We often get very confused on gait! we find many different versions and many BREEDERS informing the GENERAL public their version of gait.
On this picture you will find the difference between each modality!
ON THIS PICTURE YOU WILL FIND THE STANDARDS!
Picture Taken from the book: El Caballo Colombiano Cinco Siglos De Historia, by: Fedequinas
Thanks for posting this Felix. This is my first exposure to these standards.
I'd like to share my thoughts on this, but before I do, could you elaborate on why the elevation or animation of the leg is important? Also, I was wondering if a horse of a different modality does not meet these standards how is the horse faulted? For instance, some Colombians suggested El Imponente would have been a trocha pura, yet he had very little height or animation in his legs. Could he have been competitive in trocha? Another thought is the continuing trend in our PFHA performance classes to encourage relatively more leg height sacrificing other characteristics in mechanics for the flashiness of animation. How does the standard speak to this continuing trend---how much does animation weigh compared to other traits?
Please do not take my comments as derogatory against any horse specifically mentioned. I am not suggesting one is "better" than the other nor care to involve show politics in the discussion nor care to critique an animal as being suitable in one form or function. I am merely making comments based on observation or conversation. I'd like for our dialogues here to remain more "pure" in format and focused on learning. For this, I feel there will be a need to mention specific examples on a regular basis.
Whose standards? Are you saying that if a horse lifts it's legs in the manner of the second and third photos that it is not in Paso Fino gait? Not in an even four beat, taca, taca, taca? Because if you are, I beg to differ. The height of the legs has nothing at all to do with whether a horse is in Paso Fino gait or not. As for the diagonals, that may be a good way to define the difference between trocha and trote, I don't know. Quite frankly I don't care about that aspect of the disussion as I do not deal with the diagonals, only the Paso Fino. But I do have a problem with defining Paso Fino gait by that standard.
I'd like to share my thoughts on this, but before I do, could you elaborate on why the elevation or animation of the leg is important?
I have similar thoughts Cindy, but since I've never seen this type of standard, I'd like to give it the benefit of consideration first before completely dismissing it. I'd like to know the intentions behind the standard and how the definitions of elevation evolved. Is it a mere relative guideline? A broad-sweeping statement? A strict definition? Is it based on some basic principle? Is it an attempt to "purify", if so, how so? Can such definitions corrupt a modality, such as inferring a horse must have certain elevations in mechanics before it would be considered competitive?
I'd like to know how these standards are applied if they are.
I'd like to share my thoughts on this, but before I do, could you elaborate on why the elevation or animation of the leg is important?
I have similar thoughts Cindy, but since I've never seen this type of standard, I'd like to give it the benefit of consideration first before completely dismissing it. I'd like to know the intentions behind the standard and how the definitions of elevation evolved. Is it a mere relative guideline? A broad-sweeping statement? A strict definition? Is it based on some basic principle? Is it an attempt to "purify", if so, how so? Can such definitions corrupt a modality, such as inferring a horse must have certain elevations in mechanics before it would be considered competitive?
I'd like to know how these standards are applied if they are.
I have invite some Paso Aficionados to share such interesting topic.
(these are words from wisdom)
I think we should open the dialogue on subjects so that we can learn and determine the best course along many levels.
Ah......what to do while we wait?.......... ......sooooo many things. Better hurry Felix, we may get ourselves in some big trouble if you leave us all alone for too long. See ya.....
Yep. Waiting with baited breath here. Come on Felix.
Oh...I'm so glad you found the new smileys!
Didn't Puerto Rico have a requirement at one time, regarding the height allowed on the lift of the hoof?
No. The focus was on concussion or softness so, the higher the landing, the more risk of feeling the concussion. So, while there was no spoken direction about foot height, the desire for the footfall to be very light, soft, and quiet ultimately caused a selection of horses with a slightly lower footfall. However, there are many PR champs that have very nice knee and hock action along with the typical fetlock flexion.
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Ah......what to do while we wait?.......... 
......sooooo many things. Better hurry Felix, we may get ourselves in some big trouble if you leave us all alone for too long. See ya..... 
