On his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus transported the ancestors of the first Paso Fino horses to Santo Domingo (the present day Dominican Republic). Future voyages brought these same horse, a mixture of Barbs, Andalusians, and Spanish Jennets (a gaited horse which is now extinct), to the countries of Latin and South America.

Used as the foundation stock for the remount stations of the Spanish Conquistadors, the offspring of these three breeds became known as the "Los Caballos de Paso Fino", translated to "The Horse With the Fine Step". This very unique breed of horse was virtually unknown in the United States until the late 1940s. After World War II the first modern Paso Finos were imported into the United States by members of the US armed forces stationed in Puerto Rico.

Today, the Paso Fino breed reflects its heritage through its proud carriage, grace, and elegance. The ideal Paso Fino is full of brio (energy and spirit), and generates an aura of presence even though it is easily restrained. The Paso Fino is breed for balance, and is very quick, sure footed, and athelectic. It's hooves are small, well rounded, and durable. It has a beautiful, refinedhead, and normally a thick, well muscled neck. Size ranges from 13.2 to 15.2 hands, with the average being about 14.2. Pasos can be found in every color, including pinto, dun, and cremello.

The Paso Fino has a natural four beat lateral gait, four beat meaning that each hoof hits the ground separately. All the gaits are virtually the same as far as the footfall goes, but they are performed at different speeds. The Classic Fino is the slowest, performed at the speed of a slow walk, and sometimes at almost a standstill. The Paso Corto is performed at the speed of a slow trot, and the Paso Largo at the speed of a slow canter. All of these gaits are extremely smooth.