Marijean Harris’ love for horses has grown immensely since she came across her first Paso Fino over 20 years ago, while her daughter was attending the Caledon Pony Club.
From there she began learning everything she could about the breed.
“That one ride sold me,” said Harris of Centre Wellington. “They are the smoothest riding horse in the world; it’s the Cadillac ride.”
Translated, Paso Fino means fine step or fine walk. Paso Fino horses don’t trot, they move with an even four-beat gait, which according to Harris is their trait.
She was captivated by the beauty and smooth gait of the Paso Fino breed.
Harris joined other Paso Fino breeders, owners and admirers from across the country to work on forming the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Association (CPFHA) last year.
“The time has come for a national association because the interest in the Paso Fino horse has grown so much,” said Harris.
“Our goal is to have our own national breed association for Paso Finos in Canada. By having a national voice there will be the opportunity to collectively support the breed and maintain the quality of the horse in Canada.”
She added, “Also, there will be the opportunity for Canadian Paso Fino Horses to compete internationally.”
Harris is the owner of Forest Gait Farm, near Fergus, which is the home to the CPFHA and the Paso Fino Equestrian Academy (PFEA).
She is a professional Paso Fino trainer, the president of the CPFHA and a PFEA coach.
The PFEA offers private or group riding lessons for riders from age six to adult.
“The youth is the future of the breed,” Harris said. “Engaging youth will ensure the future of the breed and that’s why we have this academy here.”
The academy offers certification according to a student’s level of riding. Younger riders will eventually be assessed for participation in international competition on the Canadian youth team.
“It’s a unique facility, the only one in Ontario that is offering a Paso Fino academy, breeding, technical advice and education for members of CPFHA,” said Harris.
The academy also offers camps during March Break and a summer camp.
Alongside Harris is Dr. Fernando De La Torre, originally of Columbia, where he established a riding school for youth, and a veterinarian practice. He is now the vice president of the CPFHA and the director of the PFEA.
“He has a lot of experience and expertise in teaching the art of riding the Paso Fino horses,” said Harris.
Last year Harris added an indoor riding arena, which facilitates year round riding lessons, without having to worry about the weather.
Harris currently owns 10 Paso Finos, including Marchi, a breeding stallion and a national champion in Canada and the US.
The CPFHA will be a membership organization. Inaugural membership applications are now being accepted for 2014.
The three levels of CPFHA membership include: individual/farm (breeder); associate (non-breeder); and affiliated group (organization/association).
For more information call 519-787-2909, email forestgaitfarm@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CPFHA.
