Quo vadis Colombian Paso Fino?
Posted in Colombian , Paso Fino by Romualdo | 14 Comments
Nostradamus Our friend sent us this article by Jan Kubesa, breeder of Paso Fino horses in Colombia Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia) ... in his article, Jan expresses what is the concern of Europeans, and some also Colombian-on future of the Paso Fino Colombiano ... I leave my first comment and immediately afterwards, the entire article ...
The first thing I note is that Jan makes it clear that Colombian Paso Fino Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino are two distinct races "for their evolution, formation and shape as they reach the Paso Fino gait" ...
There is some notion that the horses of the conquest were Paso Finos: this is an egregious nonsense ...! The Paso Fino is a product of the New World ... does not mean that there are several races around the world running like air ... but the notion of "race" involves much more than the air moving ...
If we care: Colombian Paso Fino Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino ... both evolve, in the first instance, the horses brought by the conquerors ... but these horses were far from being a race as we understand it today ... but was a mixed bag, mixed and diverse, where there were some who were traveling with some kind of amble ... and said "in the first instance" because over 500 years each of the two-horse populations of Colombia and of Puerto Rico, was subjected to selective breeding by using more or less inbreeding to fix certain characteristics ... and introducing other alien races mixed with the original population ... for example, while in Puerto Rico was mixed very little with other races ... in Colombia were periods when mixed with modern Andalusian (other than horse brought from Andalusia during the conquest), with thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses (when it became fashionable sport of Polo), etc ...
It is simply impossible for two different and independent equine populations, are subject to different crosses for 500 years and evolve in the same race ... that, genetically, it is impossible ... but it is interesting that this topic is not directly related to the article Jan ... so let's ...
Jan tells us that "the European riders do not understand why the Colombian state authorities have not declared the Colombian Paso Fino as a breed" ... this is a sign of ignorance that exists in Europe and elsewhere-about the Paso Fino Colombiano and its relationship with the Colombian Criollo Horse ... this lack of knowledge has been disseminated and promoted by the PFHA and American market ... and supported to some extent, by the Colombians ... see ...
The Colombian Paso Fino is a type within the breed Colombian Criollo Horse ... I mean, it's not a race in itself, but a sub-race or one of the branches within a more comprehensive race ... this has another meaning, it is used within the CCC, and is still used, albeit on a smaller scale, the cross between examples of different ways ... this implies that there are examples of leading Colombian Paso Fino Trochadores blood and / or Trotting Galoperos ...
Another example of the confusion we see when talking about the Colombian Paso Fino prototypes for the European market and mentions Spring III, IV Spring, Bochica, Rescue, Castilian, Amadeus ... Tupac Amaru and Tupac was not a Paso Fino Colombiano, but a Trocha Out of Competition ... in the same way, but Jan did not mention it in the U.S. found that people refer to Don Danilo as "Paso Fino", when in fact this horse is the father of the Pure Colombian Trocha and a large influential in the Trotter Galopero ...
Personally, I have no doubt that the Colombian Paso Fino could eventually become a race ... but today is a mode in evolution ... and is far from becoming an independent race CCC ...
The basis of the problem presented by Jan in his article are two different views that exist about the Paso Fino Colombiano ... on the one hand, there is a group of riders who insist on a saddle horse style Colombian Paso Fino that existed 30 years ago or rather ... a horse moved, comfortable, gentle and stamina to work a horse ... naturally ... a horse not authorized to be enjoyed as a mount for the pleasure of riding ...
Moreover, we have the Paso Fino Colombiano "Modern" ... a show horse ... that values speed and the collection rate on any other characteristic extreme ... even sometimes gives the appearance that quickly and collection rate is above same of the Paso Fino horse ... in this "modern" is not as important natural, as there are aids in dressage for enabling the copies ... but because of the same aid, it needs an expert to chalan keep the pace ...
It seems to me that these two views are irreconcilable with each other ... on the one hand some seek the attributes that made the Colombian Paso Fino horse world important: its capacity as a riding horse ... while others speak of "evolution" to justify the dramatic change that has suffered this type in the last 20 years ... On the one hand we have a group of horsemen romantic, seeking to preserve the characteristics traditionally important ... and on the other hand, are the economic interests of those who have exploited the American taste for horse show ...
Who is right? In fact, both and neither ... any race-or sub-race-is in constant evolution ... depends on farmers and regulators to define where you want to go ... so the question of Jan: where are you going Step Fino Colombiano and the answer, quite simply, it depends on what you have more weight-should be understood: more demand-functional horse or a horse show ...
Quo vadis Colombian Paso Fino?
By Jan Kubesa
Dear friends horsemen: Where are you going, Paso Fino Colombiano?, Is the question that summarizes the concerns and comments I have heard both in Colombia and in Europe.
The picture rider in Europe
In Europe, the horse was traditionally a tool for heavy work in the field and was a means of transport for soldiers until about 100 years ago. In the past 50 years the wave came from various sports, racing flat, "steeplechase", jumping and "dresura" European claims to be the continuation of classical horsemanship. Those who practice these activities have their favorite breeds, according to the predispositions for such activity.
Apart from these there is another number that riders prefer other activities, more natural and closer to nature. Therefore, some two or three decades had great success importing American horses-quarter mile, Appaloosas, paints and horses to be natural, strong and sturdy, ideal to ride regardless of terrain or along the journey.
What they expect, and are looking for many European riders, a horse is really natural, practical, family, good character to confide in all circumstances, it can mount any person in the family, which is resistant to long rides and as comfortable as possible.
If we start with what riders say that the Colombian-Colombian Paso Fino is the best saddle horse in the world and the concept of riding horses such as: "A horse that fulfills its basic function of transporting the man to cover long distances faster than walking, which helps man to perform field work like any other race in a more gentle compared to other horse breeds and can be mounted by anyone ", it is easy to conclude that the Colombian Paso Fino is the best choice for European riders.
Very few have Paso Fino Colombiano and counted on the fingers of one hand they evaluate and understand it. Stakeholders ask, is there really Colombian Paso Fino breed?
That has its reasons:
Ignorance of the Colombian Paso Fino breed
This lack has two reasons:
There is very little information in books about Paso Fino horses Colombiano, as most are of English or German. In addition, the information resources used as incorrect and misleading the United States. There are two horse breeds "Colombian Paso Fino and the Puerto Rican Paso Fino" other than by evolution, shape and form as they reach the Paso Fino gait.
Economic level: with the massive propaganda of the mixture of horses under the name registered with the Paso Fino PFHA create the false impression that the owners of these horses. Not knowing that there Colombian Paso Fino, the riders are left to convince Europe and buy horses of dubious quality, mestizos, and pinto.
The fastest growing market and more potential for the future is hobby horse for families.
This is very positive for the Colombian criollo horse that can meet these expectations and satisfy the European riders. Thus it would be highly recommended that Colombian farmers act quickly to organize a strong and massive propaganda of their horses in Europe and distinguish them from other breeds by side.
The Colombian Paso Fino has not been formally and officially declared as a race horse though unquestionably exists: the European riders do not understand why the Colombian state authorities have not declared the Colombian Paso Fino as a breed. Declaring a race itself is a matter independent of the sovereignty of each country. Undoubtedly, the Paso Fino Colombiano transmits its basic characteristics to new generations. We do not understand how not declared a race.
There is no official written standard of the breed is another fact that does not understand the European world, since all species have described at least its most important features to keep them and identify breeds easily. To effectively protect the Colombian race would declare key records and file Fedequinas genotyping and their associations as the only valid ones.
At present, there is a clear risk to the Paso Fino Colombiano, as they could interbreed with mestizos raised in other countries, that while recorded as Paso Fino, evidently not. So Fedequinas can not accept registrations Paso Fino issued in other countries and other organizations.
The little Colombian Paso Fino advertising in Europe
There is no advertising on race. Colombian riders or entities, or breeders have developed advertising strategies. The only presentations Colombian Paso Fino breed and seminars we made in our country. It would be important Fedequinas promote the Paso Fino and other Colombian modalities in Europe.
Direct transport Colombia - Europe
A serious obstacle to trade in Colombian horses to Europe is transportation. The European Community, unfortunately, does not allow direct transport between Colombia and Europe. Those who want to buy horses in Colombia have to go through some complicated procedures, expensive and time consuming. The carriage of a single horse from Colombia to the European Community is worth about USD $ 20,000 and Colombian horses have to pass quarantine in other countries to be transported to Europe. That is, an export quarantine in Colombia, air transportation to another country, another quarantine there and airlift other European country. In addition to high economic costs, the risks are high. It would be very useful for the Colombian authorities, the ICA or the Ministry of Agriculture did something to open markets and promote these magnificent animals in the world.
Specific questions and concerns European stakeholders
Despite the drawbacks, through the efforts of some European riders and friends Colombians has attracted interest from the Paso Fino Colombiano. Stress plays primarily interested in finding useful horses, which are practical and efficient means of transportation. Also, having a natural gait, which can be assembled without artificial changes. On the other hand, Europeans expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the presentation of Command Besilu in the Copa America 2000, with his deformed neck and cut artificial gait and uncoordinated. Similarly, a jeweler III present it as a caricature of Paso Fino Colombiano, against the naturalness of the horse.
Instead, the Europeans caused them great interest the information about the trip of 965 miles done in 8 days with Guillermo Londoño-trochadores fine. This aroused great admiration in the European riders and for them is a much more important than artificial light on the slopes. The seminars Colombian Paso Fino we have done, the concept of the horsemen was unanimous: much appreciation and admiration for what it showed Spring III, IV-defeating Spring Bochica in Medellin in 1984 - Rescue with Oscar Cardona, the duel between Castilian and Amadeus in Manila in the 80 Tupac Amaru presentations with Itor Montero.
Several concepts of Paso horses
In the case of the Peruvian Paso, the emphasis is on the usefulness of the horse as a means of transport. Must meet two basic features: effectively cover the ground and offer comfort to the rider. There is no tendency to artificially cut the Peruvian Paso.
The Colombian Paso Fino horse was traditionally effective and comfortable, their breeders have been able to raise the horse gentler world because it can run fine pitch isochronous.
Puerto Rico is a small island (only 180 x 64 km), with short distances and mountains do not compare with those of the Andes. Therefore, there evolved another horse race, designed to travel relatively short distances and more than a useful horse, breeders looked striking in the show. So are copies of show.
There is general consensus that the best saddle horse is Colombian. The problem that is affecting their breeding and their use contributed to the fact that, along with his horse, the horsemen Colombian unfortunately not export their culture horseman, his chalanería, how they train, assemble and present their horses.
These are questions and comments often leave because of information from the Internet and U.S. videos
a) Purpose: to saddle a horse can be considered useful to carry its rider at a reasonable speed, approximately 12 miles per hour, equivalent to a slow trot of most equine breeds. The horse should cover distances of 50-60 km per day.
b) appropriate size
c) Speed Cadence
d) Amount of displacement
e) Naturalness of motion: see many horses with artificial movements, off balance, out of the mode and unnaturally.
f) How to assemble: many riders sit in a uncomfortable and absurd. Some do it almost on the horse's neck and leaning towards the ears of the specimen. Others lean back with your legs stretched taut and under the lower jaw of the horse.
g) How to judge and evaluate the horses aroused much curiosity the parameters of judgment and the relevance of the individual tests, as it seems more important to speed the rate on any other characteristic.
How to mount: The most important thing is to do in a natural, comfortable for the rider and the horse. To sit well, you have to place the chair in the right place. Generally, the chair should be simple, flat, thus distributing the rider's weight evenly, reducing the horse's back pressure per square inch.
Chair right where the center of gravity of the rider is about half of the chair. The shoulder, hip and ankle are in a straight vertical line, balanced design chair incorrect center of gravity moves the rider back about 10 cm. The rider's weight concentrated in a very limited area, adversely affecting mainly the kidneys, can affect the health of the horse in a short time.
Correct Bad - For the chair to fulfill its primary purpose and not abuse the horse, or restrict their movement, and provide comfort to the rider, look for the right place where it's no pressure on the blades and not limit the movement thus negatively affecting the progress of the horse.
The way to judge and evaluate the horses
I remember one conversation with my professor Colombian chalanería 8 years ago. He said, "You must choose if you want a horse to ride through the countryside or competitions." I did not understand him because he was convinced that the purpose of judging in the show was to pick the best saddle horse. My teacher knew then what I suspected: there are tendencies to judge what applauded and not necessarily the saddle horse. I remain convinced that the most important is the use of the horse, not the show, and that the criteria should be set in this perspective.
Skills and regulations Fedequinas
The judgment of competence Fedequinas is broader than that of classical riding, as it evaluates three characteristics: the phenotype (inherited and transmitted to future generations), training (added by humans and not transmissible to offspring) and movements (the result of human influence phenotype). Its objective is to choose the copy that best meets all the qualities that must have the saddle horse. The task is not easy because you must maintain balance while a feature precedence over the others. It is much easier to choose the best horse phenotype (important information for choosing a player) or the best horse bridle and movements (better training for the horse trader and applause). For example, a horse of excellent phenotype very good movements favorite but poorly trained, poorly reins and is bad move, as the horse to regulate phenotype, but well trained and well mounted it with better movement.
Common Mistakes
The step size of horse is essentially given by the angle of the scapula. To those who say they manage to have foals are born with the ability to only corticosteroids are steps you can answer that is not an evolution of fine pitch, but the degeneration of it.
If the goal is to have less advanced horse and with the greatest rate possible, there are two ways to try to get it:
- Continue current abusing horses in training on his conformation and natural, artificial horses getting outside its modality, uneducated and pure equestrian circus.
- Under pressure to reduce the pasture breeding Paso Fino, as the small fish, according to physical laws, develop a faster rate, and increase the angle of the scapula so that the horse can do only very short steps.
Even so the rate will increase and the horse park, where end?
Horses would vibrators 120 cm of height with the ability to take steps of 10 cm. That's a dead end.
The horses did not evolve to be unable to move. It's hard to imagine the golden era of the best saddle horse to be developed within two or three decades in a circus horse useless.
On the other hand we have the traditional concept of useful saddle horse: good height, maintaining the proportion to the rider, started after the end of their physical, and trained over gradually-without forcing too, preserving their health without unnecessary operations with natural movements, brisk and cheerful, effectively covering the ground, rump stillness, with riders sitting naturally and in balance with the horse, with good rein and comfort that only offers the Paso Fino Colombiano.
Looking at what is happening with these two concepts and two trends in the fine world, it is important to ask, considering the next World will undoubtedly influence the future and the possibility of attracting European horsemen, where are you going Step Fino Colombiano?
