess of 150 people from the Tennessee Valley area.
Show sponsorship has also grown from one regional show in 1984 to three regional shows held annually in Morristown, Murfreesboro and Memphis. The association and its members also participate in the Horse Fair which is sponsored by the Tennessee Horse Council and held at Middle Tennessee State University each March. We were well represented at the Horse Fair by our members this past year. Tennessee Valley received first place in the stallion exhibition, and second place in the breed exhibition.
Tennessee Valley members enjoy their Pasos in a variety of ways. They participate in parades, trail rides, breed exhibitions, and clinics. Last April, we sponsored a trail ride at Natchez Trace for the benefit of St. Jude Children’s & Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. The Trace is only one of many popular trail riding sites for our members.
Tennessee Valley also sponsors clinics each year for both adults and our young men and women. The clinics instruct us in Paso Fino equitation, general horsemanship and current training methods.
We have numerous members who enjoy regularly participating in parades all across Tennessee.
Please visit with us at our web site http://www.TVpfha.org where you will find our e-mail address, details about our association and a current calendar of events. We also have a Classified Ads page which will help you find the Paso of your dreams (if you have not already done so!)
President/Delegate: Norman Timbs
Phone number: 901-550-7776
We are a very active, growing group, with many more activities planned for the coming years including trail rides, shows, clinics, and open houses. We hope to see you there.
The Southwestern Paso Fino Horse Association (SWPFHA) was organized in 1985 for the purpose of promoting the Paso Fino horse in the Southwestern region of the United States.
SWPFHA provides many avenues for its members and friends to enjoy their Paso Fino horses, including an annual Fandango Tejas show. In addition, the region hosts horsemanship clinics, Fun Shows, trail rides, breed demonstrations, and competitive trail and jumping clinics. Members also enjoy team penning, roping, barrel racing, pole-bending, endurance riding, and soccer on horseback.
Members ride their horses in various parades throughout the region, such as the holiday parade and stock show parade near Houston. The SWPFHA is proud of its all-Paso Fino youth drill team, FINISIMO, as this troupe has garnered many national championships over the past few years. In addition, SWPFHA has traditionally supported Paso Fino marketing efforts at venues like the Houston and San Antonio livestock shows.
Many SWPFHA members have achieved great success with their horses at regional shows, the PFHA Grand National Show, and at world Paso Fino events, including the bi-annual Youth Mundial competitions. There are several large breeding and training facilities located within the region, and many other smaller farms. Each year at the respected Spectrum and Grand National shows, SWPFHA members come away with impressive wins!
The current officers of SWPFHA are dedicated to the needs of our membership and the promotion of the Paso Fino horse, and we thank our PFHA board for its commitment and help in these efforts.
Mike Hoo VP Currently acting as President until Election
Perez, Ellen #790 (Delegate)
Conroe, TX
Phone: (936)537-5710
Email: ellenperez@consolidated.com
The Piedmont PFHA (PPFHA) region held its first group meeting on December 21, 1976 and is now the third largest region of the Paso Fino Horse Association. We proudly host one of the largest regional shows in the USA, Asheville Alive! Many refer to it as the Mini-Nationals due to the high level of competition in all divisions. During this show, money is awarded to qualified Piedmont Futurity horses. This program recognizes some of the top breeding stallions in the country as well as awards money to the owners of their foals.
PPFHA also supports fun shows and clinics emphasizing education in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Trail rides are also an important and popular activity in our region. Throughout the year trail rides are scheduled in different areas providing fun filled days of horses and friends! Our region is also the home of:
- Grand National Champions
- Top Ten Sires and Dams
- Gelding of the Year Honorees
- Respected Trainers
- Dedicated Amateur Riders
- Breeding Farms
PPFHA owes its success to all of its dedicated members and Paso Fino enthusiasts that support the region! Show Exhibitors, Trail Riders, Youth Participants, Trainers, and Breeders are all equally important to the future of the breed and the region.
Reach: All European countries
Welcome to Europe
Founded in 2000 by Paso Fino owners, breeders and aficionados dedicated to promote the Paso Fino in Europe, the PFAE (Paso Fino Association Europe) soon developed into the major Paso Fino association in Europe.
Although there are several other associations promoting a variety of gaited horses (e.g. Peruvian Pasos, Missouris Foxtrotters, American Saddlebred, Icelandics etc.) the PFAE currently is the most active and influential association for the Paso Fino horse in Europe with close to 300 members. The majority of the PFAE members are living in Germany, but there are two strong regional groups in Switzerland and the UK/ Ireland. Besides, there are also members in Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and even Israel. In 2005 the PFAE has also been accepted as independent registry for Paso Finos by the PFHA. At the time being there are close to 1.000 horses in Europe registered with the PFAE.
Despite being a small association, the PFAE organizes and hosts at least two Paso Fino show each year. Every two years European Championships are held. All shows are based on the rules and regulations developed by the PFAE show committee in close adherence to the PFHA show and breeding rules. Despite all classes that are available at PFHA shows, the PFAE rules also include some unique European classes such as dressage, 3-gait (Paso Corto, walk and canter), 4-gait (Paso Corto, walk, trot and canter), Endurance class (Paso Corto for 10 minutes, selection of the best 8 horses that have to perform at Paso Corto for another 10 minutes), Natural Gaiters Class (horses have to perform Paso Corto as well as Paso Corto on lose reins). For those who enjoy their Paso Finos out on the trails we have initiated a Pasos for Pleasure program in line with the PFHA version.
Besides shows, PFAE breeders and members also promote the breed by participating in various equine fairs, exhibitions and open house events throughout the year.
Information is available to all members online via the PFAE homepage (www.pfae.org) in German and English, featuring the latest news and events, offering advice and help, providing lists with horses for sale, stallion services and offspring, giving a directory of training facilities and breeding farms. In addition, members receive a monthly e-Mail newsletter and the unique BRIO magazine published twice a year, which is the only exclusive Paso Fino magazine in Europe.
The members of the Paso Fino Association Europe have chosen a magnificent breed: The Paso Fino.
Since it is our goal that the breed gets the attention and the place in the equine world that it truly deserves, we feel it necessary that the Paso Fino gets represented and promoted across Europe by an officially acknowledged association, dedicated to the Paso Fino – The PFAE.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasofinoassociationeurope/
The Ozark Empire Paso Fino Horse Association was founded in 1971. Members range from large breeding farms to individual horse owners who all share the common goal of personally enjoying and promoting the Paso Fino horse to the American public.
Ozark Empire members are very active with their Paso Fino horses. Our members compete successfully at the national level winning Grand National, National, and National Reserve Championships. The Region sponsors and co-sponsors the all Paso “Midwest Classic” in May and the all- breed Illinois State Fair “Society Horse Show” in August at the Fair Grounds in Springfield, IL. Ozark Empire also co-hosts the Triple Crown horse show with Kentucky PFHA, Great Lakes PFHA, and this year, we added Tennessee Valley PFHA.
Many of our members use their Paso’s for trail riding on a regular basis with some participating in the Big Piney, Eminence, and Wilderness Trail Rides. Whether on the trail or in the show ring, Ozark Empire members enjoy their Paso Fino horses!
The Ozark Empire Region is the Mid-America home of some of the best Paso Finos in the world. Besides winning at the Grand National Championship Show, many of the excellent stallions and mares in our region have been honored in the Paso Fino Horse Association’s Top Ten Sires and Top Ten Dams lists. Not to mention, several Hall of Fame Horses and members inducted. We have quality horses available at reasonable prices for breeding, pleasure, and show. Quality professional training is available in the region for both horses and riders.
We invite you to visit with our Ozark Empire members and our website
at http://www.OzarkEmpirePFHA.org and learn more about the Ozark Empire Region, our members and their horses.
Our Board is:
Christy Meyer-Vera, President
Beth Uelsmann, Vice President
Katie Martin Liberatore, Secretary
Janice Meyer, Treasurer
Sue Niebling, Director
Jesi Hurni, Director
Rick Meyer, Delegate
Contact Information
Christy Meyer-Vera (President)
Royal Oak Ranch
635 E Hwy 40
Troy, IL 62294
Email: royaloakchristy44@gmail.com
Phone: 314-265-8521
Rick Meyer (Delegate)
Phone: 314-520-5707
Email: royaloakrick@gmail.com
Ocala Paso Fino Horse Association (OPFHA) is located in Ocala, Florida the Horse Capital of the World! Marion County and the surrounding communities are home to more renowned Paso Fino Breeders, Top Trainers and Paso Fino Boarding and Training facilities than anywhere else in the Nation.
With the 2nd largest membership, our members are a well-diversified group. We enjoy our horses to the fullest; participating in obstacle challenges, trail rides on the extensive Florida Greenway, at the many surrounding Parks or riding our pasos on the beach. Most definitely our members excel in the show arena with many top competitive amateur owners winning the Blue in all Divisions both at home and traveling around the Southeast to other regions and onward to the Grand National Show in the fall.
For the Paso Fino aficionado this area offers:
1) Access to elite trainers and training centers,
2) Many of the foremost stallions of our breed and some of the largest breeding operations in the United States. In fact, North Central and Central Florida has the largest population of Paso Fino horses, and more Paso Fino foals are produced here than anywhere else in the country,
3) Extensive Show Opportunities – Hosting various shows each year, OPFHA members don’t need to travel far to earn points. The competition calendar begins with the New Year Paso Festival in February. Then in May, Extravaganza, Ocala PFHA’s flagship show attracts participants from other regions, including out of state, all in pursue of the coveted title of Extravaganza champion. And lastly, in mid-August our Season Finale/Last Chance show sets our sight on the Grand National Show.
Culminating the calendar year with a Christmas Party, a trail ride and maybe a fun show! There is no better choice for regional membership! Join us by designating OPFHA (no regional membership fees) as your regional choice when you renew your PFHA membership.
We invite you to stay connected with us and know about our upcoming events and important updates at
https://www.pasofinoocala.com/
Don’t miss out on any of the excitement – join our community today!
President's Name: Luis "Luigi" Gonzalez
Email: lggonzalez73@hotmail.com
Phone: 407-242-0081
The Northeast, officially sanctioned in 1972, consists of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Quebec, Canada. We also attract members from several other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As of 2010, our association has swelled to approximately 100 members and at least 300 horses, including many national champions.
The Northeast is an active region. We offer a clinic in the fall, featuring guest and our local trainers from Paso Fino Del Fuego Farm, who sponsor the event.
The Northeast boasts three shows this year. Our show season starts in late May at an all breed show in Syracuse, NY. In July we hold a Paso Fino and United Mountain Horse show in Cobleskill, NY. Our show season draws to a close with another Paso Fino and Mountain Horse show “Fandango” in August in Middleboro, MA. Of course, no show season is complete without an awards banquet and ours is held at our Cobleskill, NY show.
Recognizing that not all Paso enthusiasts show, members of the Northeast have organized several group trail rides – in upstate New York, Long Island, Bradley Palmer State Park and other parks in Massachusetts. Also, we are very proud of our free trail riding program. Hours are tallied and awards are presented to deserving trail riders at year’s end. We host many parades including the St Patrick’s day parade and the the Thanksgiving parade in Plymouth, MA.
An event unique to the Northeast and a valuable tool to promote our beloved Paso Finos, is the Equine Affaire scheduled for November in West Springfield, MA. Billed as the nation’s premier national equine exposition and equestrian gathering, the Equine Affair was enjoyed by about 50,000+ participants. The Northeast has been invited to display a booth, participate in a breed demonstration and select a few lucky Paso Finos to dance to the music of a symphony orchestra in “Fantasia” as part of the highlight event, The Symphony of Horses.
The Northeast has its own website. Visit us at http://www.pasonortheast.org.
We also have a newsletter published monthly and our editor is always looking for news.
The Northeast has a lot to offer. Where else can you ride your Paso Fino on cranberry bogs near Plymouth Rock, or in the Connecticut woods near a Mohegan casino, or in the Berkshire mountains, or in the scenic mountain ranges of upstate New York or Vermont, or near lobster-filled water in Main, or . . .
Thanks for your time and best of luck at the shows in the coming year! Feel free to contact our president at pfino@aol.com or 617-697-8325
The commitment to the Paso Fino breed runs deep in the North Florida Region, formed for Paso fans in the Central and North Florida area in 1989. The general club character is horse-informed, horse-social, horse-active, and laid back. Our members are primarily amateur owners with owner-trained horses.
North Florida (NFPFHA) sponsors an annual point/fun show, called Gait-way to Fun. The show is a return to the “old-time” shows, in which fun, non-pointed classes are interspersed with PFHA point classes. The show participants really appreciate the ambiance of the show, where everyone is low key, helpful, and supportive, a welcoming environment for the rookie as well as the more experienced member. The show provides the ideal opportunity for those who have never shown or who have an unregistered Paso to participate. And for those seeking points to qualify for nationals, the NFPFHA Gait-way to Fun show is perfect, with our low costs and great location!
NFPFHA members are primarily focused on recreational leisure and competitive riding: monthly trail rides, benefits, demonstrations, clinics, camp-outs, distance and endurance rides, obstacle challenges, speed events, cow work…Our Horses Do It All…so why shouldn’t we?
The Mid America Paso Fino Horse Association is a regional organization dedicated to promoting the Paso Fino breed, enhancing the skills of riders, and fostering a strong community of Paso Fino enthusiasts across the Mid America region. Serving states in the north-central United States, MAPFHA organizes educational events, shows, and activities that celebrate the elegance, endurance, and unique gait of the Paso Fino horse. Our mission is to support breeders, owners, and riders in preserving and advancing the heritage and excellence of the Paso Fino breed.
Incorporated in 1987 under the Mason Dixon Paso Fino Horse Association (MDPFHA). Our vision is to be a “nationally recognized organization of informed and active members dedicated to supporting the equine community and celebrating the Paso Fino”. To that end, we strive not only to maintain our current membership, but to continue our growth through a variety of efforts. We focus on promoting the wonderful characteristics and versatility of the Paso Fino. We strive to include all the varied interests of our members from showing, competitive and judged trail rides, falconry, cowboy mounted shooting, western dressage, and recreational riding. To help promote and showcase our breed, we participate in the Maryland and Pennsylvania World Horse Expositions. Dedicated volunteers staff our MDPFHA booth at the expos, where we display the versatility of the breed through ridden demonstrations, photographs, videos, and a variety of printed material. Our professional trainers are there to answer specific questions about training, tack, and the qualities of the breed.
Other avenues we use to share information about the Paso Fino include participating in multiple parades, offering clinics from a variety of nationally known clinicians and trainers, open houses at farms throughout our region, trail rides, competitive trail and endurance rides, judged trail rides, lectures on falconry, cowboy mounted shooting, and rodeo entertainment featuring Paso Finos performing a variety of different activities and tricks.
The MDPFHA Spectacular Show is held at the Gloucester County DREAM Park, in Logan Township, NJ. Our show has grown to include other gaited breeds, as well as lunch time demonstrations, and a variety of entertainment during the Saturday evening barn party. Our show is designed to provide an opportunity to compete in a variety of different divisions in a fun and supportive environment. Year-end awards honor both the show horse, and members who log hours riding their horse, or promoting the Paso Fino through demos and parades. A multi-breed fun show allows our members to interact with other horse owners, while having fun and expanding the repertoire of our Paso Finos.
MDFPHA sincerely desires to represent all of the region’s Paso Fino enthusiasts and provide a sound support system that will encourage our members to participate in a variety of activities. Our bimonthly Powerglide newsletter for members, our website (www.masondixonpfha.org), our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/masondixonpfha), and our Twitter account help to celebrate our member’s accomplishments, facilitate communication across a large region, and encourage the participation by our members, while promoting the Paso Fino. If you are visiting our region, please feel free to reach out so we can share our love of our horses, and that “Paso smile”.
Officers:
President: Antonio Quinoa
Vice President: Meghan Winlack
Secretary: Sonia Bermudez
Treasurer: BJ Schuler
Delegate: Nick Burgos
We are proud to be the home of the Kentucky Horse Park, where over 850,000 horse lovers from all over the world visit each year. Those visitors are able to daily see the Paso Fino on display. The Horse Park and our Kentucky Paso Fino Horse Association are working with love for not only the Paso Fino, but also in the promotion of all horses and their future in America.
The Kentucky Paso Fino Horse Association continues to build new membership with an enthusiastic team of individuals who primarily reside in the Kentuckiana region. The website allows our members and others to keep up to date regarding activities and messages, as well as helping to spread the awareness of our great breed.
Our members actively participate in the day to day as well as show, trail and clinic activities of not only our association, but also regularly help to expand the awareness of our breed through their mixed breed activities.
We are a group with diverse experience and knowledge of the special abilities of our breed, and welcome former and new Paso Fino enthusiasts. They include active breeders, show riders, trainers, judges, regional association representatives, trail and endurance riders, as well as participants in local gaited horse shows such as those held in Bardstown, Meade County, Hart County, and the Bardstown Gaited Horse Association. You are encouraged to participate with others in the preparations and attendance of our annual regional show, basic horsemanship clinics, demonstrations at local businesses, and trail rides. We welcome one and all to the beautiful bluegrass of Kentucky.
President: Julie Garris
Julie.garris@pikeville.kyschools.us
Delegate: Jacqueline Holland
The Great Western Paso Fino Horse Association, previously known as Great Western Paso Fino Owners and Breeders, Inc., was formed in January 1975 with one thought in mind: To make Paso Fino household words west of the Mississippi River and on to California. At that time, there were few horses and even fewer owners and breeders in this entire area. Most Paso Fino horses were concentrated in the Southeastern United States, and most related activities were there also. Great Western set out to change this by gathering together every Paso Fino owner, breeder and aficionado in this vast area.
Great Western's first training clinic and point show was held at Bear Creek Arena just outside of Houston, Texas in April 1975. They had lots of help from their Midwestern and Southeastern PFOBA friends. That first clinic and show turned out to be a moral booster and enthusiastic success, though a financial disaster. In 1976, they held two Class “A” shows at the same location, and though still “in the red”, the increased activity was encouraging.
1977 brought more encouragement, particularly when Elna White, then in her third term as Great Western's President, was elected President of the National PFOBA organization. In 1978, Houston, Texas became the site of the first Grand National Championship show held in the west. They also had four class “A” PFOBA shows, co-hosted a North American Trail Ride conference, sanctioned a 50-mile competitive trail ride, and had a Judges and Training Clinic that same year.
Their membership was growing and moving west – New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Idaho, California and more new members in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. The most significant achievement during this time was the Paso Fino Breed's acceptance by the American Horse Shows Association. Recognition by AHSA meant they could participate in large all-breed shows as well as AHSA sanctioned PFOBA shows for regional and national points as well as Horse of the Year Awards. More importantly, becoming a part of AHSA gave us protection against drug abuse and cruelty to our horses.
Great Western produced still another National PFOBA President in 1979, and Stan Wadsworth remained in that office through 1981. This same year brought us glory (and a great deal of work) in co-hosting the 1981 Grand National Championship show in Wichita, Kansas. This show was the highlight of PFOBA’s short history as well as Great Western’s.
Through the efforts of Ray and Winona Walton, this Grand National Championship Show was a financial success attended by over one hundred visitors from Colombia, south America and Puerto Rico as well as thousands of spectators. Great Western horses won six National Championships, seven Reserve national Championships, and two Grand National Championships, proving the outstanding quality of our “Western” Paso Finos.
With success of the Paso Fino horses west of the Mississippi, we have seen the spin-off of several new regional organizations, Southwestern, California, rocky Mountain and Northwestern. Great Western PFOBA also got a new name, Great western PFHA. We have members in Alaska, Arizona, western Canada, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Great Western has emerged as one of PFHA's strongest and most active regional groups. we have a great Western chapter organized in most of our states with regional activities as well as local activities for our members. We hope to keep Great Western active by continuing on our original path and we quote from the second Great Western newsletter written after the 1975 national Convention…” The Paso Fino really won.
Our horses are the ones that will benefit and prosper, and that's the name of the game. We must keep the horse – this very exceptional, very special breed of horse in first place in our minds at all times. Let us remember what we are pledged to do – to improve, to promote, to take great care of these fantastic horses – our friends, our teachers, our most pleasant companions. Great Western will take its place as a formidable group – being above pettiness and join together for these magnificent horses. Let us be horsemen first and people second.”
Great Lakes Paso Fino Association
The Great Lakes Paso Fino Association is composed of the states of Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The seeds of our organization were sown in 1969 when Dr. Carolyn Ziegler secured two Paso Fino classes in the Ohio Western All-Breed Fall Roundup—the first time Paso Finos were exhibited north of Atlanta. The horses were very well received, and the stall area was crowded with curious and interested onlookers. It was a tremendous change from the all-western aspect of the show.
Shortly after the first exhibit in 1969, a regional group was formed. The officers were Dr. Carolyn Ziegler, President, and Robert Reis, Secretary/Treasurer.
At this time, our organization was known as the American Paso Fino Horse Association (APF). We managed to secure 10 horses to exhibit during those four days. George LaHood and Cese Figuera came from Valdosta, Ga., bringing Mar de Plata, Bolero and Singer. Kenny Ziegler entered Oasis Z and Sombra LaCE; Dr. Ziegler exhibited La Patrona; and Mr. and Mrs. Herb Whitacre brought El Cid and Chapalla. In addition, John Moore and Dick Bailey brought horses to that first exhibit. In 1970, we again returned to the Fall Roundup to exhibit.
Within the two years, classes were obtained in many all-breed shows in Alliance, Hudson and Ravenna, Ohio, and Bay City, Michigan. In 1971, we were invited to display our horses at the prestigious Rolling Rock Steeple Chase at Ligonier, Pa., which presented the Paso Fino to the high society of Pittsburgh.
In January 1972, the Great Lakes Paso Fino Federation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Ohio by Leonard Reith, Herb Whitacre and Dr. Carolyn Ziegler. The term "Federation" became part of our name through a chain of events at the original meeting. We first chose Great Lakes Paso Fino Association, but the President of APF objected to the word "Association," as he felt it would be confused with the American Paso Fino Horse Association (APF). We then decided to use the term of the oldest Puerto Rican organization, "federation." We are, therefore, the oldest incorporated region in PFOBA. In May that year, we held our first all-Paso show and had 21 horses. The show was approved by the American Paso Fino Horse Association, which was a short-lived organization formed by some members of APF. In the Summer 1972, most of the people involved in it formed the PASO FINO OWNERS & BREEDERS ASSOCIATION (PFOBA), in Knoxville, Tenn.
Two couples from Great Lakes, Leonard Reith and Dr. John and Carolyn Ziegler, were among those involved in the founding of PFOBA. In 1972, a total of 10 couples, including Reith's and Ziegler's, put up $1,000 each for a total of $10,000 to get the organization off the ground.
The early history of Great Lakes would not be complete without mentioning Kenneth Ziegler of Salem, Ohio. Originally an appaloosa breeder, he saw an article in the "Western Horseman" about the Paso Fino by Rosalie MacWilliam and contacted her. While in Puerto Rico, he had her select four Paso Finos for him—Oasis, a seal brown stallion, son of Batallia San Lorenza; a black mare with her foal; and two other mares, one in foal. These two foals, La Patrona Z and Zorra Z, were purchased then Dr. Carolyn Ziegler.
Website: greatlakespasofino.org
Established in 1976 as the Georgia Paso Fino Owners and Breeders Association, the Georgia Paso Fino Horse Association (GPFHA) is a statewide (and beyond) group of horse enthusiasts, professional trainers, breeders, trail riders, and show exhibitors.
GPFHA is excited about helping our members and friends enjoy the Paso Fino here in Georgia and elsewhere. Our goal is to promote the breed, share info, help friends link up for fun, and keep people informed about GPFHA activities and goals.
We invite you to join us for one of our membership meetings, shows, clinics, local parades, trail rides, breed demonstrations, and other horse events throughout the year so you can learn about and love the breed so close to our hearts.
Officers:
President Kiki Praser
Vice President Megan Johnson
Secretary Misty Amsbaugh
Treasurer Kristi Porter
Directors Crissy Reddick and Lu Ann Lackey
Delegate Cindy Griffeth
By: Alex Amador
The regional group currently known as the Florida Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc. or FPFHA has had a long and colorful history, longer than even our national governing body, the Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc. or PFHA. Originally incorporated in May of 1968, it was first known as the South Florida Paso Fino Association, Inc. and home to the earliest Paso Fino exhibitions and competitions in the continental U.S. It was originally a part of two national associations named American Paso Fino or APF and the International Paso Fino Society or IPFS. These national governing groups originally sanctioned its shows and the shows required that the horses be registered with the APF. (I still have “APF” papers from some of my original Pasos from over 20 years ago.)
The Paso Fino Owners and Breeders Association, PFOBA for short, was formed in 1972 to further develop and showcase the breed. This was the original name of the now PFHA. As the PFOBA national organization flourished and grew, participation and shows with the APF diminished. The only active region of the APF and IPFS in the late 70’s was “Florida”, as we were then known. Florida was always known for the quality of its Paso Finos and many of its members actively competed in shows sanctioned by the PFOBA. With its star in decline, the last National show sanctioned by APF & IPFS was given by the Florida Paso Fino Association in 1979. The members of Florida decided that joining the PFOBA was the ticket and became a regional group within our current National association. In 1980, Florida’s corporate name was officially changed to Florida Paso Fino Owners and Breeders Association, Inc., and we became the fourth PFOBA recognized regional group in the state of Florida. We immediately became the largest regional group in the entire PFOBA, with our active membership holding more shows than any other regional group. Our name changed officially again in 1995, to reflect the name change also undertaken by our National organization. We are now officially known as Florida Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc. or just Florida for short.
The Florida region has been home to many famous and visionary leaders and owes its current success to the selfless work and dedication of those Directors and members. In 1986, under the leadership of Dee Torcise of Tijodee Farm, the tradition of the annual Spectrum show was begun. The idea was to demonstrate that a Paso Fino competition could showcase our horses in Grand Style and Class with a capital “C”. Until the arrival of the Spectrum, regional Paso Fino shows were little “undecorated” affairs, just horses and watchers without even music to liven up the show. It was at that first Spectrum that we had our first taste of the then undefeated fino phenomenon, Capuchino, “dancing” with flamenco dancers and a guitarist on a fino strip, while being constantly showered with rose petals. The same was done with the incomparable black Bella Forma legend Marichalo Royal, who danced “Flamenco” with the pretty girls, while on two lines. We had fancy decorations, parties, music, and fun. We also had our first Ostrich races (as fun and entertainment) but these didn’t survive after the first show. Most importantly, the Spectrum show drew exhibitors from as far away as Texas, and showcased the most brilliant performers of those days.
The Quality tradition established in that first Spectrum show has been maintained, through different Boards of Directors, under different leadership, and through different and sometimes trying times. Today, the Spectrum International Paso Fino Show is renown internationally for the quality of its competition, drawing only the best, from all the Paso Fino Countries, and always in great numbers. We think the Spectrum show today has become a mini-Nationals, where the best animals are debuted and quality in exhibition and showmanship abounds. Our experience with the Spectrum show led to the Florida Region being chosen as the sponsor of the 1999 CONFEPASO Mundial exhibition. With great success and style, we showcased, internationally, the Paso Fino and had the first-ever cable television coverage of a Paso Fino show.
Today, Florida members enjoy a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, congregation of true Paso Fino lovers. Our trainers enjoy comradery and at the same time provide outstanding competition. Our legions of amateur owners compete aggressively in every show division. Our youth classes riders compete regularly in large numbers at our shows and many successfully represented our country in the past CONFEPASO Youth Mundial competition in Puerto Rico. We are proud to sponsor the “youth only” competition every year in October. Our membership includes many of this country’s top breeding farms and we are home to many of the top breeding stallions. Our members love to show their horses and we try to provide as many opportunities for that as possible. We get together to party and enjoy our horses regularly. Most of our regional meetings offer food and horses, salsa and fino, all in a true spirit of friendship and Paso Fino brotherhood.
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. 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!
President: Sharon Londono (Covington, Louisiana)
Vice President: Katreena Haley (Ocala, Florida)
Secretary: Brittney Short (Falkner, Mississippi)
Treasurer and Delegate: Melissa Maltese (Folsom, Louisiana)