Percheron Horse
The Paso Fino Horse is one of the world's most exciting breeds giving the smoothest ride in the world and attracting many riders.
During the Crusades, further infusion of Arab blood was made; Arab sires procured in the Holy Land were bred to the Percheron. In the early 1800's the French Government's Stud at La Pin introduced further Arab blood into the Percheron breed by covering selected mares with two outstanding Arab sires. Now all contemporary Percheron's share this common heritage descending from the foundation stock that originated in La Perche.
The Kinsky Legend begins in Central Europe more then 1000 years ago, when a hunting party led by a Princess was attacked by wolves. Her entourage scattered but one man stood his ground and drove off the wolves killing three. In gratitude the King knighted the brave young man and a coat of arms featuring three wolves' teeth was chosen as a reminder of his gallant act.
Introduction of the Percheron into England came about at the conclusion of the First World War. Many farmers serving with the British Forces in France became familiar with the Percheron and impressed with its docility, activity and power and ability to work both in mud and on hard surfaces. At the conclusion of activities the Percheron was imported to England as a general workhorse and large numbers were to be seen working through out the arable counties of East Anglia and the Fens in particular and they quickly spread to other parts of the country.
The three speeds of the Paso Fino Gait are: Slow - FINO - the movement of the legs is very fast, however the steps are short and rapid. Therefore there seems to be a great deal of energy and activity, but a very slow forward movement.
In 1813, Oktavian Kinsky was born, one of Europe's most famous horsemen. In 1832 Oktavian Kinsky built a modern stud farm in Eastern Bohemia and in 1836 held the first English style foxhunt in Bohemia.
Fast - PASO LARGO - This is the speed of canter. It is the fastest speed of the gait. There is further extension of the steps, which means they can cover more ground.
In 1846 Oktavian Kinsky founded an English style steeplechase in Bohemia and in 1874 he went on to create the European Grand National, which is now known as the Pardubice Grand National, Europe's most testing horse race.
