The
Paso Fino—America’s 500 Year Old Breed!
A mixture of three European
breeds—the Andalusia, the Barb, and the extinct Spanish Jennet—the
descendents of today’s Paso Fino were transported to the New World on the
second voyage of Christopher Columbus. Used as foundation stock for the remount
stations of the Conquistador, they carried their rider for days over mountains,
open ranges, and dense jungles, paving the way for exploration and conquest.
Today the Paso Fino reflects its Spanish Heritage through its proud carriage,
elegance, and natural four-beat gait. The
Paso Fino is portrayed by its noble appearance.
With its beautifully flowing, luxurious mane and tail, full forelock and
athletic balance, it gives an immediate impression of power and grace.
The
TexCelentes is a precision equestrian drill team. All the horses are Paso Finos, descendants of the first
horses brought to the Americas from Spain.
The music and costumes are inspired by their rich Spanish heritage.
Choreographed transitions and precise formations demonstrate the elegance and
style of these beautiful equines. We hope you enjoy watching these awesome
horses with their smooth energy collected into their 4-beat lateral gaits.
The
TexCelentes achieved outstanding recognition with their performance at Reliant
Center for the John Lyons’ Equus America in 2003. John Lyons invited the team to join the Arabian Knights in
Kansas City later that year. Since
then they have performed annually in Houston at the Pin Oak Charity Horse show
in Reliant Center and at the Houston Polo Club for their annual International
Paella Festival & Polo Espanol. In 2004 Breyerfest invited the team to
perform for their annual convention at the Kentucky Horse Park. While in Kentucky they entered the Mid-America League of
Drill Team competition and placed 1st in the Gaited Division and were
the overall Hi Point winner. Perhaps
the most challenging and rewarding performance was last year in the “Symphony
of Horses” in San Angelo, Texas. The
San Angelo Standard Times called the event an “artistic triumph”. The horses
performed to a live orchestra and precision, timing, and elegance was a
necessity among the dancing spotlights and music. The event was a huge success as well as a financial benefit
for the San Angelo Symphony.
The
Equine Expo of Texas is honored to have this incredible group of performers
joining us for your pleasure. Do
not miss the chance to see this amazing performance and meet the horses up
close.