FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Patterson, (508) 698-6810, classic.pr@verizon.net

Miami, FL—August 4, 2006—With more than nine million horses in the United States, the choices for a potential horse buyer are nearly limitless.  Hundreds of thousands of horses are bought and sold each year in the quest for the “perfect ride.”

Prior to World War II, a unique breed of horse called the Paso Fino was virtually unknown in the U.S.  The breed, descended mostly from Spanish origins and further refined through selective breeding procedures in the Caribbean and Latin America, had already become many horsemen’s favorite in countries like Colombia and Puerto Rico.

When American military officers came into contact with Paso Finos while stationed in Puerto Rico in the 1940s, they immediately fell in love with the breed and began importing them into the U.S.  By the 1960s, Paso Finos, or “Los Caballos de Paso Fino” (“the horses with the fine walk”), were also being imported from Colombia.  The breed’s beauty, stamina, and naturally smooth gait quickly made the Paso Fino a favorite in the American horse community as well.

Today, the Paso Fino breed, and the unique form of horse sport that has arisen with it, is achieving unprecedented popularity in this country.  The allure of horses like Paso Finos is undeniable; their smooth gait is rhythmic and balanced in both front and rear, affording a comfortable ride that is unequalled in the equestrian world.  As a result, many horse buyers have turned to Paso Fino experts to help them select their next mounts.

Ernie Sanz, owner of Hacienda Guadalupe Paso Finos in Miami, FL, has more than three decades experience in the Paso Fino industry.  He has dedicated most of his life to the Paso Fino breed, and many first-time and returning horse buyers seek his expertise in choosing their horses.

Sanz’s history with Paso Finos dates back to his early childhood.  For years, he rode for fun at his family’s ranch in Puerto Rico. He then came to Florida when his father started the Hacienda Guadalupe ranch with 25 Paso Finos he had brought from Puerto Rico.  Though he went to college with the intention of studying medicine, Sanz’s passion for horses stayed with him.

In 1980, Sanz took over the family’s ranch and transformed it into a Paso Fino breeding and sales business which has blossomed under his leadership.  Today, the ranch has more than 120 horses, including nearly 20 broodmares and four stallions.

One of his stallions, a 14-year-old named “222” (pronounced Dos Veintidos), was bred and trained at the ranch and has won numerous awards, both in the U.S. and internationally.  As a 3-year-old, 222 was named the U.S. National Champion Fino Colt.  One year later, he repeated that feat in the 4-year-old Classic Fino Colt division at the U.S. National Championship.  By the age of nine, 222 had been named one of the top 10 Paso Fino sires in the country.  He has also won numerous international awards, including the Grand Championship at an international competition in Puerto Rico when he was just 4 years old!

Progeny from Sanz’s breeding farm have become well-known throughout the world.  Guadalupe del Secreto, a daughter of 222 bred at Hacienda Guadalupe, is considered one of the world’s best Paso Fino mares.  At the 2003 World Championship in Colombia, Guadalupe del Secreto was named the Grand World Champion Fino Mare.

As the equestrian community’s interest in the Paso Fino breed increases, the skill and expertise of experienced Paso Fino breeders and trainers, like Ernie Sanz, becomes ever more valuable.  Because of his experience, Sanz was invited to be a judge at the 2006 Paso Fino World Young Riders Equitation Championship.

“I love how the Paso Fino breed is really starting to take its place in the horse world,” said Sanz.  “Every rider wants the perfect horse for his or her individual needs, and more and more of them are turning to Paso Finos because of all the wonderful characteristics the breed has to offer.  Seeing this gives me a great feeling because for me breeding and training Paso Finos is not just a job, it’s my passion!”

Further information on Paso Fino horses is available online at www.222fino.com or by contacting Ernie Sanz at (800) 289-6896 or esanz@222fino.com.

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