Country of origin | Cuba |
---|---|
Use | Saddle and stock horse |
Traits | |
Height |
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The Cuban Paso (Spanish: Caballo Cubano de Paso) is a horse breed native to Cuba, with an extra gait like all Paso horses.
Like many horses on the American continent, the Cuban Paso is descended from Iberian ancestors[1] brought over by the Spanish conquistadores.[2][3]
The Cuban Paso belongs to the Criollo group of light horses.[1] Average height ranges from 1.40 m to 1.52 m according to CAB International,[1] and from 1.45 m to 1.51 m according to the Delachaux guide.[2]
The conformation is said to be harmonious.[3] The head is small and fine,[3][4] with a generally straight profile, large eyes, a broad forehead[2] and small ears.[3] The neck is strong,[4] of medium length, and arched.[3] The chest is broad and muscular.[3] The back is moderately long, with short loins.[3] The rump is slightly sloping, broad and well muscled.[2][3] Limbs are muscular and short, with strong knees.[3] Mane and tail are well furnished.[2]
All coat colors are possible,[1] but bay is the most common.
The breed has additional gaits,[1] in this case the marcha fina y gualdrapeada,[2] also known as marcha or andaruras,[3] a four-beat gait renowned for the comfort it provides in the saddle,[2][3] and which can be maintained over long distances.[3]
The Cuban Paso is mainly ridden, especially for trail riding and equestrian tourism, and used for transportation.[2]
Bonnie Lou Hendricks (University of Oklahoma) states (2007) that the breed is common,[3] while the Delachaux guide describes it as local and rare, specific to Cuba.[2] The DAD-IS database does not provide a count or indicate any level of threat.[5]
Most Cuban Paso are bred at the La Loma ranch in Cuba's Granma province.